Add some hidden gems in Tampa to your vacation plans! While the Tampa Bay area has no shortage of well-trodden tourist spots, you can still find some hideaways where it’s just you and nature.
Looking for the perfect spot in Tampa Bay to enjoy wildlife, views, culture, and incredible food? It’s all here in our guide to 7 secret spots and gems in Tampa Bay you can’t miss!
A tour we think you'll love
So, whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor eager to explore beyond the usual attractions, these hidden gems are sure to add a sprinkle of magic to your day. Keep reading to uncover the unique experiences that await you in Tampa Bay – adventure is just around the corner!
1) Explore Tampa’s Sparkling Waters On A Fun Boat Tour
Many Tampa visitors don’t realize that they’re in dolphin country because they never get far enough from shore to see the resident bottlenose dolphins frolicking!
At The Tropics Boat Tours, we offer the best way to see dolphins near Tampa, especially near Clearwater Beach, where you can enjoy a thrilling boat ride while watching these magnificent creatures playfully swim and leap alongside the boat.
We also offer other tours and charters that can be tailored to your preferences. Choose from one of the following when booking your unforgettable day on the water:
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Dolphin Exploration Tours – Sail through Clearwater Bay out Clearwater Pass to experience the glistening green waters of the Gulf of Mexico in search of bottlenose dolphins. Along the way, your expert guide will point out celebrity estates, wildlife, and more. Our comfortable, state-of-the-art boats are equipped with restrooms. Ask about upgrading to unlimited beer and soft drinks.
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Sunset Celebration Cruises – Experience a breathtaking journey from Clearwater Bay to the Gulf to experience a glistening, awe-inspiring sunset from the water. Guests ages 21 and up get a complimentary sunset champagne toast!
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Private Charter – Looking for hidden gems in Clearwater, FL you can share with the people closest to you? Book a private charter for your next family reunion or special celebration. Our 126-passenger double-decker catamaran will be all yours as you embark on one of our popular day cruises or design your own route. Ask about custom catering and drink options.
At The Tropics Boat Tours, all of our voyages are led by experienced, friendly tour leaders who know the area. We even offer a dolphin-spotting guarantee that lets you come back to try again if you don’t see a dolphin on your cruise.
Our customers get access to some of the most photographic scenery. Book your journey with The Tropics Boat Tours today, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together on the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay!
2) Wander Through The Tampa Museum Of Art
Many people seeking hidden gems in Tampa Florida are so preoccupied with soaking up the sun and amazing weather that they don’t think to look for indoor attractions.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Tampa Museum of Art is one of the best places to see a mix of modern and contemporary art in Florida. In addition, the museum’s collection includes Greek and Roman antiquities.
The museum has been at the center of Tampa’s cultural scene since opening its doors in 1920. Guests today can browse collections containing more than 8,000 pieces in total.
Good To Know: The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are extended to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. We recommend giving yourself at least two hours to walk through the entire museum. You can also check the museum’s website for special workshops and talks.
3) Kayak In Tranquility At One Of The Many Parks And Preserves Near Tampa
If you’re looking for the ultimate way to unwind, try one of the peaceful waterways in the Tampa/Clearwater area. Here are our top picks for places to access kayak launches a short distance from Tampa:
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Hillsborough River State Park (Thonotosassa, FL) – Located in the same county as Tampa, this gorgeous natural site has three launches. Park guests can also rent equipment via the park concessionaire. While there are some twists and turns, the shallow water makes this a well-suited journey for beginners.
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Weedon Island Preserve (St. Petersburg, FL) – Explore a 3,190-acre natural spot with multiple ecosystems and native plants. The paddling route here takes you through magnificent mangrove tunnels. Equipment rentals are available.
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Camp Bayou Nature Preserve (Ruskin, FL) – This amazing spot features a launch, nature trails, butterfly garden, and fossil museum.
Good To Know: Start paddling early in the morning if your goal is to see as many seabirds as possible! Morning and early afternoon are also the best times to avoid excessive heat.
4) Cool Down With A Cone At Bo’s Ice Cream
Looking for the best ice cream in Tampa? Bo’s Ice Cream has been a local favorite since 1954! Located on Florida Avenue, Bo’s offers window service for classic hard ice cream, soft serve, dipped cones, shakes, sundaes, and more.
No matter what flavor you’re craving, Bo’s has something for everyone! The friendly staff is always happy to help you pick the perfect scoop. So, grab your cone, find a nice spot outside, and enjoy your ice cream in the sunshine. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself while soaking up the fun vibe of Tampa!
Good To Know: The specialty at Bo’s is the Thick N Chunky that combines soft serve with generous chunks of cookie crumbles or candy bars.
5) Grab A Bite Like The Locals With An Authentic Cuban Sandwich
You can’t say you’ve experienced all of the Tampa hidden gems until you’ve experienced one of the best culinary hidden treasures of South Florida. We’re talking about the Cuban sandwich. A Cuban sandwich is made with crusty Cuban bread, slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. The sandwich was popularized by old cafés in South Florida that catered to workers from Cuba.
While there are several spots where you can get an epic Cuban sandwich, most locals and visitors agree that a restaurant called La Segunda that’s situated on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa serves up the best one! Serving fresh Cuban bread and pastries since 1915, La Segunda delivers a meaty, flavorful sandwich you won’t soon forget.
Fun Fact: Deviled crab is the other famous food of Tampa. This favorite features baked crabmeat that has been mixed with breadcrumbs, spices, and mayo. If you’re trying this treat for the first time, we recommend Pappy’s Devil Crab on Hillsborough Avenue.
6) Go Strolling Through Lettuce Lake Regional Park
Home to a variety of wildlife species, Lettuce Lake is the perfect place for some outdoor recreation and relaxation. This 240-acre nature site even has an observation tower overlooking the water where you can peer out to view wildlife! Additionally, visitors enjoy a 1.25-mile walking/biking path, shaded picnic site, and playground. The highlight of the park is a 3,500-foot boardwalk.
As you walk along the boardwalk, keep an eye out for all kinds of wildlife. You might see turtles soaking up the sun, birds flying above, or even an alligator relaxing by the water. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and the peaceful atmosphere. And don’t forget your camera – there are so many beautiful spots to capture at Lettuce Lake.
Good To Know: Lettuce Lake is home to the Audubon Resource Center (ARC) serving Tampa. ARC employees are available to help park guests access information about wildlife and plant identification.
7) Explore The Gilded Age At The Henry B. Plant Museum At The University Of Tampa
Have you ever heard of a shipping magnate named Henry B. Plant? Located in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Plant Museum is a National Historic Landmark that is famed for its role as a military headquarters during the Spanish-American War. Exhibits inside the museum focus on the strides made in industry, shipping, and railroad travel during Plant’s life.
Visiting the Henry B. Plant Museum is like stepping back in time. As you wander through the beautifully preserved rooms, you can imagine what life was like during the Gilded Age. The stunning architecture and rich history make it a fascinating place to explore. Be sure to take your time and soak in all the details – there’s so much to discover about Henry B. Plant and the era he helped shape!
Fun Fact: This is one of the rare period-themed museums in the country to contain actual furnishings from the era it represents instead of recreations. Browse the permanent collection to see furnishings and decorative art that were inside the original hotel.
Discover The Magic Of Tampa – Book Your Dolphin Cruise Or Sunset Sail
If you feel that putting together an itinerary of must-see spots in Tampa is a little overwhelming, just hop on a boat tour with The Tropics Boat Tours for an easy way to see great spots on the water!
Our sunset cruises and dolphin tours set the bar for comfort, safety, and thrills. Let us provide the easiest way to see bottlenose dolphins and ride sparkling waves!
We’ll take care of all the details of your day after you select which excursion you want to experience. We help our customers plan romantic boat rides, family trips, bachelor/bachelorette trips, team-building trips, and much more.
Plus, we’ll take you to some hidden gems along the way that you won’t want to miss! Let us handle all the details while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Tampa Bay. Book your adventure with us today, and get ready for a day filled with fun and excitement!
