Tampa Bay Flood Zone Map

Top Attractions

Tampa Bay is home to some amazing attractions that are worth visiting. The Busch Gardens theme park is a must-visit for thrill-seekers, while the Florida Aquarium offers a chance to see marine life up close. The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic walkway that takes you through the heart of the city, while the Tampa Bay History Center is a great place to learn about the area’s rich history.

Hidden Gems

For those who like to explore off-the-beaten-path, Tampa Bay has some hidden gems. The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is a must-visit for art lovers, and the Tampa Theatre is a beautiful movie theater that hosts classic films and events. The Ybor City neighborhood is a historic area with great restaurants and shops, while the Lettuce Lake Park is a peaceful nature reserve with hiking trails and boardwalks.

Food Scene

Tampa Bay has a diverse food scene with a mix of international cuisines. The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is a classic Spanish restaurant that has been around for over a century. For seafood lovers, the Rusty Pelican in Tampa offers fresh seafood with a stunning view of the bay. The Oxford Exchange is a stylish restaurant and bookstore that serves brunch and afternoon tea, while the Ulele restaurant in Tampa serves fresh and modern dishes inspired by Native American and Spanish cultures.

Budget-Friendly Tips

You can enjoy Tampa Bay without breaking the bank by taking advantage of free or low-cost activities. The Tampa Riverwalk, Lettuce Lake Park, and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park are all free to visit. The Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa Bay History Center offer free admission on certain days of the week. For a cheap meal, head to the food trucks that can be found throughout the city.

Outdoor Adventures

Tampa Bay is a great place for outdoor activities. The Hillsborough River State Park offers kayaking and canoeing, while the Pinellas Trail is a popular biking route that runs through several cities. The Weedon Island Preserve is a natural reserve with hiking trails and guided tours, and the Clearwater Beach offers a chance to sunbathe and swim in the Gulf of Mexico.

Historical Landmarks

Tampa Bay has a rich history that can be explored through its historical landmarks. The Tampa Bay History Center offers exhibits and tours that cover the area’s history, while the Ybor City neighborhood has several historic buildings and sites. The Henry B. Plant Museum is a historic hotel that has been restored and turned into a museum, and the Fort De Soto Park is a historic fort that was used during World War II.

Family-Friendly Activities

Tampa Bay has activities that are fun for the whole family. The Lowry Park Zoo is a popular zoo with over 1,000 animals, while the Glazer Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits. The Adventure Island water park is a great place to cool off on a hot day, and the MOSI science museum has exhibits and activities for all ages.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For those who like to explore unique experiences, Tampa Bay has some off-the-beaten-path options. The Devil’s Den Spring in Williston is a natural wonder with crystal clear water that you can swim in. The Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach offers a chance to see manatees up close, while the Tampa Bay Escape Room is a fun and challenging experience for groups.

Natural Wonders

Tampa Bay has some beautiful natural wonders that are worth visiting. The Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a natural spring with crystal clear water and mermaid shows. The Caladesi Island State Park is a stunning island with white sand beaches and hiking trails, while the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area where you can see manatees and other wildlife.

Vibrant Nightlife

Tampa Bay has a vibrant nightlife scene with a mix of bars, clubs, and music venues. The Ybor City neighborhood has several bars and clubs that offer live music and dancing, while the SoHo district in Tampa has a mix of upscale bars and casual pubs. The Orpheum in Tampa is a popular music venue that hosts local and national acts, while the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg offers live performances and shows.

Local Markets

Tampa Bay has several local markets that offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. The Tampa Downtown Market is a weekly market that takes place on Sundays, while the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market is a popular market that takes place on Saturdays. The Ybor City Market is a monthly market that features local vendors and artists, while the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market is a weekly market with fresh produce and food trucks.

Beaches and Mountains

Tampa Bay is home to beautiful beaches and mountains. The Clearwater Beach is a popular beach with white sand and clear water, while the Honeymoon Island State Park is a stunning island with hiking trails and beaches. The Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is a beautiful mountain garden with stunning views, while the Crystal River Preserve State Park offers hiking trails and kayaking in a natural setting.

Cultural Immersion

Tampa Bay is a melting pot of cultures that can be explored through its museums, festivals, and neighborhoods. The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg offers a chance to see the works of the famous Spanish artist, while the Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a popular annual festival that celebrates Tampa Bay’s pirate history. The Asian District in Tampa has several restaurants and shops that offer a taste of Asian culture, while the Cuban District in Ybor City has several shops and restaurants that offer a taste of Cuba.

Art and Music Scene

Tampa Bay has a thriving art and music scene with several museums, galleries, and music venues. The Tampa Museum of Art offers a collection of modern and contemporary art, while the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs offers a collection of 20th-century art and ceramics. The Jannus Live in St. Petersburg is a popular music venue that hosts local and national acts, while the Tampa Theatre hosts classic films and events.

Walking Tours

Tampa Bay has several walking tours that offer a chance to explore the city on foot. The Ybor City Historic Walking Tour is a guided tour that takes you through the historic Ybor City neighborhood, while the Tampa Riverwalk Audio Tour is a self-guided tour that takes you through the scenic riverwalk. The St. Petersburg Walking Mural Tour is a guided tour that takes you through the city’s street art and murals.

Architectural Marvels

Tampa Bay has several architectural marvels that are worth seeing. The Tampa Bay Hotel, now known as the University of Tampa, is a historic hotel that has been restored and turned into a university. The St. Petersburg City Hall is a modernist building designed by architect Wallace Harrison, while the Tampa Theatre is a beautiful movie theater with a Mediterranean Revival style.

Historical Sites

Tampa Bay has several historical sites that offer a glimpse into the area’s past. The Fort Foster State Historic Site is a historic fort that was used during the Seminole Wars, while the Plant City Train Station is a historic train station that has been restored and turned into a museum. The Sulphur Springs Water Tower is a historic water tower that has been restored and turned into a park, while the Tampa Bay Hotel Cemetery is a historic cemetery that is the final resting place of several notable figures.

Biking Routes

Tampa Bay has several biking routes that offer a chance to explore the area on two wheels. The Pinellas Trail is a popular biking route that runs through several cities, while the Suncoast Trail is a scenic trail that runs through several parks and nature reserves. The Flatwoods Park Trail is a great trail for mountain biking, while the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail offers stunning views of the bay.

Wellness Retreats

Tampa Bay has several wellness retreats that offer a chance to relax and rejuvenate. The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is a historic spa that offers a range of treatments and services, while the Spa at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach is a luxurious spa that offers ocean views and a range of treatments. The Yoga Loft in Tampa offers yoga classes and workshops, while the Salt Room in St. Petersburg offers salt therapy sessions.

Overall, Tampa Bay offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that are worth exploring. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, food, or culture, there’s something for everyone in Tampa Bay.