Things to do

Busch Gardens Tampa is a theme park and zoo featuring a blend of African-themed animal habitats with over 300 species and a variety of thrill rides and roller coasters. It offers attractions for all ages, including live shows, family-friendly areas, and restaurants, with a strong emphasis on both entertainment and wildlife conservation. Key features include the Serengeti Plain, with free-roaming animals, and numerous rides like Iron Gwazi and SheiKra. 

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a 63-acre nonprofit zoo in Tampa, Florida, focused on conservation, education, and family-friendly entertainment. It is home to over 1,300 animals and features exhibits from around the world, with a special emphasis on Florida wildlife, including a manatee critical care center. Beyond animal viewing, the zoo offers animal encounters, rides like the Roaring Springs, and various educational shows and programs. 

Walt Disney World Resort is a massive entertainment complex near Orlando, Florida, with four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), two water parks, over 30 hotels, and a shopping and dining district called Disney Springs. The resort features numerous other recreational options, including golf courses, a sports complex, and extensive transportation, which is necessary for navigating the expansive property.  

Just 90 minutes from Tampa!

The Florida Aquarium is a non-profit organization in downtown Tampa that features nine marine and wildlife habitats, from Florida's wetlands to a large coral reef with sharks and sea turtles. Beyond the exhibits, it is dedicated to conservation, education, and research, offering interactive experiences like a dolphin cruise, a stingray touch pool, and an underwater walking tour. It houses over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals, and its mission is to save marine wildlife and educate the public about marine stewardship. 

Armature Works is a historic mixed-use building in Tampa Heights that was originally a streetcar barn and is now a premier community destination featuring the Heights Public Market, multiple restaurants, event spaces, and a coworking space. It is located on the Hillsborough River and offers waterfront views, innovative eateries, and recreational access along the Riverwalk. 

The Motor Enclave is a 200-acre motorsports complex in Tampa, Florida, featuring a professional 1.72-mile race track, a 100-acre off-road course, and a 2-acre vehicle dynamics pad. It also includes a large event center for corporate and private functions, and is home to the world's largest private garage community for luxury car owners. The facility offers a variety of experiences, including driving programs, simulators, and luxury events for enthusiasts, corporate clients, and the general public. 

John's Pass is a popular tourist village and boardwalk located in Madeira Beach, Florida, known for its historic fishing village charm, waterfront dining, and diverse shopping. It originated from a pass created by a hurricane in 1848, named after the pirate John Levique, and has evolved into Pinellas County's top tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy activities like deep-sea fishing, dolphin watching, parasailing, and exploring over 100 shops and restaurants along the boardwalk. 

Clearwater Beach is a popular, family-friendly destination on Florida's Gulf Coast known for its soft white sand, clear blue-green waters, and beautiful sunsets. Located on a barrier island west of the city of Clearwater, it offers a wide range of activities including swimming, watersports like parasailing and jet skiing, and attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The lively atmosphere is complemented by numerous restaurants, shops, and the central Pier 60, which hosts daily sunset celebrations. 

Adventure Island is a 30-acre water park in Tampa, Florida, located across the street from Busch Gardens. It features a variety of attractions for all ages, including high-speed water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash areas for kids. The park also offers amenities like dining, shopping, and cabana rentals, with a tropical theme throughout. 

Elev8 Fun Tampa is an indoor entertainment complex located in the Citrus Park Town Center, offering activities like an electric go-kart track, laser tag, bowling, an aerial ropes course, mini-golf, and a large arcade. It features a full-service restaurant and bar, private party rooms, and also hosts events like live music on Fridays. The 100,000-square-foot venue is designed to be a year-round destination for families, friends, and group outings. 

Weeki Wachee is a state park in Florida famous for its "live mermaid shows" performed in a 400-seat underwater theater. The park is centered around a natural first-magnitude spring that produces over 117 million gallons of 74-degree water daily and is the headspring for the Weeki Wachee River. It is also home to the deepest known freshwater cave system in the U.S. and offers activities like kayaking, swimming in Buccaneer Bay, and wildlife viewing along the river. 

International Plaza and Bay Street is an upscale shopping and dining destination in Tampa, Florida, located next to the Tampa International Airport. It features a two-story enclosed mall with anchors like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Dillard's, alongside an adjacent outdoor lifestyle center called Bay Street, which has restaurants and smaller shops. The complex offers a wide range of options from luxury brands and casual eateries to high-end restaurants, making it a prominent entertainment hub in the region.