Tampa Bay really is the beating heart of the Gulf Coast. The great thing about Tampa is that it is very much a city for everyone. People from all walks of life and all age groups can find something amazingly fun and memorable to do here. Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk enjoying the architecture as much as the bars and restaurants. Or you can spend a day at Busch Gardens experiencing some adrenaline prompted fun. Tampa truly is an eclectic mix of urban sophistication and let-down-your-hair excitement.
This is the historic Latin quarter of Tampa. It is known as the one-time cigar making capital of the region. If visiting Tampa, you have to check out Ybor City. During the day you can shop the many retail venues here, sip some coffee at a local café or just browse around Centro Ybor. At night, get ready for some spicy nightclub hopping.
Because of where it’s situated, Tampa offers a plethora of outdoor adventure. There are of course countless water sports and activities in which to engage. Swim or kayak to your heart’s content. There are also a number of places where you can see wildlife endemic to the region—from gators to manatees to colorful Florida birds.
Tampa has been home to recent major success in pro sports. Thanks to the signing of arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have put Tampa football back on the map, winning the Super Bowl in 2021. The Lightning (NHL hockey) won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. The Rays (MLB baseball) have come up just short, losing in the 2020 World Series.
Tampa Bay, because it is the melting pot of Florida in many ways, boasts a ton of international flair when it comes to its cuisine. The LatinX food culture here is prevalent—the city is known for serving up some delectable empanadas. Among the other notable cuisines in Tampa: Italian, Southern and upscale American.
Tampa's winter is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit. It's a wonderful destination for travelers seeking a warm escape during the colder months. Winter offers a great time to explore outdoor activities like visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, taking boat tours of Tampa Bay, and strolling along the Tampa Riverwalk. The city's parks, such as Lettuce Lake Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, provide enjoyable experiences during the cooler months.
Spring in Tampa is delightful, with temperatures in the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. The city starts to bloom with colorful flowers and greenery, making it an ideal time to visit the Florida Botanical Gardens and enjoy outdoor events like the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Spring is also a popular time for attending events like the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival and the Tampa Bay Blues Festival.
Tampa's summer is hot and humid, with temperatures in the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit. It's the low season for tourism, offering travelers more affordable accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Despite the heat, visitors can enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in Tampa Bay. Summer is also the time for cultural events like the Tampa International Fringe Festival and the Tampa Bay Comic Con.
Fall in Tampa is still warm and inviting, with temperatures cooling down to the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. The city experiences fewer crowds during this time, making it an excellent opportunity to explore the Florida Aquarium and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Hillsborough River State Park. Fall is also a great time for attending events like the Tampa Bay Oktoberfest and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. The city's arts and cultural scene continue to thrive with various events and performances during this season.