Find Things to Do in and Around Tampa
The greater Tampa Bay Area is a paradise for anglers, beachgoers, boaters, foodies, and people of all walks of life. From the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay to the islands of Tierra Verde, there are so many things to do in this beautiful part of Florida. Browse the locations above to find the best outdoor activities and tours in and around Tampa.
Tampa is a vibrant, diverse city with a great mix of urban parks, business districts, architectural landmarks and waterways. There’s no shortage of things to do in Tampa. Lounge in the sun, walk along the Riverwalk, book a fishing charter, or sample Spanish and Cuban inspired food that will leave you craving more.
There are many hotels and accommodations to fit any budget, with great options for entertaining kids, visiting family, or just exploring a new city. The Tampa Bay beaches are just 30 minutes away and there are several nearby towns that offer wonderful activities and things to do for all kinds of travelers.
One of the bigger cities nearby is Saint Petersburg, a stunning city with some of the best beaches near Tampa. This little slice of paradise has everything you need for a summer vacation! Visit the famous Salvador Dali Museum, check out the downtown shops and restaurants and don’t miss a chance to sink your toes into the sand at one of the area’s best beaches. For even more time in the great outdoors, be sure to book a boat tour or cruise and be on the lookout for dolphins!
Another great spot to look for dolphins is Madeira Beach, a town just west of St. Petersburg, about an hour from Tampa. While in town, don’t forget to walk the John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, a 1,100-foot boardwalk with shops and eateries serving up seafood and other local favorites. Book a dolphin tour to cruise the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay in search of these friendly aquatic creatures. Did you know a pirate was supposedly the first European to settle the Madeira Beach area? Live out your own pirate adventure on a family-friendly tour.
Like the waterfront community of Madeira Beach, Tierra Verde is home to a fun-loving boating crowd that loves the laid back beach lifestyle. An easy day trip from St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde is home to the world-famous Fort De Soto Park, trails, and campgrounds. It also boasts some of the most family-friendly beaches near Tampa. From Tierra Verde, explore Tampa Bay with your own boat rental or get your adrenaline pumping with a jet ski rental.
One of the most popular things to do near Tampa is fishing! Tampa Bay and nearby waterways are home to so many species of fish that you could catch something different every day of your trip. You might hook Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper, black sea bass, grouper, mahi mahi, and more. The top fishing towns near Tampa are Seminole, Clearwater, and Ruskin. No matter where you go, you’ll have a wide range of options like offshore and nearshore Tampa Bay fishing charters and half-day or even multi-day trips.
Explore all of the incredible locations throughout Central Florida and start planning your vacation today!