TAMPA BAY HISTORY LESSON

CUBA WITHOUT A PASSPORT

Visitors to Tampa Bay can make a side trip to Cuba without needing their passports. Tampa Bay’s historic Latin Quarter, Ybor City, is home to a genuine piece of Cuban territory – José Martí Park, dedicated to the memory of the poet, journalist, and firebrand who led the island’s revolution against Spanish rule in the 1880s and 1890s.

 

Jose Marti Park

José Martí Park

📍:  Corner of 8th Ave and 13th St, Tampa, FL

Did you know you can visit a piece of Cuba right here in Tampa Bay—no passport required? Nestled in the heart of historic Ybor City, José Martí Park is a hidden gem and an enduring symbol of the community ties between Tampa Bay and Cuba. Dedicated to José Martí, the poet, journalist, and revolutionary leader who fought for Cuba’s independence, the park features a striking statue of Martí, alongside plots of soil brought from different parts of Cuba. This small yet significant park, located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 13th Street, is officially owned by the people of Cuba, making it one of the only pieces of Cuban soil in the United States.

 

Dominoes

Play Dominoes Like a Local

📍 : Ybor City Museum State Park

Located in the historic Ferlita Bakery building, Ybor City Museum State Park offers a deep dive into the rich history of Tampa Bay’s cigar industry and immigrant communities, particularly the Spanish, Cuban, and Italian influences that shaped Ybor City. Through engaging exhibits, historical artifacts, and a beautiful Mediterranean-style garden, visitors can explore the district’s evolution from a cigar-making powerhouse to a vibrant cultural hub. Just outside, you can play dominoes, a true slice of Cuban tradition, a beloved pastime that remains a symbol of community and connection.

 

Cuban Club

Step Inside the Historic Cuban Club

📍:  2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa

Once a social and cultural hub for Tampa Bay’s Cuban immigrants, the Cuban Club stands as a testament to the community that shaped Ybor City. As early as 1899 Cuban immigrants formed recreational societies and in 1902 Cuban workers founded “El Circulo Cubano” which means “Circle of Cubans.” It was a mutual aid society to create a community and to offer assistance and help the sick. The club hosted lively dances, musical performances, and social gatherings. Today, the building remains a stunning example of Cuban architecture and continues to welcome visitors for special events, concerts, and celebrations.

 

Tampa Baseball Museum

Step Up to the Plate 

📍:  Tampa Baseball Museum

Baseball has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s history for over a century, and the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al López House celebrates the deep ties to America’s favorite pastime. Housed in the childhood home of Al López, Tampa’s first Major League Baseball player and Hall of Famer, the museum showcases the stories of legendary players and the sport’s influence on the community. Exhibits highlight Tampa’s baseball legacy, from its early Cuban and Latin American connections to the rise of minor league teams like the Tampa Smokers. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the city’s deep baseball roots, this museum is a home run for history buffs and sports lovers alike.