Tampa is an exciting city on Florida’s Gulf coast known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and array of entertainment options.
| Activity/Location | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hillsborough River State Park | Tranquil nature trails, bird watching, kayaking. |
| Ballast Point Park | Waterfront views, picnics, playground. |
| Bayshore Boulevard | Picturesque walk along the bay with benches. |
| University of Tampa | Beautiful campus for leisurely strolls. |
| Channel District Street Murals | Over 20 colorful street murals showcasing local art. |
| Straz Center Promenade | Pedestrian area along Hillsborough River with sculptures. |
| Tampa Bay History Center | Smithsonian-affiliated history museum. |
| Curtis Hixon Park | Park with fountains, green space, and events. |
| Hyde Park Village | Boutique shopping and art galleries. |
| Apollo Beach Nature Preserve | Spot manatees in warmer months. |
| Free Museum Day | Explore museums on select free days. |
| Public Art Walking Tour | Self-guided tour of public art across the city. |
While Tampa offers plenty of fantastic attractions and activities that are worth spending money on, there are also many interesting things to experience in the city that won’t cost you a dime.
Enjoy Nature and Outdoor Activities at Hillsborough River State Park
icon name=”thumbtack” prefix=”fas”] Name and Location: Hillsborough River State Park, located northeast of Tampa, Florida.
History and Significance: One of Florida’s first state parks, established in the 1930s. It preserves the natural beauty of the Hillsborough River and its surrounding environment.
What to Expect: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking, canoeing, and camping. The park features rapids, nature trails, and abundant wildlife.
Visitor Information: Open year-round. Entrance fees apply. Facilities include a campground, picnic areas, and a park store.
This peaceful park along the flowing Hillsborough River provides a nice outdoor escape within the city. The park encompasses a variety of natural habitats, from sandhills and flatwoods to hardwood hammocks and river swamps. Go for a tranquil walk along the park’s nature trails and scenic riverbanks, perfect for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The Hillsborough River’s steady current is also ideal for kayaking and canoeing adventures.
Relax at Ballast Point Park
Name and Location: Ballast Point Park, situated at the north end of Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida.
History and Significance: The park has a rich history dating back to Tampa’s early development, offering panoramic views of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough Bay.
What to Expect: A peaceful environment ideal for picnicking, fishing off the pier, and enjoying the splash pad. Offers a playground and a beautiful view of the skyline.
Visitor Information: Free public access. Ample parking, a boat ramp, and restroom facilities are available.
This waterfront park sits on a peninsula that extends out into the mouth of Tampa Bay, flanked by the sparkling blue waters of the bay and Old Tampa Bay. Travel out onto the point along the scenic walking path and soak in stellar sweeping views of the water and the downtown Tampa skyline off in the distance. The park also features picnic areas, fishing spots, and a playground for the kids. Soak up some Florida sunshine and sea breezes as you gaze out over the beautiful bay.
Stroll Along Bayshore Boulevard
Name and Location: Bayshore Boulevard, running along the eastern coastline of Tampa, Florida.
History and Significance: Famous for being one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world. It’s a historic and scenic route offering breathtaking views of the bay.
What to Expect: A favorite spot for joggers, walkers, and cyclists. The boulevard is lined with stately homes and offers views of the water and city skyline.
Visitor Information: Accessible 24/7 with no admission fee. Limited parking along the street. Be mindful of the weather, as there’s little shade.
For a relaxed walk or bike ride along one of the prettiest routes in Tampa, head just east of downtown to find Bayshore Boulevard. This nearly 5-mile waterfront street hugs the western edge of Hillsborough Bay and is bordered by pleasant green space for meandering along. As you admire the graceful old homes and vibrant flowers, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views across the shimmering bay. Benches are available when you want to stop and sit for a bit.
Wander Through the University of Tampa
Name and Location: The University of Tampa, located in downtown Tampa, Florida.
History and Significance: The university is known for its distinctive architecture, particularly Plant Hall, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, which is a National Historic Landmark.
What to Expect: Stunning architecture and beautiful campus grounds. The Henry B. Plant Museum located within Plant Hall offers a glimpse into Tampa’s history.
Visitor Information: The campus is open to visitors, but check in advance for any access restrictions. The museum has its own visiting hours and entry fees.
The campus of the University of Tampa itself provides an elegant spot for a leisurely stroll. Beautiful classic buildings with striking minarets circle well-manicured lawns and palm tree-dotted landscapes across the 200-acre campus. Be sure to also walk down the grand Plant Park along the waterfront, a peaceful spot framed by statuesque live oak trees covered in swaying Spanish moss.
Check Out the Street Murals in the Channel District
Name and Location: The Channel District, a trendy area located in downtown Tampa, Florida.
History and Significance: An evolving area that has become known for its vibrant street art scene, showcasing the work of local and international artists.
What to Expect: A colorful array of large-scale murals that transform the district’s buildings into a public art gallery. Great for a self-guided art tour.
Visitor Information: Easily walkable, and the murals can be viewed at any time. No fees. Nearby dining and shopping options are available.
Tampa’s Channel District near downtown holds over 20 impressive and colorful murals showcasing artistic talent. As you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll spot murals of all sizes, styles, and subject matter, from abstract designs to wildlife scenes. Some span entire building walls! This outdoor street art gallery offers a free opportunity to appreciate local art and adds vibrant character to the Channel District.
Visit the Straz Center Promenade
Name and Location: Straz Center for the Performing Arts, located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa.
History and Significance: The Straz Center is the largest performing arts complex south of the Kennedy Center, playing a significant role in Tampa’s cultural scene.
What to Expect: A picturesque riverfront setting. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor promenade, dine at onsite restaurants, and possibly catch a show.
Visitor Information: The outdoor areas are open to the public. For show schedules and ticket information, visit the Straz Center’s website.
Situated along the Hillsborough River lies this pleasant, open pedestrian area known as the Straz Center Promenade. Visitors can take relaxing strolls along the brick-lined walkways and artful landscaping, which features dancing water fountains. Adding to the visual interest are large sculptures interspersed throughout the promenade. People-watch at one of the small cafes on site or view the river from the pier. The grassy area often hosts community events too.
Explore the Tampa Bay History Center
Name and Location: Tampa Bay History Center, located in Tampa’s Channel District.
History and Significance: A state-of-the-art history museum that chronicles the rich history of the Tampa Bay area, from native inhabitants to modern times.
What to Expect: Interactive exhibits, a research center, and educational programs. The museum covers various aspects of local history, including the cigar industry, sports, and natural history.
Visitor Information: Ticket purchase required. The museum has a gift shop and a café. Check their website for hours and special events.
Discover the rich history of Tampa Bay at this Smithsonian-affiliate history museum located along the downtown waterfront area. Interactive and engaging exhibits detail the unique stories of the Tampa Bay region. Learn about prehistoric peoples, Spanish colonization, pioneer life, and the area’s fishing and shipping industries. Historic artifacts help illustrate the region’s vibrant past. An old-fashioned general store exhibit evokes nostalgia for simpler times.
Take in the Sights at Curtis Hixon Park
Name and Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, located in downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough River.
History and Significance: This modern park serves as an urban oasis and a central hub for events and leisure in Tampa.
What to Expect: Spectacular views of the river and city skyline. The park features a dog park, children’s playground, and large open lawns for events and relaxation.
Visitor Information: Open to the public with no admission fee. Various events and festivals are held here throughout the year.
Find a nice spot to sit and relax at this lovely city park in downtown Tampa along the Hillsborough River. Children will enjoy watching the fountains shoot water and seeing the ducks swimming in the pond. Shady trees and pretty flowering plants fill the eight acres of green space. On warm weekends, visit the farmer’s market held at the park. Throughout the year, Curtis Hixon Park also hosts free fitness classes, live music performances, outdoor movies, and seasonal events.
Peruse the Shops at Hyde Park Village
Name and Location: Hyde Park Village, an upscale shopping district located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Tampa.
History and Significance: A historic area that blends old-world charm with modern luxury, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.
What to Expect: A collection of high-end shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The area also hosts regular events like farmer’s markets and outdoor concerts.
Visitor Information: Open daily with varying hours for different businesses. Parking can be found in street parking and nearby garages.
For an enjoyable afternoon browsing through charming boutiques and specialty shops, head over to the Hyde Park Village neighborhood shopping district. The vibrant village contains over 40 upscale stores, restaurants, and services in a quaint open-air setting. You can spend hours strolling down the brick walkways browsing art galleries, fashionable clothing stores, home décor shops, cosmetic stores, and other unique finds without having to buy anything.
See Manatees at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
Name and Location: Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, located near the Tampa Electric power plant in Apollo Beach.
History and Significance: Known for being a prime spot to observe Florida’s famous manatees, especially during the cooler months when they congregate in the warm waters.
What to Expect: A great place for wildlife viewing, particularly of manatees. The preserve also offers opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and enjoying the beach.
Visitor Information: Best visited during the winter months for manatee sightings. Free admission with limited facilities.
In the warmer months, manatees often come right up to the shoreline at this nature preserve south of Tampa in Apollo Beach. A designated manatee viewing area at the preserve provides an ideal free opportunity to spot these gentle “sea cows” swimming peacefully through the water. Walk along the boardwalk trail that goes out above the water for excellent chances of glimpsing manatees gliding beneath. Interpretive signs also teach about conservation efforts.
Attend a Free Museum Day
Name and Location: Various museums throughout Tampa, Florida.
History and Significance: Museums in Tampa occasionally offer free admission days to make art, culture, and history accessible to all.
What to Expect: Access to a variety of museums, ranging from art to history, without an admission fee. A great opportunity to explore multiple cultural venues.
Visitor Information: Check the websites of individual museums for free admission days and hours. Early arrival is recommended as these days can be quite popular.
Many of Tampa’s best museums offer free general admission a few days per month. Take advantage of these free museum days to explore places like Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum, and more without paying entrance fees. The museums rotate free days, so check their websites ahead of time to plan your visit. These free days allow you to gain some culture and see impressive collections on select days for free.
Go on a Self-Guided Public Art Walking Tour
Name and Location: Various locations throughout downtown Tampa.
History and Significance: Tampa’s public art walking tour showcases the city’s commitment to the arts, featuring a diverse range of artworks and installations.
What to Expect: A tour of Tampa’s public art pieces, including murals, sculptures, and installations. A chance to explore the city’s artistic side at your own pace.
Visitor Information: Maps and information about the artworks can often be found online. The tour is free and can be taken at any time.
Tampa boasts a thriving public art scene, with colorful and creative murals, sculptures, statues, and more found across many neighborhoods. Choose a section of the city and spend an afternoon seeking out stand-out works of public art by using a self-guided walking tour. Ybor City, the River Arts District, downtown, and the Channel District offer abundant pieces to spot. Public art adds visual intrigue to city explorations. Use a map to locate some of Tampa’s most interesting public artworks.
With pleasant parks and green spaces, university campuses to explore, vibrant neighborhood districts to stroll through, and a variety of cultural attractions, Tampa offers an array of interesting free things to do. Get out and discover some of these wallet-friendly activities that allow you to enjoy Tampa’s beauty, nature, history, and art.