Yes, this entire site’s main focus is on all of the Tampa attractions and things to do in the Tampa Bay area; from the beaches to the sporting events to the museums. 

However, I do want to give you some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tampa and some of the most unique in the area, just in case you are short on time and only want to visit the most popular places.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the most popular Tampa attraction in the Tampa Bay area. 

Along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Busch Gardens is the first thing that comes to mind when people hear about the city of Tampa.

It is one of the largest zoos in the country with over 2,700 animals. 

With an African theme the park contains giraffes, hippos, baboons, and tons of other animals.

I am a fan of animals so that is what I enjoy most about Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

However, the biggest draws to the park are the rides with six roller coasters and one of the newest roller coasters Sheikra.  This ride has a 90 degree drop.  Wow!

Again this is #1 of all the Tampa attractions so do not miss this one.

Aquarium

This Tampa aquarium is located in downtown in the Channelside District next door to Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise terminals.

I would recommend this as one of the must do attractions in the area.

The children will enjoy the new Explore-a-Shore water park area.  This alone is probably worth the cost of admission since they can play all day on the Pirate ship and in the streams of water that shoot up from the ground.

Zoo

I could just sit and watch the animals here all day long.

Lowry Park Zoo has achieved some major awards including the “Best family friendly zoo” in the country and the “Best mid-sized zoo” in the U.S.

This is a must see Tampa attraction. 

What helps to make this zoo great is that the animals are located in close proximity and the exhibits are not miles from each other as in other zoos that I have attended.

In the museum is an IMAX Dome Theatre and a children’s science center.

This museum in my opinion is not quite on par with the other major attractions in the area. 

Some of the exhibits are older, some of which do not work and there just does not seem to be a lot of excitement when you walk through the museum.

However, there are some good exhibits in the museum especially the traveling exhibits that are located in the center.  These do have a separate admission fee, however.

I would check it out if you have extra time.  However, if you are short on time then there are many other more exciting attractions in the area.

of Art

It is located in downtown along the Hillsborough River and is one of the main attractions along the Tampa Riverwalk.

The changing exhibits keep the museum new and fresh.

The new 66,000 square foot Tampa Museum of Art building opened in 2010.

St Pete Pier

The Pier in St. Petersburg may be my favorite relaxation spot in the area. 

It is located in downtown St. Petersburg and is a signature landmark of the area.

The pier extends out into the Tampa Bay and the building is shaped like an upside down triangle.

At the pier you can shop, dine, fish, or just relax.  And best of all it is free.

The Pier will undergo a new design soon and the old inverted pyramid will be eradicated. The new pier, "The Liens" will be constructed in its place. The Pier is still currently operating business as usual.

The center host Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, Orchestra, Plays, Music, and Dance in its 5 theater halls.

The Stratz Center is locted in downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough River.

Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue is one of the most unique Tampa attractions.

It is actually a sanctuary for rescued exotic cats that have been injured, abused, or abandoned. 

They provide a permanent home for these animals as a non profit educational sanctuary.

Big Cat Rescue offers up front and personal encounters with over 100 cats of 16 different species.

They offer day, night, feeding, and kids tours with prices varying from $15 - $100.

Gametime

Gametime is an entertainment restaurant with over 180 games for all ages. 

There is also a bar with specialty drinks within the facility.

Gametime is located in the Centro Ybor area in Ybor City in Tampa.

The facility was formerly known as Gameworks.

Island Tampa

The park features water slides, pools, lazy rivers, and just about any other way that you can think of to cool off in the summer.

The Starlite Cruises consists of 2 dinner/sightseeing cruise ships in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. 

The Starlite Majesty is a yacht that leaves out of Clearwater Beach, while the Starlite Princess is an authentic paddle wheel riverboat that departs from St. Petersburg Beach.

They offer lunch, sightseeing and dinner cruises.  It is a very good value for the money. It is one of the best Tampa Bay dinner cruises, in my opinion.

Downs Race Track

Channelside Tampa

Channelside is one of the most popular shopping, dining and entertainment areas in Tampa. 

There are a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the Channelside district in Tampa.

Channelside is located next to the Cruise Terminals near Downtown. Therefore, it is a very popular spot with cruise goers while waiting for their cruise to depart.

It is also located very close to the Florida Aquarium.

Other Attractions

• Pier 60 in Clearwater
• The Tampa Riverwalk
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Also see the list of Tampa attractions for adults.

Photos courtesy of Busch Gardens: mathewingram, Lowry Park Zoo & Tampa Bay Downs: kthypryn,  Tampa Museum: hyku, Big Cat Rescue: CrackleCaracal

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