With pirates, roller coasters, nightlife, museums and music festivals, fun knows no limits in Greater Tampa Bay.
In this vibrant slice of Florida, locals and tourists alike have no problem finding world-class entertainment that reaches far beyond the top-ranked beaches. From breweries and art galleries to pirate ships and theme parks, Greater Tampa Bay is a playground for all ages.
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 Gardens 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.
Take a swing at golf — and not just on the green. Topgolf is a rising phenomenon across the country, with a location here in Brandon. This unique driving range packs an entertainment punch, with interactive games that reward players of all skillsets, with targets near and far, big and small.
If interest is piqued by the tinier version of the game, Congo River Golf in Clearwater is 18-hole minigolf at its finest. Thrust into a jungle safari theme, enjoy competition, camaraderie, and — hopefully not — a couple of unfortunate shots in the drink. Other minigolf spots in the area include Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf in Indian Shores and Madeira Beach, Polynesian Putter in St. Pete Beach and Captain Bligh’s Landing in Clearwater.
Tampa Bay’s Most Anticipated Annual Events
- Florida State Fair
Feb. 10-21, 2022
This annual bash brings all the classic fair favorites and more, including fried foods, circus acts, rides, a high dive show, exhibits, agriculture and music to the Florida State Fairgrounds in Brandon.
- Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Feb. 25-27, 2022
Watch top drivers navigate the challenging waterfront course at blazing speeds in this annual IndyCar Series Race.
- Florida Strawberry Festival
March 3-13, 2022
The delicious variety of dishes made with famous Plant City strawberries are the main course to this annual festival that also features music, rides, attractions and youth livestock shows.
- Valspar Championship
March 14-20, 2022
The PGA Tour makes a stop at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor each year.
- Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
April 2, 2022
Celebrate Celtic culture, with impressive athletic feats at the Highland Games, Highland dancing, music, the Highland Trail 5K run, beer and more.
- Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
April 8-24, 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.
- Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
November-January, 2022
Tampa’s waterfront park transforms into a winter wonderland each year, with an outdoor ice rink, Winter Village Shops, a pop-up market, the waterfront café and holiday magic for the whole family.
- Gasparilla Pirate Festival
January 2023
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.
- John’s Pass Seafood Festival
January 2023
While John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is a local favorite in Maderia Beach that can be visited at any time, each year it hosts the second largest seafood festival on the East Coast. The event is famous for mouth-watering local seafood dishes and live music.
- St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
January 2023
The Tampa Boat Show merged with the St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show for the first time in January 2022, making it the Gulf Coast’s largest boat show. Browse powerboats, sailboats, marine gear, seminars and a kid’s fishing clinic.
