9 Fun Things To Do In Tampa For Adults - Explore, Enjoy, And Unwind!

Planning a trip to Florida but still deciding where to go? How about an adult vacation spot where you can watch dolphins and sea turtles in the morning, hit the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife all year round?

Tampa, the largest city in Florida, is the destination for you. No matter your idea of fun, there are plenty of things to do from aquariums and parks to tours and breweries. So, hurry up! Tampa is waiting for you.

 

1) Dolphin Cruises Await

Let us be your guide as you search the beautiful Gulf waters for the famous bottlenose dolphins. Not only are we sure you will get to see these beautiful creatures, but at The Tropics Boat Tours, we will guarantee it.

Besides guaranteeing you will see dolphins, our knowledgeable captain will reveal some of the Gulf Coast’s natural wonders. From educational information to seeing celebrity mansions, our tours offer something for everyone. So, start planning your Tampa visit and book your cruise today!

 

2) Sun, Fun, And Sand – Things To Do In Tampa For Adults

One of the first activities most travelers do when arriving in Tampa is head to the beach. With beautiful views, warm waters, and soft sand, who can blame them? Let’s take a closer look at the top beaches:

• Clearwater Beach – Locals and visitors alike consider Clearwater Beach one of the best beaches in the Tampa Bay area. The beachfront is ideal for rollerbladers and cyclists, while the calm waters beckon paddleboarders, jet skiers, and more. Pier 60 is the place to be before sunset, with family fun events, including street performers and artisans.

• Sunset Beach – As the name suggests, it is the place to go for beautiful sunsets. It is known for its Bohemian vibe with beachfront bars, decorated houses, and soft white sands.

• Davis Island Dog Beach – Travelers with furry companions will enjoy a fun trip here. The off-leash beach has fenced-in areas in the water and on land. There is a dog wash area for removing sand from your pup at the end of your visit.

Fun Fact: Tampa holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive sunny days! With glorious sunshine, it’s no wonder locals and visitors alike love to soak up the rays at the beautiful beaches and enjoy outdoor activities.

 

3) Tampa’s Top Museums – A Cultural Journey For Adults

Tampa is home to a variety of museums. Whether your interests are local history, art, or science, there is a museum for you.

• Tampa Bay History Center – An interactive museum offers an overview of 12,000 years of Florida’s history, from the early settlers to today.

• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) – A place for science lovers and family fun, MOSI features hands-on exhibits, including a NASA exhibit.

• Tampa Museum of Art – Showcasing ancient, modern, and contemporary art, this museum is a must for art lovers

Fun Fact: Hand-rolled cigars were once the primary industry in Tampa Bay. This vibrant tradition brought together skilled artisans and created a rich cultural heritage that still influences the area today.

 

4) Tampa Riverwalk – A True Tampa Experience

The Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River; locals and visitors alike can walk or bike along the trail and stop at restaurants, aquariums, parks, or attractions along the path. Hillsborough River provides scenic views making for a lovely backdrop. Best of all, the Riverwalk is free to explore.

Highlights:

• Heights Market at Armature Works – Trail starting point with food and craft vendors

• Curtis Hixon Park – Enjoy fun in the sun with green spaces and events

• Florida Aquarium – Touch stingrays and explore marine exhibits

• Columbia Café – Savor a Cuban sandwich with waterfront views

• Sparkman Wharf – Experience diverse culinary delights from Tampa Bay’s top chefs

• Sail Plaza – End your day with a drink at the 360-degree open-air waterfront bar. It is dog-friendly

Pro Tip: The Riverwalk is part of the specialty cup program. Visitors can enjoy adult beverages only if they are in a special cup.

 

5) Fun Things To Do In Tampa For Young Adults

Tampa offers a variety of activities perfect for young adults seeking adventure, entertainment, culture, and excitement. Here are some top attractions:

• Ybor City – Head to the famous 7th Avenue to enjoy shopping, bars, and restaurants. At night, the city comes alive with a variety of nightclubs. 

• Hyde Park Village – Enjoy six blocks of local boutiques, restaurants, a farmer’s market, a movie theater, fountains, and more. 

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – Experience everything from family fun attractions and exhilarating rides to animal adventures and special events. Busch Gardens has it all. 

• Tampa Theatre – Catch a movie or live performance in this beautifully restored 1920s movie palace. Enjoy the red velvet seats and the vintage decor. 

• Sparkman Wharf – Enjoy waterfront dining, free outdoor events, and live music.

Fun Fact: Tampa has the world’s largest shuffleboard club, the St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. With over 100 courts and a lively community of players, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy some friendly competition and meet new friends.

 

6) Head To The Parks

Tampa has some of the best parks around. Whether you are looking for a spot to see wildlife or catch some dinner, there is a park for you.

Highlights:

• Skyway Fishing Pier State Park – This state park is home to the world’s longest fishing pier. Anglers can enjoy the convenience of parking their cars at their favorite spot; the bridge has night lighting. Common fish include king mackerel, black sea bass, grouper, red snapper, and more.

• Lettuce Lake Park – One of the favorite parks in Tampa, it features boardwalks, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails.

• Ballast Point Park – Ballast Point Park is one of those parks where you go for the amenities but stay for the food. Visit Leon’s Lobstah Shack for some New England-style seafood.

• Perry Harvey Sr. Park – This park features fun local art and sculptures. It has basketball courts, a skate park, plenty of green space, and an interactive fountain for family fun.

Fun Fact: Ray Charles recorded his early music in Tampa. There is a mural in Perry Harvey Sr. Park honoring him.

 

7) Sports In Tampa – Where To Watch

Tampa is a sports lover’s paradise with professional teams and events galore. Let’s see where to go to catch all the action:

• Tampa Bay Rays – To hear the crack of the bat, go to Tropicana Field.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Football fans watch all the action on the gridiron at Raymond James Stadium.

• Tampa Bay Lightning – Hockey fans watch the puck drop at Amalie Arena.

• Golf Courses – For golfers, there are several public courses, including the Copperhead Course at Innsbrook and Rocky Point Golf Course.

• Sports Bars – Tampa has many sports bars and venues where fans can catch all the action. Hattricks Tavern and The Press Box have big screens and great food and drinks.

Fun Fact: The Buccanneers were the first team to win the Super Bowl in their home stadium. The energy in the stadium that day was electric, and it truly showcased the passion and pride of the local community – proof that Tampa knows how to celebrate a win in style!

 

8) Nightlife In Tampa – Where The Entertainment Never Stops

Tampa’s nightlife offers a vibrant mix of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that cater to all tastes. Here are some top spots to check out:

• Ybor City – Ybor City is known for its lively nightlife, with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Dance the night away at The Ritz Ybor or enjoy a craft cocktail at The Brass Tap.

• SoHo (South Howard Avenue) – A place to spend time with friends, hopping from one bar to another.

• Channelside Bay Plaza – Enjoy waterfront dining, live music, and entertainment at places like Splitsville and American Social.

• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Enjoy gaming, live shows, and dancing at this exciting entertainment complex.

• Downtown Tampa – Visit The Hub for a classic dive bar experience or Hotel Bar for craft cocktails.

• Corona Cigar Company – Relax with a premium cigar and spend time in the lounge at this cigar superstore and bar.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Tampa is home to one of the largest Cuban communities in the U.S.? This vibrant culture influences the nightlife, especially in Ybor City, where you can find lively salsa dancing and delicious Cuban cuisine to enjoy while you party the night away!

 

9) Tampa’s Top Spots For Foodies

Tampa is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse culinary scene and a thriving craft beer culture. Here are some must places for foodies to go:

• Columbia Restaurant – The restaurant is the oldest operating restaurant in Florida. It is known for its authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine. 

• Cigar City Brewing – It is one of Tampa’s most famous breweries, offering a variety of craft beers. Enjoy a tour and taste some samples. 

• Bern’s Steak House – The restaurant is famous for its aged steaks, wine selection, and desserts.

• Armature Works –  The marketplace features a variety of vendors offering everything from BBQ to Sushi. 

• Oxford Exchange – The stylish dining spot is a restaurant, bookstore, and shop. It is a great spot for brunch or lunch.

Pro Tip: When dining in Tampa, be sure to try the local specialties like Cuban sandwiches and deviled crab. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a craft beer from one of the local breweries for the perfect dining experience!

 

Magical Sunset Cruises

Get ready to set sail on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters and relax as you watch the breathtaking views of a Florida sunset. You may have the chance to witness the legendary green flash, so keep your eyes on the sky.

Our expert crew will share fascinating facts and showcase popular sights while you sip on a complimentary glass of champagne. Don’t miss out on the fun – Join us for an unforgettable sunset cruise!