The sun-kissed communities of Greater Tampa Bay deliver nonstop pleasures for all lifestyles all year long. From the idyllic, sugary stretches of its Gulf Coast beaches to the championship-winning professional sports teams to the thrill rides of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the area is abound with fun for all ages and sensibilities.
Postcard scenery and stunning skylines top the list among the many reasons GTB has become one of the fastest-growing metros in the nation. With the minarets of the University of Tampa and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the area teems with distinction and beauty.
Explore the Bay by Day…
Such Instagrammable moments await along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4-mile path that originates from Water Works Park. If it is too warm to stroll, bike or jog the spacious, landscaped path, take a ride on the Hillsborough River in the Tampa Water Taxi to various downtown destinations.
Across the bay, the recently expanded wonderland at The St. Pete Pier features contemporary, urban bistros, drinking spots and more. The Discovery Center and Wet Classroom and recreational areas educate and entertain the little ones.
When the heat has everyone beat, make a splash on one of Adventure Island’s new water slides, or enjoy some classic amusements at Clearwater’s Celebration Station.
For pioneer lore and flora to fawn over, mosey on down to Largo’s Heritage Village next to the Florida Botanical Gardens. More lush greenery awaits at Sunken Gardens, one of Florida’s original roadside attractions.
See the world’s tallest animals and more on an expert-led safari at the Giraffe Ranch in Dade City. The world-renowned Zoo Tampa is one of the state’s top endangered species rehabilitation centers, and even has their own “Secrets of the Zoo” NatGeo television show streaming on Disney+.
When it comes to golf, it’s all fore one and a hole-in-one for all in GTB. Topgolf scores big for fun and dining for all ages in Brandon. The brand-new PopStroke golf entertainment complex opened in Wesley Chapel in late 2022. PopStroke is a technology-infused, experiential golf and casual dining concept co-owned by none other than Tiger Woods.
…and By Night
When the sun goes down, Tampa’s Ybor City Historic District heats up. A century ago, immigrant cigar workers and bootleggers sauntered down the old brick streets, under the lampposts that still light up the night today. Known for its restaurants and clubs, such as the longstanding Prana and The Castle, Ybor features live cigar rollers among the historic trappings. Annual night parades romp down its main corridor, Seventh Avenue, or La Setima.
Watch films or shows under a ceiling of twinkling stars in the Tampa Theatre, an ornate Spanish-inspired movie palace built in 1926. Tampa Theatre features international headliners and films spanning Buster Keaton to Michael Keaton during its Summer Classics series, and art-house and foreign films the rest of the year.
Enjoy shops, cafes and homey town squares with Main Street, U.S.A. vibes in historic downtown districts from Bradenton and St. Pete to the northern reaches of New Port Richey, Dade City and Brooksville. Traipse beautifully landscaped sidewalks of Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District or knock back a brewski at some of the first microbrews in the state in downtown Dunedin.
As the day winds to a close, take in Florida twilight’s famous cotton candy clouds amid the colorful festivities and artisans of the Sunsets at Pier 60.
Feeling lucky? Roll the dice or play the slots at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which houses 245,000 square feet of gaming space, dining and premier concert events.
Mark Your Calendars
John’s Pass Seafood Festival
- Jan. 13-15
- The second largest seafood festival on the East Coast draws thousands to the shopping and entertainment outpost in Maderia Beach, which operates all year long and is quite festive in its own right.
St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show
- Jan. 19-22
- Browse powerboats, sailboats, marine gear, seminars and a kid’s fishing clinic.
2023 Annual Kumquat Festival
- Jan. 28
- Dade City’s biggest outdoor festival of the year returns to pay tribute to the area’s signature yellow tree fruit and rekindle Old Florida-family-style fun. Live music, food vendors, arts and crafts and more will be featured.
Florida State Fair
- Feb. 9-23
- The annual Americana-ganza will be back to rile up the adrenaline and blood sugar, with rides galore and fried just about everything.
Florida Strawberry Festival
- March 2-12
- All-you-can-eat-shortcake and rides? Yes, please! Plant City strawberries are the main course in the annual farmer-inspired fest, which also features impressive music headliners, rides, attractions and youth livestock shows.
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
- March 3-5
- Watch top drivers circumnavigate a challenging waterfront course at ear-splitting speeds in the annual IndyCar Series Race.
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
- April
- Marvel at massive and lifelike sand-crystal sculptures that have earned event honors such as “Florida’s best sand sculpture festival.” The event also features live music and a sand sculpting class.
Dunedin Highland Games & Festival
- April 1
- Celebrate Dunedin’s Celtic culture and behold jaw-dropping athletic feats of time-honored Scottish games, Highland dancing, music, the Highland Trail 5K run, beer and more.
Gecko Fest
- September
- Gulfport’s biggest annual event usually takes place Labor Day weekend. The family-friendly, Bohemian daytime Key West-style explosion of reverie features costume contests, a parade, vendors and other festivities.
Holiday Lights in the Gardens
- November through Jan. 1
- The luminous holiday event, presented by the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation, takes place Nov. 25 through Jan. 1. The voluminous display sparkles with 1 million, twinkling, LED lights in Crayola-box level colors.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
- TBD
- 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.
By Julie Garisto.
