10 Best Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida, on the shores of Tampa Bay. It's the third-largest city in the state, with a population of about 400,000 people. Tampa has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the area before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Tampa became a major port and railroad hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy and other countries who contributed to its cultural and economic development. Today, Tampa is a vibrant and modern city that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. On this episode, I’m showing you the best things to do in Tampa, from exploring historic neighborhoods to having fun at some of its modern attractions.
Top 7 Things to Do in Channelside Tampa
Tampa Channelside is a vibrant district located along the waterfront of Downtown Tampa, Florida. Boasting a myriad of attractions and activities, this bustling area offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Tampa Channelside has got you covered. Here are the top 7 things to do in this exciting neighborhood:
1. Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is a hip and trendy outdoor destination that features a variety of mouthwatering dining options, lively entertainment, and stunning views of the waterfront. This vibrant food hall offers an array of culinary delights ranging from seafood to international flavors. Whether you're in the mood for fresh oysters or gourmet tacos, Sparkman Wharf is a must-visit spot for food lovers.
2. Florida Aquarium
Dive into the underwater world at the Florida Aquarium, home to a plethora of marine life and interactive exhibits. Immerse yourself in the beauty of vibrant coral reefs and encounter fascinating sea creatures. From touching stingrays to coming face-to-face with sharks in the massive underwater tunnel, this world-class aquarium offers an unforgettable experience for all ages.
3. American Victory Ship and Museum
History enthusiasts will be enthralled by the American Victory Ship and Museum. Step aboard this fully restored World War II cargo ship and explore its historic corridors, crew cabins, and cargo holds. Learn about the ship's role in various military conflicts and gain insight into the lives of the brave men and women who sailed on her. Take a walk through history and appreciate the sacrifices made on this floating museum.
4. Tampa Bay History Center
Discover the rich and diverse heritage of Tampa Bay at the Tampa Bay History Center. This interactive museum offers fascinating exhibits that showcase the area's unique past, from the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the land to the pioneers who shaped the city. Delve into Tampa's maritime history, explore exhibits on cigar-making, and learn about the influence of Cuban immigrants. This museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and a must-visit for history buffs.
5. Riverwalk & Taxi
Experience the incredible beauty of the Tampa waterfront by strolling along the Riverwalk. This scenic promenade stretches for 2.4 miles and offers stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the city skyline. For a more unique way to explore the area, hop aboard one of the water taxis which will take you to different stops along the river, such as Curtis Hixon Park, Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and more. This is a great way to see Tampa from a different perspective.
6. Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
This waterfront park along the Garrison Channel spans more than four acres and includes a pier, jogging path, playground and canoe launch. A plaza honors veterans and lost first responders and there’s a memorial to the Seminole Indian Wars. This green space also plays host to a variety of special events throughout the year.
7. Ybor City
Hop on the Streetcar in Channelside and take a free ride to Ybor City, Tampa’s famous neighborhood that was once the cigar capital of the world. You can learn more about the unique heritage of this place at Ybor City Museum State Park. Take a walking tour to experience Ybor’s architecture and stick around after nightfall when the area transforms into a lively entertainment district where you can eat and drink, catch some live music or dance the night away.
10 Best Things to Do in Ybor City
Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most famous and one of its most colorful neighborhoods. Minutes from downtown, this charming historic district of about 300 acres got its start in the 1880s. That’s when Spanish immigrant Vincente Martinez-Ybor brought the booming cigar industry to Tampa.
Ybor was the first, the visionary. Not long after the turn of the century, about a couple hundred cigar factories were producing over a million cigars a day. Thousands of Cuban, Italian, Spanish, Eastern European and some Chinese immigrants were drawn to what became known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
Ybor and his industry counterparts established other area businesses like a streetcar line, grocery stores and other essential services along with constructing small houses known as “casitas.” Workers could purchase the homes at cost as a way of increasing staff retention and improving worker satisfaction.
The company town boomed for several years until the Great Depression triggered a downturn in the cigar industry. Demand for luxury products like fine cigars dropped, leading to the closure of some of the factories. As mechanized production increased, many workers lost their jobs and left the city.
The neighborhood further declined in the 1950s when I-4 was constructed through Ybor.
The eighties and nineties brought revitalization to one of Florida’s most unique cultural gems. Today, this national historic district is teeming with the Sunshine State’s biggest industry - tourism. On this episode, we show you around this Tampa neighborhood and run down what we think are the best things to do in Ybor City.
Can’t-Miss Things in Gulfport, Florida
In the shadow of its larger neighbors of Tampa and St. Petersburg to the east is a quaint town that’s just under three square miles. What it lacks in size it makes up for in personality.
Known by several names in the mid and late 1800s, the town was incorporated as Gulfport in 1912. In the early days, it could only be reached by boat. Escaped blockade runners from Key West settled this place and it remained a mullet-fishing village for years.
Come along as we explore this quirky little community with a great big heart.
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Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Other hours by appointment and open during all special events.
727-201-8687
5301 28th Ave. S., Gulfport, Florida, 33707
Admission: Free. -
Visit the Gulfport Historical Society Facebook Page
Best Things to Do in Madeira Beach, Florida
Just under 30 miles southwest of Tampa and about a half-hour drive from downtown St. Pete, you’ll find one of America’s best beach towns.
With a shoreline that’s about 2 1/2 miles long, Madeira Beach continues to pile up accolades.
Locals lovingly refer to it as “Mad Beach” with it cracking Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Beaches in the nation just a couple of years ago.
This popular beach town was born out of an old fishing village.
During the late 1940s and into the 1950s is when the community started to develop in earnest. Retirees built single-family homes and mom and pop motels sprung up attracting sun-seekers.
Over the years, condos have replaced many of the smaller lodging options while snow birds continue to make this their winter home.
Today, this pristine beach on the Gulf Coast draws visitors from all over. Step foot onto the sand and it’s easy to see why.
On today’s episode, we’re showing you the best things to do in Madeira Beach, from one of the area’s most popular tourist spots to a candy store that’s been in business since 1950 and a location where you can close out a busy day after exploring this captivating little beach town.
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Metered Parking
Current parking rate: $3.00/hour
*You may park at these locations between 6 a.m. and midnight, except for at Kitty Stuart Park which closes at 10 p.m. Meters are in effect during these hours, seven days a week. Parking any other time without a weekly or monthly parking permit is prohibited.
There is also privately owned parking around John’s Pass Village including the John’s Pass Village Parking Garage (727-398-3968) and lots operated by FLParking (727-401-0530). Pinellas County owns and manages the lot located on Gulf Blvd at 145th Ave. and can be contacted at 727-582-2100 Ext. 0. -
The City of Madeira Beach offers weekly and monthly parking for visitors in city owned parking lots. Passes are for a specific lot, and are assigned to the closest lot available to your desired location. The current rate for passes is $ 100 per week or $ 200 per month (No daily rates are available). Payment can be made by cash or check, or can be charged with a 3% service charge. Passes allow overnight parking, and are also good during daytime hours on a first come first served basis.
**Starting on June 27th we will no longer be issuing visitor passes. You will be able to feed the meter for overnight parking via ParkMobile App. There will only be a select number of spot available per lot for overnight parking.
Visitor parking permits can be purchased in person at City Hall or over the phone..
Parking passes do not guarantee parking spaces.
Passes are accepted at the following locations:
130th Ave located west of Gulf Boulevard at 130th Avenue.
City parking lots – Located on the west side of Gulf Boulevard at 131st, 132nd, 133rd, 134th, 135th and 136th Avenues, and on the east side of Gulf Boulevard at 133rd Avenue.
Passes are NOT accepted at the following locations:
Kitty Stuart Park, West side of Gulf Boulevard at 141st Avenue.
Archibald Memorial Beach Park, 15100 Gulf Boulevard.
John’s Pass Village parking lot at Village Boulevard and 129th Avenue East.
John's Pass Park Lot (Beach access)
134th Avenue E.
Passes allow overnight parking, and are also good during daytime hours on a first come first served basis. Passes are for a specific lot, and are assigned to the closest lot available. -
Madeira Beach uses pay stations and phone apps (Park Mobil and Where To Park) to collect parking fees of $3.00/hr.
This is a complete list of city-owned and managed parking lots.
John’s Pass Park, Gulf Boulevard and 129th Avenue West
John’s Pass Village parking lot at Village Boulevard and 129th Avenue East
John’s Pass Village on Village Boulevard
Gulf Boulevard at 131st Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 133rd Avenue East and West of Gulf Blvd.
Gulf Boulevard at 134th Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 135th Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 136th Avenue
Gulf Boulevard at 141st Avenue (Kitty Stuart Park)
You may park at these locations between 6 a.m. and midnight, except for at Kitty Stuart Park which closes at 10 p.m. Meters are in effect during these hours, seven days a week. Parking any other time without a weekly or monthly parking permit is prohibited.
There is also privately owned parking around John’s Pass Village including the John’s Pass Village Parking Garage (727-398-3968) and lots operated by FLParking (727-401-0530). Pinellas County owns and manages the lot located on Gulf Blvd at 145th Ave. and can be contacted at 727-582-2100 Ext. 0. -
Archibald Memorial Beach Park is located at 15100 Gulf Blvd. Archibald offers metered parking spots directly by the beach with four wooden walkovers, public restrooms, two outdoor shower areas, covered picnic area, and two sand beach volleyball courts. Located on site, The Snack Shak provides beach goers a great opportunity to grab a meal or pick up a beverage to enjoy on the beach.
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Complete list available HERE.
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For a list of shops, bars, restaurants and tour options, visit the official John’s Pass website.
