The Greater Tampa Bay area is known for many things — white sandy beaches, year-round sunshine and Cuban cigars, to name a few. When it comes to entertainment, the fun reaches far beyond the sand and sea. In this vibrant slice of Florida, locals and tourists alike have no problem finding where the fun is — which solidifies it as one of the leading spots for entertainment in the country. From breweries and art galleries to pirate ships and theme parks, GTB is a playground for both the young and old.
Tampa Bay is known for its year-round sunny weather, and there are a multitude of daytime activities to enjoy while soaking in the gulf coast vitamin D. Stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4-mile waterfront path lined with eateries, shops, bars and popular, family-friendly attractions such as the Tampa Bay History Center and The Florida Aquarium. Head west to the newly rebuilt St. Pete Pier, where patrons enjoy a selection of bistros and watering holes, public art displays and the St. Petersburg Museum of History, plus a splash pad and the Discovery Center and Wet Classroom for little ones.
Thrill seekers can feel the rush of a visit to one of the area’s amusement parks. Seek new heights on one of Busch Garden Tampa Bay’s stomach-dropping roller coasters, cool off on a water slide at Tampa’s Adventure Island or enjoy some classic favorites such as bumper boats and mini golf at Clearwater’s Celebration Station. For a swashbuckling adventure, hop aboard Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise in Clearwater. This day cruise is, as its name suggests, aboard an authentic pirate ship that offers treasure hunts, water gun games and sing-along tunes.
Despite Tampa Bay’s sunny reputation, it still gets the occasional rain shower. Luckily, there are plenty of museums in the area to visit on a rainy day. Be immersed in Victorian luxury at the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the historic Tampa Bay Hotel that celebrates the establishment’s role in the tourism of Gilded-Age Tampa. Head to St. Pete to be surrounded by the brilliant works of renowned artist Salvador Dalí at the Dali Museum. Further north, the Clearwater Historical Society and Plumb House Museum houses preserved artifacts and educates on the history of all things, from music to agriculture, in the area.
Even after the sun sets, the entertainment never ends in Tampa Bay. Soak in the sights and ambiance at Sunsets at Pier 60 in Clearwater, where local artisans sell their wares, and street artists perform. Amble down historic Ybor City in Tampa, downtown St. Petersburg or Cleveland Street in Clearwater, where specialty shops, bars and breweries line the streets.
For a decadent night of fun and —hopefully — good luck, head to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which houses 245,000 square feet of gaming space, live music and delectable dining. See a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, a state-of-the-art theater that regularly hosts world-famous musicians, orchestras and Broadway shows. For a cinematic experience that is like a step back in time, visit the Tampa Theatre, an opulent movie palace built in 1926 and regularly shows classic films and hosts special events.
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Tampa Bay’s most anticipated annual events
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Jan. 29, 2022
Paying homage to the area’s pirate history, this annual festival features live music, great food, the country’s third-largest street parade and so much more.
Tampa Pride
May 22, 2022
On this special day, the LGTBQIA+ community comes together for a lively celebration that includes a street festival, diversity parade and night concert.
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
TBD, 2022
Named as Florida’s best sand sculpture festival, ogle at the sculptors’ creations, listen to live music and take part in a sand sculpting class.
Localtopia
February 2022
This festival in St. Pete is a celebration of community. The outdoor festival features local vendors, eateries and musicians.
John’s Pass Seafood and Music Festival
TBD, 2022
While John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is a local favorite that can be visited at any time, each year it hosts the second largest seafood festival on the East Coast with mouth-watering seafood dishes and live music.
Gasparilla Music Fest
Oct. 1-3, 2022
Not to be confused with the Gasparilla Pirate Festival held in January, this three-day festival features musical acts that range from local favorites to world-famous headliners.
By Shelley Akins
