Hi, and welcome to Tampa. I'm Vickie, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Tampa, Florida and I'll be your guide to show you around town to some of the places you may or may not have heard of that provide hours of entertainment for adults, children, singles, and couples. Even though I've lived in Tampa for many years, there are still places for me to go and experiences to explore. Whether it's fun, food, or fantasy, there's something to do in Tampa for all ages. I'm breaking it down by several areas to make it easier to pinpoint where you'll find a variety of entertainment options.
Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in the Tampa Area
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartments | $1,732 | $735 | $4,238 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,810 | $700 | $5,582 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,186 | $619 | $7,995 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,629 | $649 | $10,000+ |
| 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,601 | $509 | $10,000+ |
| 5 Bedroom Apartments | $2,959 | $750 | $9,995 |
North, Northeast, and Northwest Tampa
ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been around since I was a little girl. It was, then and still is today, a magical place to visit. Visit the many wildlife-friendly habitats, enjoy the rides, visit the manatees, and much more. Located across from the Hillsborough River, where you can enjoy walking, launch your boat, or have a picnic in one of the covered shelters.
Busch Gardens is one of the most visited attractions in Florida. It has also been around since my early years when it opened with just the gardens, flamingos roaming freely, parrots, and the brewery that was open to tours. Today, Busch Gardens is a one-stop attraction to get up close to many wildlife species, plus dining, shopping, live shows, amusement rides, and, of course, brew tasting. Across from Busch Gardens, cool off during the hot summer months at Adventure Island where water activities abound.
You never know what the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has in store for visitors with over 100 interactive experiences. One of the outstanding features at MOSI is gazing at the stars in the Digital Come Theatre at the museum's Saunders Planetarium.
Not far from MOSI located on the University of South Florida (USF) campus is the 15-acre botanical gardens that are well-worth the visit to enjoy the thousands of plants and flowers maintained throughout the developed gardens and natural greenbelt.
At the 300-acre In the Breeze Ranch, saddle up and go to explore the trails or make it a special evening with a sunset ride. The ranch is open to all ages and experience levels and offers riding lessons, too. I've added this one to my list of new things to do.
Some of the neighborhoods in the North Tampa area include Carrollwood, Forest Hills, Northdale, Lake Magdalene, University Square, and Tampa Palms.
South, Southeast, and Southwest Tampa
South Tampa is known as the home of MacDill Air Force Base. A few neighborhoods include Davis Island, Hyde Park and its upbeat SoHo district, and Harbour Island, just across the bridge from downtown Tampa.
For more "horsing around", in the south part of town, hitch up your jeans and pull on your boots and head to Perrenial Farm located on Interbay Blvd. for riding lessons. You'll find the academy at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club. The farm is open to the public and available for all ages.
You're also near scenic Bayshore Boulevard that runs past Tampa Bay. Bayshore was established in the early 1890s and has beautiful homes lining the way. It is one of the top destinations for walking, running, and biking along its 2-mile seawall sidewalk. From Bayshore, you can take the bridge to Davis Island, where numerous cafes, restaurants, and shopping venues line the way. Also on Davis Island, is Peter O'Knight Airport catering to small planes, plus aerial tours, the botanical gardens, marina, and a lovely stretch of beach where you can sit, inhale the fresh air, and watch the seagulls in this quiet environment. One of my favorite places.
West Tampa
You'll find many established neighborhoods in West Tampa, plus lots to do. West Tampa is known for its historical homes, cozy bungalows and beautiful architecture just west of the Hillsborough River. Just take a drive through the Seminole Heights neighborhood to get a sense of Tampa back-in-the-day. Another place with a long history near Seminole Heights you don't want to miss is La Segunda Bakery, in business since 1915. The aroma of fresh baked Cuban bread and tasty pastries wafts through the air. The Florida Avenue bakery is just one of their locations Stop by, call ahead, or order online. It's the perfect way to start the day.
East Tampa
When adults are "feeling lucky", it's time for a visit to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Orient Road just off East Hillsborough Avenue. Savor the flavors of fine and casual dining, have a refreshing beverage of your choice, then head to the slots and try your luck. There are also scheduled events, including exhibits, shows, and concerts.
Some of the neighborhoods include Jackson Heights, Belmont Heights, and College Hill. Temple Terrace, another busy Tampa neighborhood, is a short drive away.
Central Tampa
This area has so much to do you'll never be at a loss of places to go, things to do, dining options, and more. Central Tampa includes downtown and Ybor City. If you plan to spend some time in the downtown area, you can enjoy many interesting and entertaining attractions, such as The Florida Aquarium, Children's Museum, Tampa Museum of Art (lots to see and activities you can participate in), the 2.6-mile Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River, plus numerous dining options. Plan to take in a movie at the historical Tampa Theatre, built in 1926. The architecture and decor are beautiful and takes you back to another time.
Just across the bridge from downtown is the historic University of Tampa, which hosts the annual Victorian Stroll, where you have access to the vintage halls of the university decorated for the Christmas holiday and featuring historical memorabilia. It is a must-do for those who enjoy history. Take your time as there's no rush to peruse the different rooms and visit the souvenir shop.
Tampa Area Parks
If you enjoy hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and leisurely strolls along scenic trails, Tampa has more than a few to explore. Put on your most comfortable hiking boots and get ready for an adventure.
The Florida Trail is for serious hikers who enjoy the long haul. The trail runs for about 1,500 miles and has the designation of National Scenic Trail.
Lettuce Lake Regional Park is to the northeast and just off Fletcher Avenue and is a pleasant place to be. I went for the first time a couple of years ago when my niece hosted one of her painting parties for budding artists. Me included! We had a covered shelter beside the river shaded by giant trees. Not far from our shelter was the canoe and kayak rental station, which was busy. The park covers 240 acres. Enjoy the trails, nature center, picnic areas, playground, and save time for the observation tower.
Hillsborough River State Park keeps you busy with hiking, biking (rentals available), kayaking, canoeing, and sheltered pavilions for cookouts. The park is open year-round and located in the northeast just off U.S. 301 North. You can take Fletcher Avenue all the way to U.S. 301. Me and my family and friends have enjoyed many gatherings and cookouts at the park through the years.
Northdale Lake Park is past the northwest Carrollwood area. The park provides a peaceful environment with lovely landscaping, greenery, and scenic lake views while jogging, biking, or walking along the 1.7-mile trail. In Tampa, you'll first access the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, also in the northwest area, then connect to the Florida Trail.
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is situated along the river and a great place to watch boats, water taxis, and other watercraft go by, plus enjoy views of Riverwalk. You can walk alongside the waterfront, relax at one of the covered shelters, or watch the kids play at the playground. My niece hosted another painting party at this park I was the perfect setting for being creative.
Annual Festivals and Events
Yo ho ho, is what you'll hear every year at the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade. Celebrated since 1904, watch as Ye Mystic Krewe aboard the Gasparilla ship sails into Tampa, and the colorfully clad pirates take over the keys to the city. The parade is amazing with decked out floats, music, and more pirates passing out goodies to the crowd. The parade takes place along Bayshore Boulevard.
The Florida State Fair runs from the first part of February and runs for nearly two weeks. Save plenty of time to enjoy the rides, assorted food, midway games, exhibits, and live shows from top performers.
In the spring, take in the creative visions shared by over 200 artists at the free Annual Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of Arts that celebrated its 55th year in 2025 at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
A Few Nightspots, or Day Spots to Consider
Along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, after a day at the Ben T. Davis bayside beach area soaking up some rays, refresh yourself and enjoy tasty food and tidbits, music, and socializing at several locations. Relax during happy hour in the lounge at the Rusty Pelican or take a seat and enjoy views of the bay with your favorite libation at Whiskey Joe's. I've been to each and recommend them all.
If you're out for the day or night with your pet. BLUEFIN Waterfront Grill in Rocky Point provides a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy views of Tampa Bay from the pet-friendly patio while sipping a handcrafted cocktail. Bring your appetite and enjoy fresh seafood, and more.
On Harbour Island, you have access to a full day, or night of entertainment, a delectable menu, sushi, and an extensive bar at Jackson's Bistro located along the waterfront.
For late-in-the-night adult entertainment, venture out to Club Prana in Ybor City. With five floors featuring drinks, music, and a scenic rooftop, the vibes are awesome, and the beat goes on and on.
The Castle, in business since 1992, is unique and offers a variety of events, diverse music, and an interesting atmosphere for adults. The club is in historic Ybor City.
Speaking of Ybor City, if you don't know, you've got to go to the family-owned Columbia Restaurant in business since 1905. for a delicious menu of Spanish cuisine, plus exciting live Flamingo dancers for entertainment. I highly recommend adding the restaurant to your list of places to go. If you're in the downtown area, plan a visit to the Tampa Bay History Center, which is also a location for the Columbia Cafe.
Armature Works in the Tampa Heights area, just north of downtown, has a little bit of everything, from casual or rooftop dining to flavorful drinks available at several bars. The large facility offers free events for the public, rentals if you want to access the river, retail shopping, and more. Open seven days a week with various closing times from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Ybor City is history personified revolving around the beginnings of hand-crafted cigars, that began in late 1800s and became known as "the cigar capital of the world" by the early 1900s. There is so much to do, from satisfying your tastebuds with authentic cuisine, relaxing with a cafe con leche, shopping venues, bars, and perusing the goodies at the Ybor City Saturday Market, held year-round. From Ybor City, take the free trolley streetcar to go downtown and to the Channel District. The trolley covers 2.7 miles and runs every day.
Sparkman Wharf, located in the Channel District, is known for its local activities, restaurants, events, and places to live. The district is just a hop and a skip from downtown Tampa.
Serving a buffet dinner, plus an open bar, you'll enjoy the views of Tampa Bay, the downtown skyline, a DJ spinning tunes, and scenic waterfront homes when you reserve a dinner cruise aboard the Yacht StarShip with its boarding dock on Channelside Drive. There's also Craft Tampa for a leisurely cruise along the Hillsborough River with dining options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Pirate Water Taxi offers tours with 14 stops along the Hillsborough River. Great way to hop off at points of interest and then hop back on board. With their daily pass, you have unlimited hop on and off experiences.
These are some of the things you can look forward to when living in Tampa. The city offers opportunities to learn, explore, sample, and experience the history and culture that has created an environment as one of the best places to call home.
