Tampa offers a wide range of activities and events this summer. Here are some top recommendations:
Outdoor Activities and Attractions
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Experience thrilling rides, animal encounters, and the Summer Nights event featuring fireworks and live entertainment.
The Tampa Riverwalk: Stroll along this scenic pathway that runs through downtown Tampa, offering beautiful views, parks, restaurants, and cultural sites.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Visit this family-friendly zoo to see a variety of animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Festivals and Events
Taste of the Cuban Sandwich Festival (July 27): A celebration of Tampa's iconic Cuban sandwich, featuring tastings and competitions.
Tampa Bay Comic Con (August 23-25): This popular convention at the Tampa Convention Center includes celebrity guests, panel discussions, and a wide array of vendors.
Rooftop Bars
Tampa offers a variety of fantastic rooftop bars where you can enjoy stunning views, delicious drinks, and great atmospheres. Here are some of the top options to consider:
M. Bird: Located at Armature Works, this rooftop bar offers incredible views of the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa. Their menu features unique bites like jerk chicken egg rolls and shrimp Rangoon, and their cocktail selection is impressive, with favorites like the Billy Ocean Water.
Sal Y Mar: Situated in the Aloft and Element hotels in Midtown Tampa, Sal Y Mar boasts a Mexican-inspired ambiance reminiscent of Tulum. With 360-degree views of Tampa Bay, it's a perfect spot for both dinner and drinks, offering a diverse menu and a stylish setting.
Rox Rooftop Bar: Known as the tallest rooftop bar in Tampa Bay, Rox offers 360-degree views from Rocky Point Island. This trendy bar features a unique cocktail menu inspired by Tampa's heritage and offers a relaxing atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Beacon: Located on top of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Beacon provides panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the downtown skyline. Known for its stylish setting and signature cocktails like the Dastardly Devil, it's an ideal place to catch a beautiful sunset.
The Canopy at The Birchwood: This rooftop bar in St. Petersburg offers stunning views of the bay, St. Pete Pier, and North Straub Park. The Canopy features private cabanas, fire pits, and a renowned frose that’s perfect for a refreshing drink.
Level 11 Rooftop Bar & Lounge: Located at the Bellwether Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach, this rooftop bar provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s known for its signature cocktails and the spectacular sunsets visible from its vantage point.
Cultural Experiences
Tampa Museum of Art: Explore contemporary and classical art exhibitions in a stunning building along the Riverwalk.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts: Catch a Broadway show, concert, or play at this premier performing arts venue.
Ybor City: Visit this historic neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, Cuban culture, and unique shops and restaurants.
Family-Friendly Activities
Florida Aquarium: Discover marine life through interactive exhibits and experiences, including touch tanks and a coral reef gallery.
Glazer Children's Museum: Engage young minds with hands-on exhibits and educational programs designed for children of all ages.
Beaches and Nature
Hillsborough River State Park: Spend a day hiking, kayaking, or picnicking in this scenic park known for its rapids and wildlife.
Clearwater Beach
- About 25 miles west of Tampa.
- Known for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and a lively pier with nightly sunset celebrations.
-Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, jet-skiing, and boat tours.
St. Pete Beach
- About 30 miles southwest of Tampa.
- Famous for its wide, sandy beaches and the iconic Don CeSar Hotel. It's a great spot for a more relaxed beach experience.
- Parasailing, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
Fort De Soto Park
- About 35 miles southwest of Tampa.
- A large park with pristine beaches, a historic fort, and plenty of wildlife. It's ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter beach experience.
- Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
Honeymoon Island State Park
- About 25 miles northwest of Tampa.
- Known for its natural beauty, shelling opportunities, and wildlife, including bald eagles and gopher tortoises.
- Swimming, fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
Caladesi Island State Park
- Accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island.
- One of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, offering a pristine and serene beach experience.
- Shelling, kayaking through mangrove forests, and hiking.
Ben T. Davis Beach
- On the Courtney Campbell Causeway, connecting Tampa to Clearwater.
- Closest beach to downtown Tampa, known for its calm waters and great sunset views.
- Swimming, picnicking, and volleyball.
Special Events
Niall Horan Concert: See the former One Direction star perform live at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on May 31, 2024.
Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival: Celebrate Caribbean culture with a vibrant parade, music, and food at Perry Harvey Sr. Park on June 8, 2024.
These activities and events provide a mix of excitement, culture, and relaxation, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy in Tampa this summer.
For more events near you be sure to check out https://www.eventbrite.com/ and https://www.unation.com/fl/tampa-bay/ 😊
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