Bobby Rennert / 500px

Tampa Bay

Surrounding the gorgeous deep-water Tampa Bay are two major cities and a seemingly endless expanse of urban-suburban sprawl – forming the state's second-largest metropolitan area – which along the Gulf Coast is edged by some 35 miles of barrier-island beaches. Not many places in the country offer as much big-city sophistication mere minutes from so much dazzling sand. Yet since Miami is one of those that does, the bay area is rarely given its due. Both Tampa and St Petersburg burble with cultural and culinary excitement as they spruce up their historic districts and polish their arts institutions. The range of adventures on offer – from fine arts to world-class aquariums to hot nightclubs and dolphin cruises – make this a compelling region to explore.

Explore Tampa Bay

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tampa Bay.

  • Museum

    Salvador Dalí Museum

    The theatrical exterior of the Salvador Dalí Museum speaks of great things: out of a wound in the towering white shoe box oozes a 75ft geodesic glass…

  • Beach

    Fort DeSoto Park

    With 1136 acres of unspoiled wilderness, Fort DeSoto is one of Florida’s premier beach parks. It includes 7 miles of beaches (including a dog beach), two…

  • State Park

    Caladesi Island State Park

    Directly to the south of Honeymoon, this park is accessible only by boat and is virtually as nature made it: unspoiled and pristine. Consequently, it…

  • Nature Reserve

    Weedon Island Preserve

    Like a patchwork quilt of variegated greens tossed out over Tampa Bay, this 3700-acre preserve protects a diverse aquatic and wetland ecosystem. At the…

  • Beach

    Pass-a-Grille Beach

    The epic sliver of sand that is Pass-a-Grille Beach is the most idyllic barrier-island beach, backed only by beach houses and a long stretch of metered…

  • Aquarium

    Florida Aquarium

    Tampa's excellent aquarium is among the state's best. Cleverly designed, the re-created swamp lets you walk among herons and ibis as they prowl the…

  • Amusement Park

    Busch Gardens

    This theme park has 10 loosely named African zones, which flow together without much fuss. The entire park is walkable. Admission includes three types of…

  • State Park

    Hillsborough River State Park

    When Tampa residents need a woodsy escape, they head to this fantastic 3400-acre state park, just 20 miles (30 minutes) northeast of Tampa. For visiting…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Wat Mongkolratanaram

    Why is there a Buddhist Thai temple in the middle of Tampa? Who cares, the noodle soup is amazing. On Sundays hundreds of people show up for the food and…

  • Amusement Park

    Adventure Island

    This 30-acre water park has everything a modern, top-flight water park requires: a long lazy river, a huge wave pool, bucket-dumping splash zones, a…

  • State Park

    Egmont Key State Park

    Union troops were stationed on uninhabited Egmont Key during the Civil War, and you can visit Egmont’s ruined Fort Dade by ferry from Fort DeSoto Park…

  • State Park

    Honeymoon Island State Park

    This park, so named in the 1940s when marketeers pitched the island as the perfect getaway for newlyweds, is graced with the Gulf Coast's legendary white…

  • Aquarium

    Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    The home of Winter the dolphin, this nonprofit aquarium rescues and rehabilitates injured sea animals, such as dolphins, sea otters, fish, rays, and…

  • Gallery

    Chihuly Collection

    Dale Chihuly's glass works are displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London and the Louvre in…

  • Beach

    Sand Key Park & Beach

    If you want a less-crowded beach day, free of commercial folderol, head to this 65-acre, family-friendly beach park. It's at the northern tip of the…

  • Beach

    Pier 60

    In high season, Clearwater's long stretch of smooth, white sand becomes a scrum of sun-baked coeds and extended families. Hotels, resorts and raucous…

  • Arts Center

    Morean Arts Center

    This lively community arts center hosts interesting rotating exhibits in all media. If you love glass, don't miss Morean's attached Hot Shop where full…

  • Museum

    Ybor City Museum State Park

    This dusty, old-school history museum preserves a bygone era, with cigar-worker houses (open 10am to 3pm) and wonderful photos. The museum has information…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

    The largest wild-bird hospital in North America, this sanctuary has more than 100 sea and land birds for public viewing, including a resident population…

  • Museum

    Tampa Bay History Center

    This first-rate history museum presents the region's Seminole and Miccosukee people, Cracker pioneers and cattle breeders, and Tampa's Cuban community and…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Tampa Bay.

  • Activities