Date Ideas in Tampa, FL

From cigar bars to the roosters roaming its brick roads including world famous 7th Avenue, the best way to soak in the area is on foot. And The Florida Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the world. The museum itself is housed in a renovated firehouse and the building’s brick must do in tampa walls, fireman’s poles and more compliment the exhibits. This is an outdoor space that locals use like a backyard, bringing their pets and enjoying a picnic while soaking up the atmosphere. Average water temp at the beach is 76 degrees. Housed in a beautifully restored factory dating from 1910, this free attraction showcases the history of cigar production in the Tampa area. To help you make the most of your holiday money, we’ve put together a list of 33 top free things to do in Tampa. Here’s a guide of the experiences you must have in the Tampa Bay area. Moreover, there is art from ancient Greece and Rome at this museum.

Indulge in some travel worthy steaks

A haven for nature lovers and bird watchers, the park features an amazing 3,500 foot boardwalk and observation tower where visitors can view a variety of wildlife. If March is the only time you can visit, there’s a fair then, too. If you want to have lunch together, you should check out Sunday’s Delicatessen for sure. Sean Pavone / Getty Images. Board a Magical Train Just an hour and a half drive from Tampa is a real life Hogwarts Express that will take you through the magical world of Harry Potter. Click here to learn more. One of the most interesting exhibits is a hologram of a pirate engaged in a sword fight. The South Tampa Greenway is part of the regional trails system.

68 Visit the Chihuly Collection Together: Romantic Date Idea in Tampa If You Like Art

Hyde Park is an upscale and beautiful neighborhood of Tampa, and there are lots of adorable shops and farmers‘ markets in Hyde Park Village. Be sure to check out this 3 Days in Miami Itinerary if you’re heading to the south of Florida. ArcadesPizzaSports BarsTown N Country. This is one event you don’t want to go into without a solid plan, so check out our Ultimate Gasparilla Guide. This is a great zoo in the city where you can find more than 1250 animals. Today the factory remains as Ybor City’s last operating cigar factory and features a free 3 floor museum and cigar shop. The tours last for about 3. Be sure to try one of the bowls of fine, locally sourced, fare. Located just fifteen minutes drive northeast of the center, the park covers a huge area and has ten different zones to explore. And there are many other types of attractions, including 2 water rides. Richard Cummins / Getty Images. The celebration culminates in one final day long invasion parade and street fair that some say rival Mardi Gras. Six trailheads provide access depending on where you want to kick off your ride, and a connection meets up with the Suncoast Trail for a longer ride. Originally known as the Ice Palace, the arena was opened in 1996 and has since hosted countless NHL games. Several companies offer dolphin tours in the Tampa area, but some highly rated options include Dolphin Quest and A Boat Day. Amidst its lush tropical themed grounds you can find a long lazy river, man made beaches, and a wave pool, as well as lots of splash areas and slides. Since founded in the 1930s, its collection has expanded considerably, and now includes birds and beasts from as far away as Africa, Asia, and Australia. This is a review for fun things to do at night in Tampa, FL. Sep 12 :Book of the Week The Latest Release from Dale Earnhar. If you’re a sports fan, there are plenty of opportunities to see the pros in action. Discover the Outdoors Encompass yourself in the lush beauty of Tampa and explore its many rivers and state parks. The original Davis Islands location offers a collection of over 115 varieties of loose leaf tea. The market typically runs from 9am 1pm. If you want to feel the aquatic for real, head on to Stingray Beach, where you can touch creatures such as anemones and sea stars. This can be very romantic. The rooftop bar EDGE is a great place to sip on a cocktail with panoramic views of the city as the picture perfect backdrop. Offering all kinds of outdoor activities, it has diverse ecosystems with educational exhibits and displays. Six dining and drinking venues from Miami’s uber popular Coyo Taco Group include Marisquería Como Como, a seafood restaurant and raw bar, open air rooftop. The Park is highly esteemed for its tropical zoological setting and animal encounters.

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Enormous things are happening in downtown Tampa, where Bill Gates is among the investors in the burgeoning Water Street Tampa district, a multi use project that recently saw the opening of Tampa’s first true five star luxury hotel, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. 25+ Million Annual Readers. Bayshore Boulevard features 4. In its day, it was the largest cigar factory in the world. This place doesn’t only sell pizza, you can also have salads and sandwiches here. From the entrance, the paths guide you into a lush oasis that showcases some impressive themed gardens and different ecosystems. It features a large neon sign with the name of the theater. Modifications may change your rate, and if so, the Car Selection page will redisplay. Ybor was a successful cigar baron, who opened what would go on to be the largest cigar factory on earth.

Stroll along Honeymoon Island State Park

Of course, the water is a key attraction, and a kayaking tour, a stand up paddleboard excursion, or cruising out on the Tampa Bay—or through the network of inland waterways—should be on your agenda. In addition to the permanent collection, the center features a temporary gallery with changing exhibits. The best day to go is on Sunday for the weekly Sunday market, which features an assortment of Thai food plus Thai tea and coffee. Since 1995, the sanctuary has taken in injured, abused or abandoned wild cats both large and small and provided them with care and a safe space to live. What Is The Tampa Riverwalk. There’s also the quirky Gasparilla Pirate Festival that’s been invading the shores of Tampa Bay for more than a century. The list of things to do here is extensive, starting with both full facility and primitive camping. After Indian remains were found during some construction downtown, the remains were moved to a nearby location off Interstate 4 and the spot was granted Seminole Tribe reservation status. Florida can be hot most of the year and what better way to cool off as a family than hitting Tampa’s most popular water park, Adventure Island. This is a placeholder. Any decision regarding permitting entry to the restaurant is entirely at the management’s discretion. There are also feeding opportunities and fun night tours to embark on. Without these technologies, things like personalized recommendations, your account preferences, or localisation may not work correctly. Exhibits also delve into the history of the hotel and its former owner. In fact, the Tampa Bay area is known as the lightning capital of North America, with the average resident being within half a mile of a lightning strike 10 to 15 times per year. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Pete Beach, Treasure Island is an old fashioned seaside community best known for its independent mom and pop motels right on the beachfront – offering great value and access to a very wide, fantastic chalk white beach. The gravy train came to a sudden halt due to the Great Depression. Admission for cyclists is $2 close enough to free for a mention. Fresh water wetlands and a floodplain are found alongside woods, swamps, and the winding Hillsborough River. Whether you want to pick up some produce or browse artisan goods, the Beach Market at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is a fun addition to a beach day. Read more about ZooTampa at Lowry Park →. Tampa’s Big Cat Rescue has been open since 1995 and is a sanctuary for injured and abandoned cats. Downtown Tampa is an area of high rise office blocks, but the city also has historic old quarters, such as Ybor City and Old Hyde Park. There are lots of craft breweries and even waterfront rooftop bars for sipping your favorite beverages while you relax. When kayaking, dolphins, pelicans, starfish, and other marine creatures will give you company. You’ll also find splash pads, playgrounds and a dog run throughout the waterfront park. The face paced sport is a thrill to watch live, even if you’re new to hockey.

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Moreover, the restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to make the best dishes. Works by Picasso, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, and Lichtenstein are all on display in addition to hundreds of others, but even more incredible is the building. Take some time to explore the small museum and video presentation to provide some background and context to the colorful history of what was once known as the „Cigar Capital of the World. The adventure park is not only packed with rush inducing coasters, but it’s also home to Tampa’s largest zoo. Explore the shopping opportunities along historic Corey Avenue and take some time to tour the beautiful Don Cesar Resort. There is always something interesting and enticing going on at the arena with concerts and ice shows held alongside innumerable sporting spectacles. If you’re after an exciting event to attend when in town then watch Tampa Bay Lightning play a fast paced ice hockey match at the Amalie Arena. Opened in 1905, the landmark restaurant takes up an entire city block in the historic Ybor City district of Tampa. Franklin Street is the pedestrian center of downtown Tampa where you will find plenty of shopping, restaurants, and things to do. In Tampa, they celebrate this history for two months every year. Address: 711 Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida. The best day to go is on Sunday for the weekly Sunday market, which features an assortment of Thai food plus Thai tea and coffee. The habitats are arranged to accurately represent a watershed area similar to the Tampa area so that visitors can see the wide variety of fish and ocean life. Best of all, admission is totally free. Every Friday from 7 10pm, you can learn how to play shuffleboard from the best during the weekly St. Going to this amazing art gallery is one of the best date ideas in Tampa for sure. 9 Day Good Food Ireland Group Tour. Places to Take Pictures. Doing a picnic together is one of the most romantic things to do in Tampa for sure. With travel costs soaring, travelers to Tampa will be happy to know that there are plenty of things to do and see that won’t bust the budget. Grab your lanyard at the Straz Center for access to free admission at the Henry B. Or you can enjoy classical music at a theater. Live entertainment includes flamenco and jazz in the café.

Atlantic Coast

Another area for great casual dining options is the Armature Works. For a more in depth understanding of the process of cigar manufacturing and to see normally closed areas of the building, sign up for the 75 minute tour additional fee. The menu is a mix of locally sourced items with a twist. It is named for its founder, cigar baron Vicente Martinez Ybor. This is a huge antique center and adjacent flea market on the same property. Fresh water wetlands and a floodplain are found alongside woods, swamps, and the winding Hillsborough River. Amidst its lush tropical themed grounds you can find a long lazy river, man made beaches, and a wave pool, as well as lots of splash areas and slides. You can go along the beautiful 60 acre Helen Howarth Park and Equestrian Trail, which is a lovely experience. The architecture of the theater makes your date night in Tampa very special for sure. Ad vertisement by LuluGraceStore Ad from shop LuluGraceStore LuluGraceStore From shop LuluGraceStore. There are butterfly gardens, a stingray touch tank, and a trekking route through the estuary for more animal sightings.

8 Clearwater Beach

To help you make the most of your vacation dollars, 10 Best has put together a list of the top freebies in Tampa. It’s a great way to experience the real landscapes of Florida, and you might spot sea turtles, dolphins and manatees. Ad vertisement by LuluGraceStore Ad from shop LuluGraceStore LuluGraceStore From shop LuluGraceStore. They all combine to create an insightful aquarium that showcases life beneath the surface not only in the Sunshine State but around the world. What’s great is that you can see the animals at this zoo at various exhibits. The Glazer Children’s Museum can be found in the center of the city alongside the Tampa Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This is a placeholder. Tampa is known for being a great city for all ages and tastes, offering places to stay that fit any budget and catering to everyone, including families, outdoor adventure seekers, and foodies and wine connoisseurs. Kids will love playing a giant game of „operation“ as they learn about how the human body works and how technology helps people live longer, better lives. Best of all, admission is totally free. You can also go fishing or check out the Fort Foster State Historic Site. Even though there are high quality zoo and aquarium options in Tampa, they can get pricey if you’re visiting with the whole family. Theme parks help put Tampa on the tourist map and at the center of the city’s range of fun activities is Busch Gardens. Amidst its lush tropical themed grounds you can find a long lazy river, man made beaches, and a wave pool, as well as lots of splash areas and slides. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel. You can book seats for the latest films, and live shows that commence here. These friendly, well qualified folks will get you sorted out and racing across the treetops along 3,000 feet of ziplines in no time flat. Tampa has nice weather and tons of things to do, but they also have a scary past that has many running from these haunted tours.

28 Best Lake Getaways in TX

For further detail on our data policy and protection. This is very doable, as it takes only about 1. Average water temp at the beach is 76 degrees. There will be opportunities to visit with baby dinosaurs and the team of „dino trainers“ for a safari style photo of your vehicle and family complete with a dinosaur backdrop. Other local go tos include St. Read more about Ybor City →. Find a bottle, cozy up in a nook, and read your favorite book to your partner. But, if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, check out one of these top spots near Tampa that will still offer plenty of fun in the sun. Sean Pavone / Getty Images. The week long Gasparilla Piratefest takes place in late January and celebrates the legendary pirate Jose Gasper who terrorized the waters of Western Florida in the late 18th century. COM: Facebook TwitterTALLAHASSEE CBSMiami/AP — The state’s tourism marketing agency latest campaign to lure visitors to Florida is none other than Mr. Tampa’s Florida Aquarium has an exciting variety of animal habitats, exhibits, and activities to educate and entertain all ages. Housed in a wonderfully restored tram car warehouse here, you’ll find restaurants and a variety of eclectic shops. And that’s especially so if you are looking for more unique items to buy. The Glazer Children’s Museum is home to over 20 hands on exhibits for children of all ages. About UsStart HereWork With UsContact. Caution: When ordering seafood, make sure to double check with your server when and where it was harvested. Check the website for the latest updates. Also included are shows at the 4 D theater, where sensory elements are added to a 3 D film for a completely immersive experience. Six trailheads provide access depending on where you want to kick off your ride, and a connection meets up with the Suncoast Trail for a longer ride. Home to 33 historic structures, the Heritage Village bills itself as a „living history museum.

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You may find out after reviewing the names of the waterslides: Vortex, Aruba Tuba, Caribbean Corkscrew, Colossal Curl, Vanish Point, Water Moccasin, Calypso Curl, and Riptide. Enjoy eight attractions, including the Florida Aquarium and Glazer Children’s Museum, along the Riverwalk. As well as stroking starfish and sea anemones in its touch tank, you can also enjoy its water park, or even swim with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles in one of its aquaria. This waterfront park located steps from the Tampa Riverwalk offers abundant open air breezes and draws many couples to its beautiful and sprawling green filled space. The TECO Streetcar is a convenient and free way to get around Ybor, Channelside and parts of downtown. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club for a free Friday session. For residents and visitors alike, there’s no shortage of family fun in Tampa, whether it’s walking the ecosystems at the Florida Aquarium, enjoying a pro football or hockey game, or riding a thrill coaster at Busch Gardens. Many people plan to spend time in Tampa because of the fun nightlife scene, and if this describes you, then Ybor City is a great option. The highlight is the Heights Public Market, a food hub of different restaurant stalls serving everything from vegetarian comfort food to artisan ice cream sandwiches. Tampa is known for being a great city for all ages and tastes, offering places to stay that fit any budget and catering to everyone, including families, outdoor adventure seekers, and foodies and wine connoisseurs. In February and March, the city comes alive with parades, music festivals, a film festival, a marathon, and a festival of the arts. This building used to be the Tampa Bay Hotel. About UsStart HereWork With UsContact. The Florida State Fair takes place every February in Tampa. Works by Picasso, Renoir, Cassatt, Degas, and Lichtenstein are all on display in addition to hundreds of others, but even more incredible is the building. Offering all kinds of outdoor activities, it has diverse ecosystems with educational exhibits and displays. This aquarium has a wide variety of oceanic life and activities for you to do. Several special animal encounters are available, including the opportunity to hand feed kangaroos and giraffes; watch as park staff members tend to their patients at the Animal Care Center; and get up close to some of the favorite residents, including sloths and flamingos. What’s great as well is that the restaurant’s interior is very modern. It doesn’t matter if Tampa is your hometown or you’re a visitor, everyone loves their street car. Each exhibit focuses on a certain type of animal or a certain region in the world. Travelers who stay in this part of town love being close to the pedestrian promenade known as the Riverwalk. Step inside and gaze around this former industrial building, and it’s hard to believe that it’s been transformed into the hip and happening place it is today. At this place, you can find a lot of trampolines that you can jump on together.

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While the Serengeti Plain is home to hundreds of free roaming animals such as giraffes, rhinos and zebras, the Egypt and Congo zones both boast thrill rides and rollercoasters. If so, you’re in for continuous fun and beautiful scenery in this Southeast city. Ybor City is now a National Historic Landmark District. The beautiful city of Tampa is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches with clear waters and exciting cultural attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium. There are lots of tourist attractions in Tampa Florida, as well as relaxing local spots to enjoy. Additionally shorts are not permitted after 3. Located along the city’s waterfront in the Channelside District is the fabulous Florida Aquarium, which boasts a massive collection of marine life. For an even more hands on experience, the aquarium offers Swim and Dive tours where visitors can actually suit up in scuba gear and swim with the fish and sharks. READ MORE: SeaWorld First Orlando Theme Park To Host Special Pokemon Go Event. This beach is perfect for a relaxing, laid back day or an event filled day. Like a living postcard, Hillsborough River State Park is a picturesque place to soak up Florida’s natural scenery. Learn about Tarpon Springs‘ Greek heritage and learn about the city’s sponge divers with a stop by the Historic Sponge Docks. Check the website for the latest updates. This is especially true at the end or starting points at Sparkman Wharf, where you’ll find a fine mix of „container“ restaurants or the Armature Works, where the dining options are primarily indoors in a beautifully restored industrial building. To make it even more fun, when the sun goes down, they have cosmic zip lining. It is named for its founder, cigar baron Vicente Martinez Ybor. This resides within the center and offers workshops for those interested in the performing arts. Trying to save a little money. If you are staying downtown and are looking for a pleasant place to stretch your legs, head over to the Tampa Riverwalk. While some sections focus on the bay’s first native inhabitants, others offer an interesting look at Spanish conquistadors, influential Floridian figures, and Cuban cigar workers.

Florida Resident Deals for Labor Day: Discounts and Perks for Couples

Florida can be hot most of the year and what better way to cool off as a family than hitting Tampa’s most popular water park, Adventure Island. Ad vertisement by SewnweII Ad from shop SewnweII SewnweII From shop SewnweII. Perhaps the most lively neighborhood in the city, Ybor is a pedestrian friendly, people watching haven for explorers, strollers and club goers. Traverse a 200 foot suspension bridge. Another of the city’s amazing animal related attractions is ZooTampa, which is ten minutes drive north of the center in Lowry Park. This is a placeholder. Bathrooms are plentiful along this scenic rail trail, as are picnic areas for snack breaks. At one point, the Ybor cigar factory was the largest in the world with over 4,000 people hand rolling more than 900,000 cigars a month. Read more about Henry B. There are plenty of beach side amenities including restaurants, Tiki bars, cabana rentals, jet ski rentals and other adventure opportunities. It is a beautiful place for a run with your significant other. Looking to burn some serious calories. Warm water discharging from a canal at Tampa Electric’s Big Bed Power Station has drawn manatees since 1986, and today the designated Manatee Viewing Center is a free place to see these gentle giants. Jenny Lewis and pretty“ more. For example, a very romantic activity is doing an evening yacht cruise. Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive park located on the western shore of Tampa Bay. Written by Lana Law and Michael LawUpdated Apr 25, 2022. This 100 year old garden is filled with some of the oldest and most exotic plants in Florida. Unwind at Armature Works Situated in the historic neighborhood of Tampa Heights, Armature Works combines luxury and leisure in an innovative way. Celebrate the middle of the workweek with a relaxing stroll through the Heights Night Market, which takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 5:30 – 9:30pm in front of Armature Works. The tour includes 16 stops highlighting various works of art including sculptures, murals, mosaic and more. Read more about Ben T. In a place with 300 days of sunshine per year, golf is very popular, including courses visited every year by the PGA and Champions Tours. A major perk of living in the Tampa Bay area is close proximity to the area’s incredible, award winning beaches. One of the newest exhibits is the Treasure Seekers Gallery. If so, you’re in for continuous fun and beautiful scenery in this Southeast city. While this class is technically free, there’s a suggested donation of $5.

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Consider getting the Tampa CityPASS to save money on selected attractions. Besides seeing bobcats, jaguars and ocelots up close, visitors can take tours where you can feed or photograph them, with nighttime safaris also offered. For outdoors and adventure seekers who want to hike, bike, paddle or see wildlife, hit one of the Tampa area’s many parks and preserves, such as Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa or Lettuce Lake Park in north Tampa. But if you want to include more in your shot, you could use a tripod. If so, then this is one of the best date ideas in Tampa for you for sure. Start at the south end of the Riverwalk, making sure to take in the Riverwall Exhibit, a 550 photograph collage by artist Bruce Marsh. “ This is also a good spot to shop for authentic and local souvenirs of your visit. Aside from walking, you can admire nature and keep your eye out for wildlife by paddling along the river. Your adventures around Tampa will ensure that you work up quite the appetite. Opened in 2020, the JW Marriott has a modern and sophisticated design with a full service spa and fitness center, a rooftop pool and sun terrace, a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and a rooftop lounge with direct views of the waterfront. Tampa has long been a sports town. After a workout on the Courtney Campbell Trail, reward yourself with some beach time at Ben T Davis Beach. Get a Weekly List of the Tampa Bay Area’s Hottest Date Spots by Email or Text. The dog was confiscated from the ex couple by deputies and taken to a local pet hospital for routine examination. Inject a bit of healthy competition into date night by playing bar trivia. Housed in a historic building, inside you’ll find a gift shop, coffee shop, bookstore, Champagne Bar, Warby Parker, Oxford Exchange restaurant, co working space, and event space. VISIT FLORIDA® is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U. To enjoy some live sport in Tampa, you won’t have to venture far. Protected since 1982, its sprawling confines encompass a wide array of Floridian ecosystems. At this place, you can have a delicious cup of coffee together. You don’t have to pay to join a tour to explore the city; many self guided walking tours are available online and in person for free. Spanish, Cuban, Italian, and other cultural influences, brought to Tampa through the immigrants that shaped the city’s history, have created a dining experience that you won’t find in other parts of the state. Parking and admission are free.

Top Choices for Fun and Adventure in Tampa

The area’s beaches are some of the finest in the nation—winning awards for everything from sand quality to environmental management. “ In honor of the family’s 125th anniversary and the factory’s 110th anniversary, the factory was fully restored and re opened to the public in 2021. Today, this area is a protected sanctuary and run by the Manatee Viewing Center. Tampa is known for being a great city for all ages and tastes, offering places to stay that fit any budget and catering to everyone, including families, outdoor adventure seekers, and foodies and wine connoisseurs. One of the most wonderful activities is doing a hot air balloon ride. And seeing this together while sailing is one of the best date ideas in Tampa for sure. The Riverwalk is the best and easiest way to experience the city and all of its main attractions. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge. Call 813 964 6862 or email. Spring, fall, and most of winter will feature some of the best weather in the country, comparatively speaking, with highs in the 60’s and 70’s most days. International Plaza, So Ho and Hyde Park host trendy and upscale offerings popular with young professionals.