Interesting Places to Visit in Tampa - Things to Do, Sights, and Attractions
Tampa is a city of sunshine-soaked waterfronts, walkable riverfront promenades, thrilling theme parks, and a food scene infused with Cuban heritage and Gulf Coast flavors. From the downtown skyline reflected in the Hillsborough River to the sugar-sand beaches just across the bay, Tampa rewards explorers who like variety. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline at Busch Gardens, strolling the Tampa Riverwalk at sunset, or sampling a classic Cuban sandwich in Ybor City, you’ll find a welcoming destination that blends modern energy with historic charm. With neighborhoods spread out across the bay area, car rental Tampa makes it easy to connect the dots and discover more in less time.
Overview - What Makes Tampa Interesting to Visit
Tampa offers a rare mix of city excitement and coastal calm. You can start your day paddling a kayak on the Hillsborough River, then enjoy cutting-edge art, a hockey game, or vibrant nightlife with live Latin music. Families love the accessible attractions right in town-like the Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa-while foodies savor everything from dockside seafood to historic Ybor City’s Cuban eateries. With bridges linking to the Pinellas County beaches, it’s easy to add a beach day to any itinerary. If you’d like to cover more ground comfortably, consider rent a car Tampa and create a relaxed, flexible schedule that fits your must-see list.
Top Tourist Attractions and Must-See Places
Tampa Riverwalk & Downtown Waterfront
The Tampa Riverwalk stretches for miles along the Hillsborough River, connecting parks, public art, and signature sights like the Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. It’s a great place for sunset strolls and dining with a view. Parking is straightforward in nearby garages (Poe, Fort Brooke), and with car hire deals in Tampa you can hop between Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf, and Armature Works with ease.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
One of Florida’s most thrilling theme parks, Busch Gardens combines world-class roller coasters-like Iron Gwazi-with expansive animal habitats and live shows. Arrive early to beat the queues and the heat. It’s a short drive from downtown, making cheap car hire Tampa a smart move for families who want to bring snacks, strollers, and beach gear for later adventures.
The Florida Aquarium
Located in the Channel District near Amalie Arena, the Florida Aquarium features immersive exhibits, coral reef displays, touch tanks, and a focus on conservation. Before or after your visit, wander to nearby Sparkman Wharf for bayside bites and lawn games. Parking lots and garages are nearby, and with car rental Tampa you can roll on to Ybor City or Hyde Park without backtracking.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Beloved by locals, ZooTampa is compact, shady, and family-friendly, with a respected manatee critical care center. Interactive experiences and splash areas make it an especially good pick for younger travelers.
Ybor City Historic District
Once the cigar capital of the world, Ybor City still hums with Cuban and Spanish influences. Walk brick streets past wrought-iron balconies, visit small museums, browse vintage shops, and order a 1905 Salad at the iconic Columbia Restaurant. The free TECO Line Streetcar connects Ybor to downtown, but having your own wheels from a car rental Tampa operator gives you freedom to sample more neighborhoods in one day.
| Attraction | Neighborhood | Distance from Downtown (mi) | Approx. Drive Time | Parking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Riverwalk | Downtown | 0–1 | 0–5 min | Poe or Fort Brooke Garage |
| The Florida Aquarium | Channel District | 1.0 | 5–10 min | Aquarium garage & surface lots |
| Amalie Arena | Water Street | 0.7 | 5–10 min | Pre-book on event nights |
| Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | North Tampa | 8.0 | 15–20 min | Large paid lots on site |
| ZooTampa at Lowry Park | Lowry Park | 4.0 | 10–15 min | On-site parking available |
| Ybor City | Ybor | 1.5 | 8–12 min | Centro Ybor & city garages |
| Hyde Park Village | Hyde Park | 2.0 | 10 min | Garages & street parking |
| Armature Works | Tampa Heights | 1.0 | 5–10 min | On-site lot; weekends fill quickly |
Plan by Weather: Monthly Average Temperatures
Tampa’s subtropical climate means mild winters and warm, humid summers. Use the chart below to choose your ideal travel month-spring and late fall are especially pleasant. With flexible schedules from car hire deals in Tampa, you can time your outings around brief summer showers and still see it all.
Best Neighborhoods or Areas to Explore
Hyde Park Village & Bayshore Boulevard
Leafy streets, historic bungalows, and stylish boutiques define Hyde Park Village. Stroll the shops and cafés, then cruise Bayshore Boulevard-a scenic waterfront road with one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world. With rent a car Tampa, you can easily pair Hyde Park with a sunset detour to nearby Davis Islands or a dinner stop in SoHo.
Seminole Heights
A creative district north of downtown known for indie eateries and craft breweries, Seminole Heights charms with vintage shops and mural-lined streets. It’s less touristy and a perfect place to feel local for an afternoon.
Channel District & Water Street
Sleek and modern, this area near the port is a hub for dining, wellness, and events by Amalie Arena. Sparkman Wharf’s outdoor food hall and lawn games keep it breezy and social, day or night.
Westshore & International Plaza
Close to Tampa International Airport, Westshore is a shopping and dining magnet with business-class hotels and high-end stores at International Plaza. Easy highway access makes this a strategic base if you plan to explore beaches and downtown by car.
Museums, Parks, and Entertainment Options
- Tampa Bay History Center: Explore the region’s Indigenous cultures, maritime history, and cigar legacy.
- Henry B. Plant Museum: Housed in a striking former hotel with Moorish domes, this museum tells Gilded Age stories.
- Tampa Museum of Art: Contemporary exhibitions and classical pieces in a riverfront setting.
- MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry): Interactive science exhibits, especially fun with kids.
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: A green urban oasis right on the Riverwalk.
- Hillsborough River State Park: Suspension bridges, rapids, and shaded trails less than an hour from downtown-easy with cheap car hire Tampa.
- Amalie Arena & Raymond James Stadium: Catch NHL hockey, NFL football, concerts, and major events.
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts: Broadway tours, symphony, and ballet.
- Seminole Hard Rock: Dining and entertainment complex off I-4.
Local Cuisine and Restaurants Worth Trying
Tampa’s culinary roots run deep. Start with the city’s original Cuban sandwich-pressed and layered with ham, roasted pork, Swiss, pickles, mustard, and salami-paired with café con leche. The legendary Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City has been serving Spanish-Cuban dishes since 1905. Seek out deviled crab, fresh Gulf grouper sandwiches, and guava pastries from local bakeries like La Segunda.
For modern flavors, try Ulele on the river for native-inspired fare and house-brewed beer, or explore the Heights Public Market inside Armature Works, where multiple concepts share a vibrant hall. Tampa’s craft beer scene shines with favorites such as Cigar City Brewing and small-batch taprooms around Seminole Heights and downtown. Having your own wheels via car rental Tampa makes it effortless to jump between neighborhoods for progressive dinners and brewery flights.
Nearby Day-Trip Destinations Reachable by Car
- Clearwater Beach (23–25 miles): Sparkling white sand, Pier 60 sunsets, and family-friendly vibes. Arrive early for parking on busy weekends.
- St. Petersburg (20–25 miles): Visit the Dalí Museum, stroll the St. Pete Pier, and explore street art. Cross the Howard Frankland or Gandy Bridge for skyline views.
- Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island (30–35 miles): Wild beaches and nature trails; take a ferry from Honeymoon to Caladesi for unspoiled shores.
- Tarpon Springs (30 miles): Greek heritage, sponge docks, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
- Weeki Wachee Springs (55–60 miles): Famous mermaid shows, crystal-clear spring runs, and kayak rentals.
- Apollo Beach Manatee Viewing Center (20 miles, winter): See gentle manatees in cooler months (typically November–April).
With car hire deals in Tampa, these day trips are simple and affordable. Pick a compact for city parking or an SUV for beach gear-either way, driving opens up the entire Tampa Bay region on your schedule.
Practical Travel Tips - Parking, Driving, Navigation
- Parking: Downtown garages like Fort Brooke and Poe are convenient for the Riverwalk and museums. Ybor City has multiple garages; the TECO Streetcar between Ybor and downtown is free. Beach parking fills early-arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
- Tolls: The Selmon Expressway and some bridges use electronic tolling. Ask your rental counter about SunPass or toll-by-plate options to avoid administrative fees.
- Traffic: Peak times are 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., especially around the I-275/I-4 interchange and the Howard Frankland Bridge. Consider scenic alternatives like Bayshore Boulevard or the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
- Navigation: Use GPS to steer around construction and event-night closures by Amalie Arena or Raymond James Stadium. Watch for scooters and cyclists near the Riverwalk.
- Weather: Summer brings brief afternoon storms-carry water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket. Hurricane season runs June–November; monitor local alerts.
Choosing rent a car Tampa helps you keep cool between attractions, store beach chairs and shopping bags, and pivot plans when a quick Gulf Coast shower passes through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car to visit Tampa?
Public transit and the free streetcar help downtown and Ybor hops, and rideshares are widely available. However, a vehicle from a car rental Tampa provider is the most convenient way to explore the beaches, parks, and suburbs without waiting or transferring.
What’s the best time to visit?
October–April offers milder temperatures and lower humidity. Spring and late fall are ideal for outdoor dining, sports, and festivals.
Is parking difficult?
It’s manageable with planning. Downtown garages are plentiful, and many neighborhoods offer surface lots. Beach parking fills early-arrive in the morning or late afternoon.
What do I need to rent a car?
A valid driver’s license and a credit card are typical. Minimum age often starts at 21–25 depending on company; under-25 drivers may pay a surcharge. Compare cheap car hire Tampa options to find the best rate and coverage for your trip.
Conclusion - Explore More with a Tampa Rental Car
Tampa rewards curiosity: historic streets, a glittering waterfront, wildlife encounters, roller coasters, and a dynamic dining scene-all within easy driving distance of world-class beaches. From sunrise walks along Bayshore to golden-hour views on the Riverwalk and late-night Cuban cafés in Ybor, the city thrives on variety. Opting for rent a car Tampa puts everything within reach, letting you chase the best weather windows, breeze between neighborhoods, and unlock spontaneous day trips. With smart planning and the right wheels, your Tampa adventure becomes effortless-and unforgettable.