The Best Tampa Area Attractions

If you’re renting a home or condo from Florida Sun Vacation Rentals, you’re probably quite busy planning your dream beach vacation. And whether you choose to stay in Tampa Bay or Tarpon Springs, you’ll have plenty of things to do once you come to the sunny shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast!

In fact, there’s almost too much to do! It can be hard to figure out what the best Tampa area attractions are – simply because there are so many. In this article, we’ll help you out! Take a look below to see our picks for the top Tampa area attractions.

In this quick guide, we’ve put together some of our top picks for recreational options and attractions in the Tampa area. After you’ve booked one of our rental properties, take a look at this guide to start planning each day of your beach vacation! Let’s get started.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

The Historic Sponge Docks are an ideal destination if you’re a “foodie”, and interested in exploring a wide variety of Greek and Mediterranean restaurants. With bakeries, delicatessens, and plenty of unique souvenir shops, there’s always something to do.

Of course, another highlight of this destination is the sea sponge harvest. You can watch the sponge boats coming in with loads of sea sponges, and observe as workers clean and sell the sponges. It’s truly one-of-a-kind!

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Looking to get a bit more excitement after a few days relaxing on the beach? Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the perfect choice.

This Florida theme park features a variety of different activities. From thrill rides and rollercoasters, to the always popular with kids “Serengeti Safari”, where you can see giraffes, and more, there’s plenty to do.

And with multiple seasonal festivals, live concerts, and plenty of other recreational options, there’s something to do for everyone. (Did we mention that kids under 5 can get in for FREE?)

Adventure Island Tampa

Adventure Island is one of the best waterparks in all of Florida. With enormous and fun waterslides, the “Endless Surf” swimming pool, Paradise Lagoon, and dozens of other entertaining water-based attractions, this is a great place for the whole family.

And with plenty of recreation and dining options, as well as private cabanas available, you’ll be able to spend your whole day enjoying the atmosphere of this fun waterpark.

MLB Spring Training

If you’re a baseball fan, and you visit Tampa in the spring, you’re in for a real treat. Tampa and Tampa Bay are home to four different spring training centers, for the:

Plenty of pre-season spring training games are played until Opening Day, so you’re sure to be able to catch a great game, and see some of your favorite players in action.

Tampa History Cruise

The Tampa History Cruise is run by the Henry B. Plant Museum. It’s a guided boat tour that takes you around the entire city, and traces the nearly 4000-year history of the Tampa area. From prehistory, to discovery and modern history.

You’ll learn how Tampa grew from a Spanish trading outpost into one of the largest Florida cities, and discover hidden secrets about the city – ones that even most locals do not know about!

The Tampa Museum Of Art

The Tampa Museum Of Art is a wonderful destination for the whole family. Admission is inexpensive for families, and the museum has a variety of child-focused educational programs.


Their permanent collection includes a large selection of rare Roman and Greek antiquities, as well as artwork and pottery from around the world in “The Classical World” exhibit.

The museum is always hosting special events and announcing new exhibitions. See their website for details!

Dolphin Cruises In Tampa

There are dozens of providers of dolphin cruises and wildlife cruises in Tampa. A dolphin cruise is a great way to get out on the water, and try to spot seals, dolphins, sharks, manatees, and so much more!

Most dolphin cruises range from 2-3 hours in length, and offer paid concessions on board. Typically, they run throughout the day – but evening is often the best time to see marine wildlife (and catch a spectacular seaside sunset)!

Dinosaur World Florida

Dinosaur World Florida is one of the largest dinosaur-themed parks in the nation. This unique theme park includes hundreds of painstakingly-recreated dinosaurs scattered throughout the property, plenty of interactive exhibits, dog-friendly boardwalks, a dino-themed playground, and an enormous gift shop.

The Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk stretches throughout all of downtown Tampa, and has transformed the city’s waterfront into a fun, pedestrian-friendly recreational area.

One of the primary attractions of the Tampa Riverwalk is the “Monument Trail.” Throughout the Riverwalk, you will see bronze and marble busts of historical figures, and monuments to important and significant events in Tampa history – as well as detailed placards explaining the significance of each one.

The Tampa Riverwalk also features events like boat parades, easy access to dining and drinking destinations, plenty of shops, and numerous parks and scenic installations, this is a wonderful place to enjoy a cool, breezy Tampa evening.

Horse Power For Kids & Animal Sanctuary

This non-profit animal sanctuary is dedicated to providing a farm and petting zoo, and helping children benefit from interacting with animals. The petting zoo includes common animals like donkeys, deer, and pigs, as well as exotic animals such as lemurs, bush babies, red foxes, and a variety of reptiles.

Other things to do include horseback riding classes and tours for beginners, a petting zoo, a horse-drawn hay ride, a large bird exhibit, and guided tours, as well as a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Start Planning Your Tampa Tour Today

Hopefully, a few of these Tampa attractions appeal to you. And when it comes to things to do in Tampa, this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Check out our list of things to do in Florida to see more, or do a bit of research on your own – you’ll find more recreational activities than you know what to do with!

Whether you’re interested in art, sightseeing, aquatic animals, or anything else, there is plenty to do in Tampa. So start with this list of destinations in Tampa, and begin planning your dream beach vacation.