Tampa, Florida, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and exciting entertainment options. However, for some, the idea of "games" in Tampa might evoke images of tourist traps, overpriced attractions, and crowded theme parks. If you're looking to experience the authentic charm of Tampa without the hassle, you're in luck. Here are five ways to skip the games in Tampa and discover the city's hidden gems.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Tampa is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from the Hillsborough River to the Gulf of Mexico. Instead of wasting your time in crowded theme parks, why not explore the great outdoors? The Hillsborough River State Park offers kayaking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, head to the Tampa Bay beaches, such as Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, where you can soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, or try your hand at water sports.
Visit the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.5-mile pedestrian path that runs along the Hillsborough River, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the river. The Riverwalk is perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride, and you can also stop at one of the many restaurants, bars, or cafes along the way. The Riverwalk is also home to several parks, including the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, which offer picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of green space.
Discover the City's Cultural Attractions
Tampa has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Spanish, Cuban, and American influences. Instead of visiting theme parks, why not explore the city's cultural attractions? The Tampa Museum of Art is a must-visit, with a collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as rotating exhibitions. The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is another great option, with a collection of over 20,000 photographs. You can also visit the Tampa Theatre, a historic theater that hosts live performances, film screenings, and other events.
Visit the Ybor City Historic District
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa that's known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious Cuban cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. The Ybor City Historic District is a must-visit, with its charming streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. You can visit the Ybor City State Museum, which tells the story of the neighborhood's history and culture, or take a stroll down 7th Avenue, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Take a Brewery or Winery Tour
Tampa has a thriving craft beer and wine scene, with plenty of breweries and wineries to choose from. Instead of visiting theme parks, why not take a brewery or winery tour? The Tampa Bay area is home to over 20 craft breweries, including the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, the Southern Brewing Company, and the Copp Winery. You can take a tour of the brewery or winery, learn about the brewing or winemaking process, and sample some of the delicious beers or wines on offer.
Visit the Tampa Bay Farmers Market
The Tampa Bay Farmers Market is a great place to experience the city's local food scene. The market is held every Sunday and features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food. You can sample some of the delicious food on offer, buy some fresh produce, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.
Attend a Sporting Event
Tampa is home to several professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (football), the Tampa Bay Lightning (hockey), and the Tampa Bay Rays (baseball). Instead of visiting theme parks, why not attend a sporting event? The energy and excitement of a live sporting event are hard to beat, and you can enjoy the thrill of competition with thousands of other fans.
Visit the Raymond James Stadium
The Raymond James Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports stadium that's home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even if you're not attending a game, the stadium is worth a visit, with its impressive architecture and stunning views of the surrounding area. You can take a guided tour of the stadium, which includes the field, the locker rooms, and the Buccaneers' Ring of Honor.
Explore the City's Neighborhoods
Tampa has several unique and charming neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Instead of visiting theme parks, why not explore the city's neighborhoods? The SoHo (South Howard) neighborhood is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops, while the Seminole Heights neighborhood is a haven for foodies, with its artisanal bakeries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
Visit the Hyde Park Village
The Hyde Park Village is a charming outdoor shopping center that's located in the heart of the SoHo neighborhood. The village is home to over 20 shops, restaurants, and bars, including the famous Bern's Steak House. You can spend the day browsing the shops, sampling the food and drink, and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Now that you've skipped the games in Tampa, it's time to share your experiences with others! Have you discovered any of the city's hidden gems? Share your favorite tips and recommendations in the comments below.
What are some of the best neighborhoods to visit in Tampa?
+Some of the best neighborhoods to visit in Tampa include SoHo (South Howard), Seminole Heights, and Ybor City. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and charm, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.
What are some of the top attractions in Tampa?
+Some of the top attractions in Tampa include the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Ybor City Historic District. You can also visit the Tampa Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and the river.
What are some of the best ways to experience the city's food scene?
+Some of the best ways to experience the city's food scene include visiting the Tampa Bay Farmers Market, taking a food tour of Ybor City, and sampling some of the delicious Cuban cuisine on offer. You can also visit some of the city's top-rated restaurants, such as Bern's Steak House and the Columbia Restaurant.