Content Summary
When visiting Downtown Tampa, preparing for an enjoyable experience is essential. The Downtown district of Tampa, covering one and a third square miles, is replete with a multitude of exciting activities. Bordered by water on two sides—the Hillsborough River to the west and Tampa Bay to the south—this area even includes an island within its jurisdiction.
Options abound, ranging from classic streetcar rides and leisurely strolls along the busy Riverwalk to dining cruises that take place under the stars. Museums and art galleries await exploration, along with intriguing historical sites to capture in photographs. Additionally, the vibrant nightlife encompasses a variety of theaters, bars, restaurants, and sophisticated nightclubs.
Regardless of the duration of your stay in Downtown Tampa, anticipate an engaging and activity-filled experience. Consider the following fifteen premier attractions and activities that should not be overlooked during your visit.
1. Starship Yacht Dinner Cruise
Embark on the Starship Cruise for an enchanting evening characterized by exquisite cuisine and melodic entertainment as the sun sets over Downtown Tampa. Positioned at Tampa Docks on Channel Drive, this luxurious yacht embarks with dinner service commencing as the journey unfolds.
Guests can anticipate a top-tier, three or four-course menu, enriched by stunning views of the Downtown Tampa skyline from their window-side seating. Upon completion of the meal, the promenade deck invites visitors to enjoy champagne and dancing.
The cruise spans approximately two and a half hours, with comprehensive bar services available onboard.
2. TECO Streetcar
Experience the charm of Downtown Tampa aboard the TECO Streetcar. These brightly colored, electrically powered vintage streetcars commence at the Whitney Station, situated between Franklin and Whitney Streets, continuing all the way to Centennial Park in the Ybor City District.
Originally established in the early 1890s and ceasing operation in the mid-1940s, these beautifully restored streetcars now traverse a two and a half-mile track.
With a total of eleven stops and two located in Downtown, the cars operate at regular fifteen-minute intervals. Listen for the distinctive clang to know when one is approaching.
3. Tampa Bay History Center
Explore the Tampa Bay History Center, located on Old Water Street in Downtown Tampa, to gain insights into the city and its surrounding areas—from the era of Spanish colonization to contemporary times.
The museum encompasses over twenty-five thousand square feet of exhibition space, showcasing over twelve thousand years of history.
Highlights include a reconstruction of a tobacco store, exhibits on Florida’s First People, and the Cowman and Crackers displays, offering captivating perspectives on the lives of Tampa’s historical residents.
4. W XYZ Lounge
Relax at the rooftop bar of W XYZ Lounge, located on the top level of the Aloft Hotel on West Kennedy Boulevard.
This sophisticated establishment, featuring eclectic decor and a swimming pool, provides an ideal setting to enjoy cocktails and view the Downtown skyline and riverfront illuminated at night.
The W XYZ Lounge offers a concise food menu that includes a selection of snacks, complemented by a cozy fire pit for those cooler evenings.
5. Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park
Spanning four and a half acres, Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park serves as an ideal location for a peaceful walk in Downtown Tampa. Situated along Old Water Street, the park offers picturesque views of the river.
The park features various landscaped areas equipped with seating options facing the waterfront, paved walking trails, and a small pier extending into the river—great for observing fish or alligators.
Additionally, a memorial honoring the Seminole Indians, alongside the battles fought in defense of their homeland, is positioned within the park.
6. Tampa Museum Of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art, located in Gasparilla Plaza in Downtown Tampa, is an ultra-modern architectural marvel. By day, the building’s subdued square shape captures attention, but at night, the fiber optic lighting transforms it into a vibrant spectacle of colors.
The museum showcases an array of art styles, including contemporary and modern pieces, decorative arts, and artifacts from classical Greek and Roman antiquities, alongside various paintings.
On-site amenities include a cafe offering refreshments and a small gift shop featuring art-related souvenirs.
7. Straz Center
The Straz Center, officially known as the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, is located on MacInnes Place in Downtown Tampa. It hosts exceptional performances across various genres.
Covering over nine acres, this facility is comprised of five distinct theaters with seating capacities ranging from one hundred thirty to over two thousand.
Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of performances, from productions such as Hello Dolly to orchestral symphonic concerts, alongside a series called Live and Local featuring emerging local talent.
8. Columbia Cafe
With a rich history dating back to 1905, Columbia Cafe is almost as legendary as Downtown Tampa itself.
This Spanish-style establishment, located on Old Water Street, offers stunning river views from its outdoor patio. Signature dishes to try include Spanish Bean Soup, Deviled Crab Croquettes, and their original recipe, 1905 salad.
Columbia Cafe features live music on weekends, along with vibrant Flamenco dance performances.
9. Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk represents more than just a riverside pathway in Downtown Tampa. Join the two and a half-mile promenade at Cotanchobee Park to discover impressive murals, a collage of five hundred photographs featuring the Riverwalk, a Native American Cenotaph, and the Heroes Plaza, which acknowledges service veterans.
The Riverwalk is also home to a public dock serving a water shuttle service, numerous terraced cafes and restaurants, and a convention center, along with an array of other amenities.
Various festivals are held throughout the year on the Tampa Riverwalk, including Riverfest, Taste of the Riverwalk, and Taco Fest, making it essential to check for events coinciding with your visit to ensure participation.
10. Tampa Bay SUP & Kayaking
Given the pleasant weather in Downtown Tampa, engaging in water activities is highly advisable. Located on the waterfront by the Tampa Marriott Hotel on Florida Avenue, the Tampa Bay SUP Company offers opportunities to test your skills on a stand-up paddleboard on the serene waters of the Hillsborough River.
If paddleboarding does not appeal to you, consider kayaking for two hours, where the chance of spotting dolphins is common.
For those still undecided, paddle boats are available for rental, providing a fun method to view the Downtown Tampa skyline while enjoying an active outing.
11. Amalie Arena
Attend an NHL ice hockey match at Amalie Arena, positioned on Channelside Drive in Downtown Tampa. The stadium, accommodating twenty thousand spectators, serves as the home arena for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Equipped with tiered seating across seven levels, the arena includes sixty-nine private suites. Amenities also feature an eleven thousand square foot beer garden and various concession stands distributed throughout the facility, in addition to a shop dedicated to Tampa Bay Lightning merchandise.
Amalie Arena is renowned for hosting major concerts featuring popular global artists, such as Elton John and Barry Manilow.
12. Tampa Theater
Experience cinema in one of Downtown Tampa’s most storied venues, the distinguished Tampa Theater, which has operated as a cinema since 1926.
Step into the foyer, a Mediterranean-style courtyard adorned with gargoyles and bubbling fountains, leading to an ornate auditorium styled in Renaissance fashion, complete with a stage and Wurlitzer organ.
The Tampa Theater regularly hosts live events, encompassing performances by musicians and bingo sessions. For those interested, a one and a half hour Balcony to Backstage Tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the theater’s history as well as a closer look at the organ.
13. Agua Luces
At night, Downtown Tampa’s architecture transforms into a spectacular display of light. Five of the district’s nine bridges are brilliantly illuminated from sunset until sunrise, offering a breathtaking sight.
Enjoy a walk along the riverfront at dusk for optimal viewing, or consider hiring an e-boat and glide beneath the bridges as they dynamically change colors every thirty seconds.
14. Ferg’s Live
Ferg’s Live, located on Channelside Drive in Downtown Tampa, combines culinary delights with sports and live music, offering an impressive experience.
This vibrant social venue features an outdoor dance floor, a stage prepared for performances, numerous bars, and a multitude of screens broadcasting various events. The menu includes pub-style fare with unique options, including flavored fries such as sweet potato chips drizzled with white chocolate and raspberry sauce, burgers, and sandwiches.
Ferg’s Live is the place to enjoy weekends, featuring performances by talented local bands and DJs beneath the starry skies of Downtown Tampa.
15. e-Boat Tampa
Taking an e-boat out on the Hillsborough River does not require a captain’s license. Rent a twelve-seater e-boat from the e-Boat Tampa company and enjoy an afternoon adventure exploring Downtown Tampa’s waterways.
Begin your journey from the moorings located on South Franklin Street, navigating at your leisure. Bring along a picnic and beverages, or take a break at one of several riverside restaurants and cafes.
Exploring Downtown Tampa from an e-boat is an excellent recommendation; sailing beneath the illuminated bridges creates an unforgettable evening experience—truly a reflection of Downtown Tampa’s allure.
