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Discover What We Have to Offer

WAYS TO PLAY IN TAMPA BAY

Tampa Bay has much to explore and we are always ready to hand over the keys to adventure! This selection of Tampa Bay’s top treasures makes it easy to conquer the best the area has to offer. So, come take over a destination full of culture, rich in history, and loaded with worth-while experiences.

 

Thrilling Attractions

Iron Gwazi

At Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, take on Iron Gwazi - the tallest, steepest and fastest hybrid roller coaster in North America. Also, check out its NEW thrilling ride, the Serengeti Flyer, a 105-foot swing ride that is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. Meet native animals at The Florida Aquarium’s NEW modernized Florida Wetlands Trail, interact with moon jellyfish at the NEW Moon Bay, and hear how Atlantic Coral is being reproduced for the first time. Come face-to-face with Florida manatees at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where a NEW multimillion-dollar habitat has expanded the ability to treat injured or sick Florida manatees.

Retail Therapy

Hyde Park Village

Come get your retail fix. The region’s premiere shopping destination, International Plaza & Bay Street, offers 200+ luxury brands and exciting restaurants like Alma Restaurant & Bar and Whiskey Cake in a colorful outdoor restaurant village. Beautiful, open-air shopping neighborhood, Hyde Park Village, features a collection of high-end retailers and restaurants. Just 20 minutes north of downtown, Tampa Premium Outlets is home to big-name retailers at bargain prices. Looking for something local? There are a variety of weekend markets throughout the area so you can shop small all year long.

 

Michelin dining & Rooftop bars

Rooftop Dining at M.Bird

Cocktail culture is just as much a part of Tampa Bay as sunshine, craft beer, and hand-rolled cigars. Tampa Bay offers an endless variety of colorful dining options that are taking patrons to new heights. Enjoy a drink with sweeping downtown views at either Sal Y Mar rooftop, located atop the Aloft/Element Midtown, and SIX rooftop lounge at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. The inaugural edition of the MICHELIN Guide Florida has been revealed! After years of carefully reviewing restaurants in Tampa, the MICHELIN Guide’s top-secret inspectors have revealed that Tampa Bay received three Bib Gourmands and 16 restaurant recommendations. Other local favorites include M.Bird, located atop the popular food-hall, Armature Works, which has one of the best sunset views of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River. Visitors can also take a tour of Tampa Bay’s award-winning craft beer scene with the virtual Bay Crafted Pass.

 

YBOR CITY + CUBAN CULTURE

Ybor Cigar Rolling

“Hav-a-Tampa” cigar and see how Historic Ybor City turned Tampa into the Cigar Capital of the World. Today, skilled tabaqueros still roll cigars by hand. Enjoy the live music while sipping a café con leche or enjoy one of the district’s signature restaurants or nightclubs. Sample the official sandwich of the City of Tampa, the original Cuban Sandwich, which was invented specifically for Ybor City cigar rollers. Visit Cuba without a passport by stepping through the gates of José Marti Park, where the land has been owned by the Cuban people since the 1950s in honor of the famed Cuban revolutionary fighter. The Official Ybor City Walking Tours keep the neighborhood’s history and influence alive. Be sure to keep an eye – and an ear – out for Ybor City’s oldest residents, wild chickens that strut through the streets.

 

THE TAMPA RIVERWALK

Tampa Riverwalk

The 2.6-mile (4 km) Tampa Riverwalk links together some of downtown Tampa’s most popular attractions, hotels, museums and parks like gems on a string. At one end, visit Sparkman Wharf, a popular outdoor food hall on the Tampa Bay waterfront. Stroll to the other end of the Riverwalk to Armature Works and the Heights Public Market, which houses over 18 unique dining options. Looking for good food with an even better view? Watch the sunset on the Tampa Bay waterfront from Ulele or the Sail Plaza. Unlock endless adventure, culture, and history at eight unique attractions for one low price with the NEW Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass.

 

Gasparilla season

Gasparilla Season

Join the scurvy krewe loyal to legendary pirate, José Gaspar, as Florida’s only fully functional pirate ship sails into downtown Tampa with colors flying and cannons blazing. The Gasparilla Invasion kicks off a series of events and family fun known as Gasparilla Season. Fans of the arts will find a trove of unique pieces at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, film buffs will flock to see up-and-coming filmmakers show off their projects at the Gasparilla Film Festival, and music lovers can discover the next big artist at the Gasparilla Music Festival.

 

WIDE-OPEN SPACES

Empower Adventures zipline

Bask in the Florida sunshine with outdoor adventures and open-air experiences in Tampa Bay. Ride down the beautiful Bayshore Boulevard or the Tampa Riverwalk, where Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park has been recognized for the creative use of open space after a $35 million redevelopment. Zip through the trees and conquer the 200-foot over-water suspension bridge at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. For true outdoor enthusiasts, take a trip to one of the area’s state parks: The Hillsborough River State Park is home to some of the only Class II rapids in Florida or head to Alafia River State Park to mountain bike over 20 miles of single-track trails.

 

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Lost Pearl

With the City of Tampa situated where the Hillsborough River meets Tampa Bay, there are plenty of ways to get out and play on the water. See the city from a new angle by renting a Tampa Bay Water Bike, bring your friends for happy hour on the water with Kraken CycleBoats, or captain your own adventure when you rent an eBoat or personal vessel from the Riverwalk Boating Co. Make a splash on Adventure Island’s NEW Wahoo Remix, or splash pads at The Florida Aquarium and Water Works Park. Take the plunge aboard the Roaring Springs water ride at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Find your sea legs at the Urban Kai Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shop and enjoy the Tampa Bay sunset from a paddleboard or kayak. Hop on the popular Pirate Water Taxi and explore downtown Tampa from the water on their fleet of yellow and black vessels, including the NEW 100-passenger Captain Jack II with indoor/outdoor seating. Plan your own pirate adventure when you climb aboard the Lost Pearl pirate ship.

 

NON-STOP SPORTS

Lightning Boat Parade Stanley Cup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) made history when they took home the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs became the first team to ever host, play, and win the Super Bowl in their home city. The celebration continued when the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) captured back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021, before returning to the Finals for a 3rd straight year. The Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) also won the American League pennant in 2020 and continued the success into 2021, winning 100 games for the first time ever. The Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) captured back-to-back USL Eastern Conference Titles in 2020 and 2021.

 

PLACE YOUR BETS

Seminole Hard Rock Casino

For more thrills and excitement, try your luck at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Florida’s largest casino recently completed a $700 million expansion that includes a NEW 15-floor, 564-room tower and an extra 200,000 square feet of gaming space. The new addition brings the hotel to a total of 800 rooms and 88 suites. When it’s time to break for a bite, dine at the famed Council Oak Steak & Seafood or grab something more casual at the Rez Grill or Hard Rock Café

 

 


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