32 Fun Things To Do In Tampa, Florida That Will Leave You Wanting More

What’s up folks! It’s Adam.

Every time I’m in Florida I always tread carefully lest I find myself in the headlines. You know, those famous ‘Florida Man’ headlines. They are always the craziest! I’ve never seen any ‘Florida Man’ story that was not crazy.

Anyway, I know the last time I was in Miami I did something crazy, I took part in a burger-eating competition. Afterward, I thought about it and imagined that had something happened to me while trying to finish 10 burgers in less than 5 minutes I’d have been a ‘Florida Man’ headline, for sure. Ahem!

I promise, I didn’t do anything crazy in Tampa, this time. I stuck to what I do best; exploring and eating the best local food. Controlled amounts. No contests.

Some of the foods you must try when you visit Tampa are the Cuban Sandwich, a lobster corn dog, paella, Chicharrones, and Garbanzo Bean Soup. You’ll thank me later.

Florida is a state known well for its partying, sunny warm weather, and an unlimited amount of things to see and do.

No city in Florida encompasses the state’s oceanside beauty and exciting “do it all” culture than sunny Tampa.

Wondering to stay in Florida? Here are some of the best all inclusive Florida beach resorts!

Tampa, located in Tampa Bay, is famous for its fantastic ocean views, nightlife, and the city’s deep, enriching history that built the city’s stand-out experience from the rest of the Florida cities.

Whether you’re visiting Tampa for the ecstatic nightlife or with the kids for a relaxing vacation, it may be challenging to choose or know where you should first go.

In this list of the 32 fun things to do in Tampa today, we’ll lay out the most underrated spots, famous locales, and the most delicious restaurants you can visit.

By the end of this list, you’ll practically be an expert at navigating the sights of Tampa and know precisely where all the hot spots are.

Things To Do In Tampa:

1. The Florida Aquarium

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Adult $35.45, Child $30.20, Senior $31.95; ticket prices fluctuate based on what day you reserve them

Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

• Ticket reservations are strongly suggested since tickets at the booth sell out within minutes.
• Fun for the whole family
• It can take anywhere between an hour to three hours to enjoy the entire aquarium.

Let’s start strong with one of the most famous locations in all of Tampa, the Florida Aquarium.

Florida is well known for its ocean views and beachside leisure, so it’s no surprise that Tampa holds a gorgeous aquarium right inside of the city.

The Florida Aquarium is magical and an experience you won’t want to miss in your time in Tampa.

At the aquarium, you’ll be able to see practically any freshwater or saltwater animal and fish.

Stingrays, turtles, sharks, and coral all inhabit the carefully created scenery that is within every tank and exhibit at the aquarium.

Suppose you’re a fan of ocean life or just want to simply enjoy and experience the magnificence of the ocean right in the city of Tampa.

 In that case, the Florida Aquarium is fit for you.

2. Empower Adventures

Rating: 5★

Entry Tickets: $79-$84 per person, reservations required

Address: 423 Lafayette Blvd, Oldsmar, FL 34677

• Exciting and thrilling
• A unique way of seeing Tampa from above

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the excitement of zip lining, or see the Bayou Wilderness and Tampa Bay from above, then Empower Adventures may be for you.

Empower Adventures takes you on a unique aerial view tour of the Tampa Bay area and delivers both excitement and an adrenaline rush.

With 3000 feet of zip lines to experience and a 200-foot suspension bridge high above the Tampa water, you’ll get to experience up to two hours of thrills and delightful views.

We’re confident that if you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an unusual, exhilarating way to see the Tampa Bay area, you’ll love Empower Adventures ziplines.

3. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Rating: 4.2★

Entry Tickets: $26.95 to $35.95; children two and under are free.

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767

• Visiting provides donation money to the aquarium’s conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
• A perfect place for those who love dolphins and turtles

The second aquarium on this list, although slightly lesser-known, is just as unique of an experience. 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an incredible destination for those of you who may be more interested in dolphins or turtles.

This marine is also an educational rehab center that offers to teach children and adults alike about aquatic life and especially the dolphins they are helping to rehabilitate.

Visiting this aquarium will also help to support the vital animal care that they do and assist injured aquatic life to bring them back to ocean waters as soon as possible.

Although there isn’t an abundance of animals to see compared to some of the other Tampa aquariums, you will surely still enjoy your visit and help a great cause by doing so.

• For dolphins lovers, we gathered for you a list of best companies and places for swimming with dolphins Florida!

4. Splash Harbour Waterpark

Rating: 4.3★

Entry Tickets: Pricing starts at $22.95, seasonal passes and additional add ons are available

Address: 399 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

• Food and beverages are available nearby, including alcoholic beverages.
• Fun for all ages, not just children

Although Splash Harbour is small compared to the other water parks in the area, it still holds its own and is a friendly and fun place to cool off beside the pool and relax.

Splash Harbour offers several activities, including two water slides, a lazy river, a large sundeck, as well as a restaurant, bar, and cabanas that are available for rental.

Splash Harbour also provides non-Waterpark amenities such as a game room, a miniature golf course, and rental boats.

Splash Harbour will provide you and your family with a fun and relaxing way to cool off on those sweaty Tampa summer days, making it one of the top things to do in Tampa with the family.

5. Tampa Theatre

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Tickets: Depending on the showing, prices range from free to $11.50 for general admission

Address: 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

• A stunning historical sight
• The best way to see any show in the Tampa area

Tampa Theatre is a well-known theater both for its magnificence and its profoundly ingrained Florida history.

Initially built in 1926, the theater boasts a complex interior and is well known as one of America’s most intricate movie locations.

Even after the rise of television affected theaters everywhere, Tampa residents demanded that the theater be preserved and kept up.

Nowadays, the theater is kept intact and running by a nonprofit organization that hopes to keep the theater running for many more decades.

The Tampa Theater astonishes all who walk through its doors and will be sure to give you an outstanding experience. 

6. Glazer Children’s Museum

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Tickets: Children 1-12 $13, adults $15

Address: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

• Best suited for young children.
• A hands-on, exciting educational experience for kids

Glazer Children’s Museum is an educational but still fun adventure for kids and adults alike, making it one of the best things to do in Tampa with kids.

Glazer offers fun hands-on exhibits that teach kids about art, engineering, cooking, sound, color, and more.

This museum delivers a near-endless number of areas to explore, with things to do and experience, which makes it a perfect choice for the few rainy days of the year in Tampa.

Some of the most notable exhibits include an area for them to climb safely, a space to mix and match various colors, and a unique mock farm where children can learn about farming and animals.

If you’re traveling with young children and want to take a day to give them a welcoming and friendly environment to learn about the world, Glazer Children’s Museum is a wonderful place to visit.

7. Bern’s Steak House

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: The dress code is business casual, and the food is on the pricier end, averaging $60 – $100 per person

Address: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

• High-end steakhouse with an enormous collection of wine and desserts
• Reservations may be difficult to get
• Great for couples or small families

Now on our list, we come to our first Tampa restaurant, the high-end, internationally renowned steak house, Bern’s Steak House.

Bern’s has a lovely atmosphere with a feeling of class and elegance right when you are seated; the entire restaurant is spacious and pays homage to older bars and restaurant establishments.

The food is well worth its slightly higher price tag and is deserving of all the praise it gets from locals and travelers alike, as it is one of the top things to do in Miami if you are looking for great food.

Be warned, Berns has a business casual to semi-formal dress code for its dining area, and if you come dressed more casually, you’ll be seated in the lounge area instead.

Bern’s isn’t just well known for its ambiance, charm, and savory steaks, but it’s also internationally known for its out-of-this-world dessert room and wine selection.

Upstairs, above the main dining area, is the dessert room, in which guests can select from several sweet delicacies ranging from a classic slice of New York-style cheesecake to a waffle cone bowl of decadent ice cream.

Along with your dessert, expect an extensive menu of alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic coffee that are served along with your dessert or dinner.

9. Busch gardens

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Tickets: Single-day ticket I between $97 and $106

Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

• A beautiful theme park with lots of things to do
• Expect to find dozens of rides and many animal exhibits nearby.
• Several cafes and restaurants are also on-site.

Busch Gardens Theme Park is one of the most visited places in all of the Tampa Bay area, and for a good reason.

This abundant theme park provides an entire day, or even weekend, worth of fun and excitement for the whole family, no matter how old you are.

It’s been ranked in the top 25 amusement parks in the entirety of the U.S by TripAdvisor, and there’s no shortage of reasons why.

Busch Gardens offers a ton of Busch-unique rides and experiences that you can’t find in any other amusement park, as well as dozens of events each year and nearby animal exhibits such as the Serengeti Safari.

One of the highlights of this theme park is the train that takes you through the wildlife side of the park to view the various animals as you take a relaxing ride through the shady nature area.

Or, if you’re more interested in the exhilarating rides just nearby, you can take your pick at one of the many unique rides that Busch Gardens has to offer, such as the Congo River Rapids or SheiKra roller coaster.

The park also seamlessly implements the animal theme into their rides, such as the case with cheetah hunt or cobra’s curse.

10. ZooTampa

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Tickets: $41.95 for single-day tickets

Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

• Authentic natural habitats for every animal
• Friendly and welcoming staff
• Accredited by the association of Zoos & Aquariums

The Tampa Zoo, or ZooTampa as it’s officially named, is a fantastic way to see wildlife in an enriching and authentic way.

Tampa Zoo prides itself on its careful attentiveness to each animal’s habitat and livelihoods, making sure that every single animal is cared for and happy within its realistic habitats.

They also offer many activities scheduled throughout the day that are available to all single-day ticket holders, and this includes, but is not limited to, several bird flyovers, animal chats, and wildlife connections.

We also recommend checking out the “Breakfast With Animals” part of the website, which offers fun experiences during the morning with the animals, such as painting with elephants or mimosas with manatees.

Another excellent addition that you can add to your visit is close encounters, in which you can have an up-close experience with one of the listed animals, such as giraffes, tortoises, and elephants. 

Tampa Zoo is undoubtedly one of the best in the country, and you shouldn’t miss your chance to see the careful work they do to keep the animals happy and healthy.

11. Hillsborough River State Park

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 15402 US-301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

• Scenic camping and RV area with access to hot showers
• Near notable hiking trailheads that bring you straight to scenic views

Maybe you’re more of an outdoorsman and prefer hiking and camping over the eccentric nightlife and amusement parks that you’ve seen on this list; not to worry, because Hillsborough River State Park is right up your alley and one of the best things to do in Tampa.

Hillsborough is just northeast of downtown Tampa and is located in a beautiful, wooded area, and it’s hard to believe that it’s only a few miles from the ocean seaside and the excitement of downtown Tampa.

This fascinating park offers camping, RV parking, and access to several much-needed amenities such as hot showers and bathrooms, but it’s still right within nature, and it feels like you’re nowhere near a city.

Or, if you’d prefer a hike over camping, Hillsborough has that too; you can find many hiking trailheads available that take you straight through the rugged, wet terrain of the Tampa Bay wilderness.

You’ll have the opportunity to see flowing streams and tropical plants, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a crocodile or two; make sure to stay on the path to avoid any unpleasant close encounters with those crocs.

11. Hooch and Hive

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1001 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606

• A tropical feeling music bar with delightful food and drinks
• Great live music and friendly bartenders

Hooch and Hive is a fantastic hidden gem that stands out from the dozen other live music bars because when you’re here, you feel welcomed.

Hooch and Hive offer a great selection of foods and drinks that pair perfectly with the live music and the nighttime ambiance of the bar.

This bar has a laid-back vibe and an artistic environment that’s decorated with local art and also offers outdoor seating with a great sound system that allows the live music to be heard from anywhere in the establishment without being overbearing.

You can anticipate perfectly made cocktails and pleasant snacks, all inspired by Tampa’s tropical and Caribbean culture that have influenced the city as a whole.

12. Ybor City

Entry Tickets: Free

Address: Tampa, FL

• A historic area in Tampa
• Plenty of things to see and do

Ybor City, located within Tampa, is an area known for its boutiques and vintage shops.

Originally, Ybor was the central area of Tampa where the Cuban population first lived and thrived.

It’s host to a wide array of things to do, including daily activities, such as a visit to the Ybor City Museum or an adventure through Ybor at night, exploring the many bars and clubs that attract nightlife tourists.

Ybor had a considerable part in the economy and history of Tampa, and you can see the lasting effect it had on Tampa, from its food to the beautiful buildings and art that decorate the inner city.

Nowadays, Ybor has no shortage of things to see and places to go; its rush of nightlife goers and bar hoppers offers the partiers a place to go in Tampa, while during the daytime, it shows its colorful architecture and rich culture.

Ybor almost feels like entering another city entirely when you first drive through its streets, but you’ll soon begin to see all the influence it has had on Tampa.

13. Weedon Island Preserve

Rating: 4.8★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 1800 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 3370

• Spectacular wildlife area
• Opportunities for fishing, kayaking, or just exploring the area

We add yet another nature area to this list, as you’ll soon discover that Tampa has some of the most gorgeous and diverse wildlife preserves in the southern United States.

Weedon Island Preserve is a vast area of nature and wildlife that has been unchanged and untouched in the many centuries that it’s been forming and diversifying its animal and fish species.

The preserve expands through several miles of land, and here you can see even more of the tropical wetland nature that encompasses Tampa Bay and gives the area its wonderful views and tropical life, making it one of the best things to do in Tampa.

While in Weedon, enjoy the many trails and boardwalks that give views of the surrounding flora and fauna, or learn more about the history of the area in the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, where you can see Native American artifacts and learn about the natural history of the Tampa area.

We also recommend kayaking or fishing at Weedon as some of the more popular activities at this preserve, and you’re guaranteed to see some wildlife such as local birds, tortoises, and armadillos.

• In case you planning to explore more islands in Florida, we do recommend you to take a look for what fun places and things to do in Marco Island and where to stay in Marco Island.

15. Axe Throwing Tampa

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Tickets: $35 per person

Address: 5811 Memorial Hwy Suite #204, Tampa, FL 33615

• Have the time of your life hurling an axe at a target
• Great staff that teach you safely how to throw an axe
• Rated #1 in the Tampa area on TripAdvisor

If you’ve been on the internet for a while, you may have seen several Instagram posts or videos of people participating in Axe throwing at an Axe throwing facility.

Well, Tampa also has one of its own, and believe it or not, it’s one of the highest-rated on TripAdvisor; Axe Throwing Tampa provides a personal experience where their friendly staff of “Axeperts” will safely show you how to wield an axe.

They will also let you participate in various axe throwing-related games such as Timber, Tic Tac Toe, and more.

You’ll even get to participate in their famous LumberLord axe throwing contest, the one who wins by hitting the most bullseyes will receive the champion belt and be titled Lumber Lord!

And if that’s not exciting enough, Axe Throwing Tampa also offers a Glow Throw event in which you can throw glow-in-the-dark axes under a blacklight.

Axe throwing will possibly be some of the most fun you’ll experience in only 1.5 hours, with your eccentric coach “Axepert” and plenty of games in store.

15. USF Botanical Gardens

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Tickets: Children $3, Adults $5

Address: 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612

• A perfect area for a relaxing walk
• Great for a picnic or other outdoor outing

The USF botanical gardens is a well-kept garden area just outside of the University of South Florida.

This area is fantastic for a relaxing walk while enjoying some of the local wildlife, and all of your admission money goes to keeping the garden healthy and cared for by the University.

The gardens are a peaceful and colorful area right in Tampa Bay that allows you a break from the busy city while not being too far from Tampa’s downtown area.

There are multiple areas of the garden that provide a relaxing place to sit and contemplate, and the various signs and labels provide information about the plants and trees.

You also may be lucky to see one of the many turtles that find the gardens pond home, or you can attend the biannual plant sale in which you can purchase one of the many plants that USF offers.

16. Chill Bar Ice Cream

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Tickets: Free

Address: 11506 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617

• Dozens of flavors and ways to eat your ice cream
• Other non-ice cream items are also available.

Chill Bar Ice Cream is a sweet dessert location with dozens of unusual ice cream flavors, dozens of toppings, and even some non-ice cream menu items.

Try Chill Bars’ special Puffle cone, a puffy soft cone similar to a waffle in texture and flavor, or try their cookie ice cream sandwiches or customizable milkshakes.

They also offer a selection of other menu items that are just as delectable as their ice cream, such as floats, butterbeer, a brownie sundae, or banana split, all of which can be changed to the customer’s liking.

We recommend the tasty Cappuccino Kalua Puffle or the Cookie Dream milkshake, or one of their various ice cream flavor combos or topping combos.

This ice cream shop is a great place for kids and teens, located not far from central Tampa.

Planning to extend your trip in Florida and ready to scout more areas? we do highly recommend to take a look for our built list about Pensacola!

17. Imagine Museum

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Ticket: $16 – $20 for adult entry

Address: 1901 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

• Cheaper ticket entry on Sundays
• See beautiful contemporary glass art in a privately owned gallery.

The Imagine Museum, located near Tampa, is an interesting and beautiful glass gallery where you can immerse yourself in the creative world of contemporary glass art.

The artwork in this gallery is beautifully constructed, and the information available allows you to learn more about the artists, the work, and care that goes into creating these glass pieces.

In Imagine Museum, you can learn all about glass artists from all around the world, and the welcoming, knowledgeable staff is glad to answer any questions you may have about the artists or creations.

The glasswork is curated in a way where each room in this fascinating gallery feels completely different and like an all-new experience compared to the last.

This special museum allows for hours of wandering and exploring the elegance of glass art and contemporary art.

18. Mio’s Grill & Cafe

Rating: 4.9★

Entry ticket: Free

Address: 119 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

• Fresh, tasty Mediterranean food staples
• Authentic Turkish and Greek homemade recipes that are sure to impress

Mio’s Grill & Cafe is one of the highest-rated restaurants in the St. Petersburg area of Tampa Bay and offers a small but flavorful Mediterranean menu.

Mio’s has perfect portions and great flavors for a reasonable price, and if you’re looking for delightful Turkish or Greek food, this is the place to be.

This restaurant has a pleasant and welcoming vibe with a thoughtful owner who will often attend to tables himself and is glad to help any customers who have questions or requests.

You can tell that Mio’s has a lot of care and love put into each bite of food they make; outdoor seating, take-out, and curbside pick-up are also available at this pleasing Mediterranean location.

Mio’s is a great place to visit and a well well-known known local staple of Tampa.

19. La Segunda Central Bakery

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 2512 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605

• Tasty sandwiches and baked goods at a reasonable price
• Experience the Cuban food culture in Ybor City

Ybor City, as we stated earlier, is a culturally and historically rich area of the Tampa Bay area that has influenced Tampa’s music, businesses, economy, and of course, the food scene.

No place resembles this cultural food influence better than La Segunda Central Bakery, a warm and comforting bakery and deli that offers a variety of foods from perfectly crafted Cuban sandwiches to expertly baked chocolate iced donuts.

La Segunda focuses on the flavors that those in Ybor have come to love and grow accustomed to and eating at this bakery is nothing short of a wonderful experience through and through.

Everyone is sure to find what they love at La Segunda, from a vast selection of specialty sandwiches such as the classic Cuban to the Veggie Sandwich or a unique dessert like one of the many cookies or classic Cuban treats on display.

La Segunda also offers numerous other menu items like breakfast sandwiches, toast, and coffee.

We’re certain that you’ll find something you love at this pleasant and warm bakery that is one of the top things to do in Tampa.

20. Abercrombie Park

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: Park St N & 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709

• An exceptional beachside park located west of Tampa
• Enjoy a tropical walk on the boardwalks or through the forested area.

Abercrombie Park is a rare gem near Tampa, where you can traverse the nearby beach and tour the boardwalks that wind through the oak and palm trees in the park.

This park has a large area and a gorgeous waterfront along with plenty of shade and places to sit that are peaceful and quiet.

This park also has plenty of charming wooded areas that encourage adults and kids alike to experience the interesting nature areas that are on offer.

It’s also encouraged to bring your dog, as this park is mostly for dogs; however, you should be sure to keep your dog on a leash, as there are rules restricting off-leash dogs.

21. Tampa Riverwalk

Rating: 4.5★

Entry Ticket: Day pass optional, $35-$55

Address: Tampa, FL

• Experience the best area and attractions available in Tampa
• Enjoy a bayside walk with plenty of sights to see
• It is located right in downtown Tampa.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a famous section of Tampa that is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Tampa in one day.

The riverwalk offers access to the most notable parts of central Tampa, such as the Florida Aquarium, Tampa History Center, Pirate water taxi, and even more.

It also offers great views of the ocean and the most notable part of Tampa, where you can find the greatest places Tampa Bay has to offer. 

Tampa Riverwalk also supports the development of waterfront businesses and urban expansion, as well as creating an inviting outdoor experience that brings locals and tourists alike together.

By paying for the day pass as well, you can gain all-day access to the multiple great places on the riverwalk, so you can take an all-day outing to the riverwalk and explore all it has to offer.

This famous river walk is a sure spot for families on vacation to learn and enjoy the best of Tampa Bay in only a short oceanside walk.

22. Columbia Restaurant

Rating: 4.5★

Entry ticket: Free

Address: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

• The oldest restaurant in Florida State
• Historic and beautiful restaurant with perfected recipes

Columbia Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Florida and is beloved for its special dishes and out-of-this-world service.

This high-end restaurant prides itself on its rich atmosphere and a diverse menu that encourages its guests to explore their perfected recipes and age-old generational dishes.

Among their array of Spanish cuisine are quite a few great pairings of cocktails, family wines, and sangria.

And to finish off the bold tastes of the Ribeye, Pollo Manchego, or roast pork, you can have a taste of one of their dessert creations, such as their 1935 recipe for flan or their churros served with three different sauces.

Alternatively, you can finish off your meal with one of their coffee selections, like the distinctive Café Cesar or the Spanish Coffee with a blend of Torres Spanish brandy and Kahlua.

23. Historic Ybor City Food and Drink Walking Tour by YborCityFoodTours

Rating: 5★

Entry Tickets: $69 per adult

Address: After booking, your group will meet here; 1600 E. 7th Avenue, Center of Ybor, Tampa, FL 33605

• Experience the deep food culture in Ybor City
• Find what flavors you love in central Tampa.

Ybor City Food Tours was established in 2014 as one of the very first food walking tours in Tampa Bay, and since then, they’ve been dedicated to attending to those who want to tour the enriching history of Ybor food.

After booking your ticket, you’ll meet up with your guide and group in historic Ybor City, where you’ll spend the next 3 hours walking through the beautiful area of central Tampa and tasting local foods and snacks.

You’ll get to experience the delights of the multi-ethnic Ybor City as your guide illustrates the food history of Tampa, why it’s called the cigar capital of the word, and why Cuban coffee is as tasty as it is.

Once you’re done with this historic cultural gem of a tour, you’ll be confident in navigating the streets and snacks of Ybor City.

24. Dosunco Ramen

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Tickets: None; meals average $10-$20

Address: 3310 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609

• Authentic tasting bowls of ramen
• A cheap option for lunch or dinner

Open since July of 2015, Dosunco has been striving to deliver authentic tastes of Japanese dishes and ramen with a memorable menu selection.

At Dosunco, you can expect to find superb appetizers such as the savory Takoyaki and salty Karaage, as well as their main ramen options that give you the taste of spicy, salty, and umami ramen with a multitude of toppings and broth good enough to drink up after finishing the noodles.

Their most popular options include the Shoyu Ramen, a soy sauce broth topped with bamboo shoots, pork belly, egg, green onion, and fried garlic.

Dosunco also has dessert choices like mochi ice cream or mille crepes cake, and we recommend taking a day to visit Dosunco for lunch or dinner you will savor.

25. Sand Key Beach and Park

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Tickets: $5 parking

Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767

• A relaxing beach experience
• A peaceful area with a beautiful beach and park area

You can’t have a true Tampa vacation without visiting one of the dozens of well-known beaches that surround the city.

Our first beach recommendation is well known and loved Sand Key Beach and Park, one of the best things to do in Tampa with your family. 

Sand key offers a quiet seaside place to sit and enjoy the Florida sunshine, or you can take a short walk to the park not far off the beach.

The park section of Sand Key includes shady benches and tables to sit at, as well as well-kept sidewalks to enjoy when you get overheated or don’t want to get sand in your shoes.

The beach itself is much less busy than the nearby Clearwater Beach and offers a more chill and laid-back environment while still delivering worthwhile views of Tampa and Tampa Bay.

If your plan involves the beach for your Tampa visit, we encourage you to check out this wonderfully quiet beach close by the Tampa area.

26. Redington Shores Beach

Rating: 4.7★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 18200 Gulf Blvd, Redington Shores, FL 33708

• A lovely, extremely large beach area
• Beautiful sunset views

South of Sand Key is the lovely Redington Shores Beach, a large and very open white sand beach that extends for 5 miles along the western side of Tampa Bay.

Redington is a clean, exceptionally gorgeous beach that is perfect for all beach-related activities; and you may even see some sea life such as urchins, dolphins, or turtles.

The soft white sand and tranquil feeling of this beach are unmatched by any other Tampa beach, and additionally, it has nearby access to notable food and alcohol vendors, as well as bathrooms and nearby showers.

This beach, despite its attractive location and huge area, is typically quite empty and open compared to other beaches, making it great for a family to visit without feeling crowded or dirty.

27. Fort Desoto State Park

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Tickets: $5

Address: St. Petersburg, FL 33715

• A well-known tourist location
• Includes a beach, campground, and historical information area

Fort Desoto State Park averages 2.7 million visitors each year, and for a good reason, as Desoto has several notable areas for any visitors or campers to enjoy.

The historical area of Fort Desoto gives information about the fort itself as well as the history of the various war artifacts that surround the fort.

Or, if you’d prefer to recline in the sunny weather, you can visit the nearby Fort Desoto beach or camping grounds which are surrounded by the relaxing sounds of the ocean and the smells of nature and saltwater.

There are tons of things to do in Fort Desoto, including boating, fishing, and of course, plenty of walking around the area.

28. Tampa Bay Grand Prix

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: $16 per race

Address: 12350 Automobile Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33762

• Great for kids and parties
• Experience the thrill of racing in Go-Karts

Tampa Bay Grand Prix is no ride; it’s a realistic racing experience without any of the danger or requirements of real car racing, making it a one of the top fun things to do in Tampa with kids.

Grand Prix offers thrilling and competitive indoor go-kart racing on one of their two available grand Prix tracks, and you get to use their distinctive electric ProKarts.

You should also consider purchasing their racing packages if you plan on doing more than one race or plan on returning to Tampa Bay Grand Prix, as your racing credits won’t ever expire, and by buying packages, you will save money on multiple races.

Another reason that this location is great for birthdays and corporate parties is due to its in-house cafe that serves tasty handmade pizzas, fresh sandwiches, and fresh salads.

Tampa Bay Grand Prix is a great place for kids and adults alike to have an exciting experience of racing fun.

29. Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: None, meals average $10-$20

Address: 8104 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33615

• Homemade Vietnamese food
• Some of the best pho you’ll ever have

Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu has authentic Vietnamese food and coffee that you’re sure to love if you enjoy Asian cuisine or Vietnamese Coffee.

They offer a huge variety of noodles and other flavorful foods such as sandwiches, desserts, and varieties of fried rice.

The most popular dish is their classic Pho; notable choices include the beef-based Pho Dac Biet, which includes beef flank and well-done tendons or taste the beef broth, shrimp, and squid topped Pho Hai San.

We also recommend the Cha Gio Thit Heo pork fried eggrolls or the sweet and tasty milk tea or smoothies.

30. Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro

Rating: 4.7★

Entry ticket: Free

Address: 799 Highland Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698

• Some of the best sushi in all of Tampa Bay
• A great place to go for dinner or lunch

Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro offer a compact but intriguing menu with classic sushi rolls, fun cocktail creations, and plenty of other bistro and Japanese-inspired options that make it one of the top things to do in Tampa.

The decor of this location is inviting, and the staff is friendly; this little sushi location is a hidden gem of Tampa that provides savory meals and a fantastic ambiance that makes all customers comfortable.

A few of their best menu items include the fried avocado that has tasty hints of lime and a specialty sauce to top it off, as well as exemplary spicy sushi rolls and miso soup.

An additional local favorite is the fried pork gyoza, which is a great appetizer or side dish, served with sesame garnish and cooked in a flavorful sauce and oil to bring out the salty and meaty taste.

This sushi restaurant also doubles as a bistro that includes sandwiches, bagels, and desserts, making this the perfect place to eat for anybody at any time of day.

31. The Loaded Barrel Tavern

Rating: 4.6★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 450 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

• Old school bar feeling
• Flavorful handmade pizzas
• Ask about the pizza of the week!

The Loaded Barrel Tavern gives that old-school feeling from when you first walk through the doors of this intimate tavern experience.

The bartenders here are attentive and friendly, and the pizza is full of fantastic homemade tastes and perfect toppings that bring out the flavor without being overpowering; although not exactly cheap, it’s worth every penny.

This tavern isn’t too busy or too intense and is a perfect hidden gem of a visit nestled in the streets south of downtown Tampa; and if you’re willing to make the short drive, it’ll be a great location to begin a great Tampa bar crawl.

We also recommend asking one of the bartenders about the pizza of the week, which are often unique special pizzas that may include a discount or fun topping combination to pair with your drinks.

We’re certain that anybody who loves pizza or a great selection of drinks will find happiness in The Loaded Barrel Tavern.

32. Chanta 

Rating: 4.9★

Entry Ticket: Free

Address: 113 S Hyde Park Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

• One of the highest-rated restaurants in Tampa Bay
• Mediterranean and Eastern European specialty dishes
• A cozy spot that also offers outdoor seating

The final spot on our list is reserved for one of the highest-rated restaurants in all of the Tampa area, making it one of the top things to do in Tampa; Chanta offers guests an experience and prices that can’t be beat with a familiar at-home feeling restaurant design and decor.

Chanta’s small but delectable menu offers all guests a way to taste eastern European and Mediterranean recipes in a comfortable and spacious environment.

Try food from some lesser-known European countries, like the Romanian stew or Transylvanian creamy mushrooms, all of which are made with care to their source and recipes.

Additionally, you can try various desserts and high-quality wines that pair excellently with both the meals and sweet desserts.

They also serve some of the best lamb in all of Tampa, which comes with pork-wrapped asparagus and a ball of garnished rice.

The atmosphere and realistic experience, and recipes that Chanta offers make it the best spot in Tampa for a date night dinner or family meal.

So, what’s the craziest ‘Florida Man’ story you’ve ever read? Let me know below.