tampa florida downtown skyline
Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and see where it leads you. You might explore interactive exhibits at the Tampa Bay History Centre, or try stand-up paddleboarding from the Sail Pavilion. Tampa Museum of Art’s collections range from ancient to modern – and the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is home to splash fountains, a playground and skyline views.
Girl Running to the Beach, Tampa, Florida
A short 30-minute drive west of the city centre lands you along the Gulf of Mexico coast, which is fringed by a string of sugary beaches. Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beach both offer an upbeat seaside atmosphere, while Caladesi Island State Park and Fort DeSoto Park provide serene shoreline settings.
Enter the Florida Aquarium to encounter over 20,000 species of aquatic plants and animals. Cruise to Tampa and see river otters on the Florida Wetlands Trail and ring-tailed lemurs on the Journey to Madagascar. Then say hello to goliath grouper, stingrays, reef fishes, turtles and sharks in the Bays & Beaches habitat.
Tampa’s food scene stems from a fusion of Cuban, Spanish, Italian and Floribbean influences. Local raw bars serve up fresh prawns, oysters, scallops and grouper from the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban sandwich – piled with Genoa salami – is a city signature. For a taste of authentic Florida Cracker cuisine, try sofkee porridge, pilau (rice cakes) or fried alligator tail during your next Tampa cruise.
Pick up tropical clothing and Florida-inspired souvenirs at the outdoor Channelside Bay Plaza, right at the port. Head to Hyde Park Village for upmarket boutique shops, and pop into local sportswear outfitter Salt Pines. Nothing beats Ybor City when it comes to quirky vintage shops and hand-rolled cigars.