Check Out The Best Things to do in The Tampa Bay Area

Embark on a journey through the vibrant and captivating Tampa Bay area, where culture, history, and natural wonders converge to create a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Join us as we explore the best things to do in Tampa Bay, from thrilling animal encounters to enriching historical sites.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the perfect way to start your Tampa adventure. A sprawling 335-acre animal theme park, this amazing destination is perfect for thrill-seekers and animal lovers alike. From the Iron Gwazi’s 206-foot-tall peak and its 91-degree drop, to the Cheetah Hunt’s thrilling three high-speed launches, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s incredible rollercoasters won’t leave you disappointed. Be sure not to miss the Serengeti Safari, where you can trek across the 65-acre Serengeti Plain on an open-air touring vehicle. The award-winning Serengeti Safari tour offers guests a unique and up-close look at African wildlife while exploring the habitats of giraffes, zebras, ostriches, rhinos, and several antelope species. Busch Gardens is located at 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL, and their hours vary, so be sure to check out their official website for up-to-date information.

The Florida Aquarium

Rated among the best aquariums in the US, The Florida Aquarium welcomes visitors to experience marine life up close and personal, including sea turtles, sharks, and otters, to build awareness and inspire conservation action. Explore animal habitats featuring animals from right here in our backyard to exotic locations throughout the globe. From mysterious sand tiger sharks and playful otters to tiny seahorses and inquisitive sea turtles, you’ll never know what you’ll discover when you visit the wide variety of animal species at The Florida Aquarium. The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL, and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. If you love the sea, make sure to add this to your list of must-visit stops during your Tampa Bay vacation.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to over 1,000 animals, making it a favorite destination for those who love wildlife. Voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos in the country and a 12-time winner of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, ZooTampa offers one-of-a-kind experiences that connect people to wildlife and each other in fun and immersive ways. The State of Florida recognizes Lowry Park Zoo as the center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Every day offers a different opportunity to get up close to animals from all over the world and learn more about them. From the magnificent African elephant to the majestic Malayan tiger, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is your opportunity to see these wild animals live in person. Be sure not to miss out on their special events, ask an employee for more information, or check their website for up-to-date information. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is located at 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL, and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Henry B. Plant Museum

Immerse yourself in history with a trip to the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, which was a Victorian railroad resort that operated from 1891 to 1932. The Tampa Bay Hotel has been home to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the University of Tampa since 1933, and the building is a National Historic Landmark. Unlike most museums dedicated to lifestyles of the past, the Henry Plant Museum contains the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests to visit here, accurately reflecting the opulence of turn-of-the-century America and the vision of American transportation pioneer Henry B. Plant. Through experiential discovery, their goal is to instill the importance of history, foster preservation, and ignite thought. Located in the south wing of Plant Hall on the University of Tampa’s campus, the Henry B. Plant Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On Sundays, they open at noon, and they are closed on Mondays.

Tampa Bay History Center

The Tampa Bay History Center is one of Tampa Bay’s premier cultural venues and an anchor of the Tampa Riverwalk on Water Street. The History Center includes three floors of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries focusing on 12,000 years of Florida’s history. Beginning with a look at Florida’s first peoples, who inhabited the peninsula some 10,000 years ago, and the arrival of European explorers in the 1500s, to Tampa Bay’s modern role as a port city, the industrial capital of west-central Florida, and a draw for tourists and visitors the world over, the History Center tells the story of Tampa Bay’s and Florida’s history, heritage, and culture. Founded in 1989 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, the History Center opened its new 60,000-square-foot facility on Tampa’s Riverwalk in 2009. At the Tampa Bay History Center, each visit is a voyage of discovery for curious minds of all ages. Located at 801 Water St, Tampa, FL, the Tampa Bay History Center is a must-visit for any traveling history buffs.

Tampa Bay Sports

Tampa Bay is known for its love of sports, and it shows. This region boasts three high-level professional sports teams, including the Buccaneers NFL team, the Lighting NHL team, and the Rays MLB team. The Buccaneers play their home games at Raymond James Stadium, an iconic venue in Tampa. The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls, most recently in 2021 under the leadership of former star quarterback Tom Brady. The Lightning ice hockey team is another source of pride for the region, as they compete in the NHL and play their home games at Amalie Arena, located in downtown Tampa. The Lightning have won multiple division titles and three Stanley Cup championships in 2004, 2020, and 2021. Lastly, the Rays are an MLB team based in St. Petersburg, Florida, a part of the Tampa Bay area. They play their home games at Tropicana Field, known for its unique dome structure. Despite being a newer team, the Rays have enjoyed some success, winning the American League pennant in 2008.

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