Guide to Tampa: Museums, Activites, and the Great Outdoors

Tampa tends to grab people’s attention through its stunning beaches and popular theme parks. The way to truly dive into Tampa is by experiencing these tourist attractions and appreciating the vibrancy enjoyed by residents. We have crafted a guide to ensure that you have the best time in Central Florida’s City of Tampa. 

Arts and Culture:

Tampa boasts a growing and diverse museum scene, appealing to every interest with offerings offers from history and science to pure art. 

• Tampa Museum of Art: This museum is located on Tampa’s popular Riverwalk and is the city’s premier art institution. Its collection spans from ancient Greek and Roman antiquities to modern and contemporary art. TMA frequently hosts engaging temporary exhibitions, community events, and various art classes for all ages. Admission is free for children under the age of six and college students with a valid ID. Its location makes it easy to combine a visit with a stroll along the Riverwalk, which also offers plenty of food options. 
• Henry B. Plant Museum: Step into an age when wealthy tourists flocked to Tampa by train, looking for something new to experience.Housed in the stunning Moorish Revival building, which was once the Tampa Bay Hotel, this museum offers a captivating glimpse into Florida’s Gilded Age. The museum is considered a National Historic Landmark, showcasing the actual lavish furnishing, intricate details, and grand lifestyle of the 1890s.  Tickets are $10 for entry, but free to anyone on every second Saturday of each month. It is a fantastic experience that truly takes you back in time, fitting for anyone who’s a history buff or interested in architectural beauty. 
• The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA): For those with a passion for photography, FMoPA is a must-visit gem of Tampa. Located downtown, this museum is entirely dedicated to showcasing the work of photographers from around the world. It features a rotating collection of exhibitions that provide fresh perspectives and highlight various styles. The museum also commits to educating and operating outreach programs to adults and children interested in learning photography. Tickets are also $10 for general admission and free to children under eight. 
• USF Contemporary Art Museum (CAM): Along with having a beautiful campus, the University of South Florida offers a museum that focuses on contemporary art. It features a collection of more than 5,000 exhibitions by national and international artists. Their pieces often present challenging and thought-provoking works through various media, contributing to the academic and artistic dialogue in the region. Plus, admission is entirely free for anyone interested. 
• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI): While not strictly an “art” museum, MOSI is a fantastic institution combining science, technology, engineering, art and math or STEAM. They offer interactive and engaging exhibits perfect for families and curious people of all ages. You can explore a bed of nails, navigate a ropes course, experience a virtual reality simulation, and learn about space exploration in their NASA-funded Mission: Moonbase. MOSI emphasizes the art of innovation and discovery. Tickets are $15-20 depending on age. 
• The Dalí Museum (St. Petersburg): Although this museum is a short drive across Tampa Bay, it is a world-renowned art institution and a significant cultural asset to all of Tampa. In USA Today’s 2025 Readers Poll, it was ranked #7 among the “10 Best Art Museums in the U.S.” The museum houses the largest collection of Salcador Dali’s works outside of Spain, featuring iconic paintings, drawings, and sculptures by the master of surrealism. It is a truly unforgettable and all-consuming experience for anyone who goes. Tickets are a little pricier at $32 for general admission, but are discounted to $15 for 65+ people, educators, fire, police, and military. 

Theme Parks

Tampa is home to some of Florida’s most exciting theme parks, offering a diverse range of experiences, whether you’re interested in thrilling roller coasters or immersive animal encounters. 

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Tampa’s most iconic theme park is renowned for its insane roller coasters and extensive animal habitats. The park is designed with an African theme and provides over 2,000 animals with close-up encounters. 
  • Thrill Rides: For anyone who is a roller coaster enthusiast, this place is paradise. “Iron Gweazi” is North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. “SheiKra” is a dive coaster with a 200-foot vertical drop. “Cheetah Hunt” is a triple-launch coaster that reaches up to 60 miles per hour, mimicking the speed of a cheetah. Another highlight is “Montu,” an inverted coaster with seven inversions. 
  • Animal Encounters: Beyond rides, guests can explore the 65-acre “Serengeti Plain” on the Serengeti Express train or skyride. You get the chance to encounter giraffes, elephants, zebras, and other African wildlife. The “Myombe Reserve” offers a chance to see chimpanzees and gorillas while “Edge of Africa” provides up-close views of lions, hyenas, and hippos.  
  • Extra Fun: The park also features a Sesame Street area of fun, shows, and kid-friendly rides. The park also provides an Animal Care Center, which serves as a hospital where visitors can watch live procedures happen. 
  • Adventure Island: Located directly across from Busch Gardens is Tampa’s favorite water park. It’s the perfect place to go during Florida’s hot summers with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. The park offers a lazy river and chill wave pool for those looking for a more relaxed experience. While also providing an intense wave pool and slides with intense drops and twisting slides. Adventure Island is also hosting a special “Aqua Glow” event on select nights from June 13 to August 9 featuring lights, music, and enhanced water park fun. 
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Known for its commitment to wildlife conservation, ZooTampa focuses on connecting visitors with various species, emphasizing Florida native species. ZooTampa is a leader in rescue, rehabilitation, and release of Florida’s endangered wildlife. The zoo is divided into geographic areas: Florida Wildlife Center (manatees, panthers, alligators), Safari Africa (elephants, rhinos, giraffes), Asian Gardens (tigers, komodo dragons, tapirs), and Wallaroo Station (an Australian-themed area with koalas, kangaroos, and a children’s zoo). If you have a love for animals, be sure to check this iconic Tampa spot. 
  • The Florida Aquarium: Located on the downtown Tampa waterfront, this aquarium is a significant marine life attraction dedicated to aquatic animals and conservation. Visitors are taken on a journey from tree level to sea level, showcasing Florida’s wetlands, simulated journeys, and sea life exhibits. Highlights include the “Wetlands of Florida” (with alligators, otters, and birds), the “Coral Reef” (with sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of reef fish), and the “Journey to Madagascar” (with lemurs and other unique island species). This is the perfect place to experience Tampa’s love for its ocean life. 

Outdoor and Recreation

One of the best parts about Florida is its weather and opportunities for adventure. Locals know how to embrace Tampa’s beautiful landscapes, often opting for activities related to the water and wilderness. 

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding on the Hillsborough River: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from locations near Armature Works and explore the waters of the Hillsborough River. The river offers a unique perspective of the city skyline and the natural beauty of the water and wildlife. 
• Upper Tampa Bay Trail: For a longer, more immersive outdoor experience, this paved trail offers miles of scenic riding. Visitors will be taken through different ecosystems, popular with cyclists, runners, and avid hikers. 
• Riverwalk: A multi-use 2.6-mile path connects various attractions of downtown Tampa. The park often hosts outdoor concerts, yoga in the park, shops, restaurants, and more.  
• Fort De Soto Park (St. Pete): While a bit of a drive from the city, Fort De Soto is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. The park offers camping, extensive hiking trails, and a historical fort, all known for its unspoiled beauty. 

While some of these parks and museums are popular tourist spots, they are pieces of what Tampa has to offer from its rich history and thriving art scene. Tampa revolves around education, art, and taking advantage of its outdoor opportunities, which you can find in each of these places. This guide is just a starting point on how to tackle a diverse and lively city. Enjoy your Tampa adventure and stay tuned for more ways to experience the City of Tampa.