Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Temple Terrace, Florida

Located just north of Tampa, this suburban community, established in the 1920s, boasts an exceptionally picturesque setting. Temple Terrace graces the lush banks of the Hillsborough River, providing the city with numerous scenic views.

Mature trees play a vital role in the city’s landscape, with the area being particularly celebrated for its magnificent sand live oaks, contributing to its designation as a Tree City USA.

Moreover, one fascinating aspect of Temple Terrace is the abundance of significant attractions situated in its vicinity.

Within mere minutes, visitors can access Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Florida’s largest casino located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, NCAA sports events, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and further NCAA activities at the University of South Florida.

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Source: VIAVAL / shutterstock

Temple Terrace is in close proximity to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a premier amusement park in Florida. This 300-acre park features an African animal theme, offering an exceptional blend of attractions reminiscent of a world-class zoo.

Various sections of the park draw inspiration from Africa’s diverse nature and culture, merging thrilling rides with animal encounters.

One notable ride is Cheetah Hunt, which provides a thrilling surge of speed at the outset, alongside the Cheetah Run enclosure where visitors can observe cheetahs sprinting along a 220-foot dirt track.

Boasting over 200 animal species, Busch Gardens includes the Edge of Africa walk-through habitat featuring lions, hyenas, meerkats, and Nile crocodiles. Furthermore, Bird Gardens showcases a free-flight aviary with more than 500 tropical birds from across the globe.

2. University of South Florida

Source: Patrick Tr / shutterstock

The main campus of Florida’s fourth-largest university is merely minutes from Temple Terrace.

Spread across more than 1,500 acres, the University of South Florida boasts a student population of nearly 50,000, predominantly located in Tampa.

The expansive campus features winding paths, lush palm trees, public art, and impressive modern architecture.

This vibrant location hosts numerous cultural events, including performing arts, lectures at the Marshall Student Center, and exhibitions at the USF Contemporary Art Museum. A notable attraction is the botanical gardens, which harbors thousands of plant species across 16 acres.

In addition, the university has a robust athletics program, with 18 South Florida Bulls teams competing at the NCAA Division I level.

3. Lettuce Lake Park

Situated just northeast of Temple Terrace, the suburbs transition into a substantial natural area along the floodplain of the Hillsborough River.

Lettuce Lake Park allows visitors to appreciate this environment without delving into complete wilderness. This county-operated park is bifurcated by the river, showcasing stunning patches of cypress, pine, and live oak forests.

A 3,500-foot boardwalk traverses this unique wetland, leading to a 40-foot observation tower that offers sweeping views of the river and its lush surroundings.

The remarkable array of wildlife present in parks such as this never ceases to amaze, as alligators, turtles, herons, ibises, osprey, and water moccasins can often be spotted with minimal effort.

4. Eureka Springs Park

Managed by Hillsborough County, this charming park lies just a few minutes southeast of Temple Terrace. The story of Eureka Springs Park traces back to the 1930s.

Amateur botanist Albert Greenburg established a garden of rare plants near his tropical fish farm, which he eventually donated to the county in 1967, preserving its continued appeal.

Winding boardwalks and trails meander through the verdant floodplain forest composed of tupelo, cypress, and maple trees.

During your visit, you’ll encounter the largest public collection of ferns in the state, and the greenhouse is particularly impressive, filled with a multitude of orchids.

5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Source: Nicole S Glass / shutterstock

Another remarkable attraction near Temple Terrace is ZooTampa at Lowry Park, a celebrated nonprofit zoo home to more than 1,300 animals.

Spanning over 60 acres, ZooTampa dates back to the 1930s. After experiencing significant deterioration by the 1980s, a comprehensive renovation revitalized the entire facility.

The zoo has since flourished and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top zoos in the country by various travel magazines and websites.

Among its highlights is the manatee demonstration, as the zoo maintains a hospital dedicated to the care of injured, sick, and orphaned manatees.

Additionally, the zoo features a three-story chute ride introduced in 2018 and a tranquil tram ride that passes through the Safari Africa exhibit, shaded by acacia trees.

6. Croc Encounters

This local agritourism attraction, Croc Encounters, serves as a sanctuary for rescued reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Crocodilians comprise the primary inhabitants here, with a diverse collection from tropical regions worldwide, including American alligators, Nile crocodiles, Morelet’s crocodiles, and caimans.

Additionally, various snake species, ranging from boa constrictors to corn snakes, along with numerous turtle and tortoise species, reside at the sanctuary.

Visitation is available exclusively through guided tours, which last up to two hours and offer opportunities for photos and feeding.

7. Adventure Island

Located directly across from Busch Gardens, this 30-acre water park opened in 1980 and is part of the same entertainment complex.

During my visit to Adventure Island, I found ten exhilarating water slides. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Vanish Point stands out, featuring a skybox capsule leading to a dramatic 70-foot freefall.

A more family-friendly option is Aruba Tuba, a tube slide that winds through a completely dark tunnel, while Solar Vortex represents the first dual tailspin waterslide in the country.

Among other amenities, the park includes a half-mile lazy river, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, and a children’s play area with 25 interactive elements.

Those looking to spend the entire day can consider renting a cabana located by the wave pool, accommodating up to eight guests.

8. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Following a $700 million expansion in 2019, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has become the largest casino in Florida and ranks among the largest in the United States.

The facility offers approximately 200,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment, including over 5,000 Vegas-style slot machines and more than 100 table games.

Furthermore, there are twelve distinct dining options, eight bars and lounges, and the 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event Center, featuring major performances almost every week.

During my stay, I noted that John Legend, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Seth Meyers, and Ted Nugent were all scheduled to perform.

The complex’s silhouette transformed in 2019 with the inauguration of a 14-story hotel tower.

9. Brandon Mall

Source: Skyler Sargent / shutterstock

Large, even by Florida standards, the upscale Brandon Mall is conveniently located south of Temple Terrace along I-75.

Established in 1995, this shopping destination houses over 250 tenants, with only a few empty storefronts observed during my visit.

Designed around a winding central walkway, Brandon Mall features a diverse array of retailers.

Notable brands include Michael Kors, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Loft, G by Guess, Sephora, Forever 21, LEGO Store, and Foot Locker.

I was particularly impressed by the dining options. Visitors can enjoy full-service dining at establishments like The Cheesecake Factory or P.F. Chang’s, or opt for simpler fare at the circular food court.

10. Riverhills Park

The tranquil Hillsborough River elevates the surrounding parks in Temple Terrace, and Riverhills Park is no exception, comprising just over 10 acres of beautiful riverfront.

Designed as a passive park, it provides visitors with a serene nature escape amidst a landscape of moss-covered oaks and cypress trees.

A newly renovated boardwalk runs along the riverbank, fostering opportunities for wildlife observation.

During my exploration, I encountered numerous ibises searching for food along the grassy banks, alongside several alligators.

Visitors also have the chance to launch canoes for a journey along the 30-mile Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail, which extends to the Green Swamp in Pasco County.

11. Rowlett Park

This picturesque park harmoniously combines recreational amenities with natural beauty alongside a dam on the Hillsborough River.

One of Rowlett Park’s highlights is the two-mile paved trail, twisting beneath pine and oak canopies while offering delightful views of the water.

The park offers a launch site for canoes and kayaks, providing another avenue for accessing the Hillsborough River Paddling Trail.

Equipped with picnic tables and shelters, visitors can enjoy the park’s amenities, which include workout equipment, tennis and racquetball courts, and several ballfields.

12. Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club

This facility, established in 1922, holds the notable distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Significantly, it features buildings designed by the acclaimed Tampa architect Malachi Leo Elliott (1886-1967).

The course at Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole par 72 layout, measuring 6,300 yards from the championship tees. While the length may be a bit below average, accuracy remains essential.

Of note, the greens are relatively small, with the smallest measuring only 20 yards by 20 yards. A well-stocked pro shop is available for those needing equipment, and lessons are offered for all skill levels.

13. Yuengling Center

Previously known as the USF Sun Dome, this arena ranks among the most significant buildings on the USF campus.

The Yuengling Center opened in 1980 and has undergone four renovations since its inception. As of my last review, it had a capacity of 10,411 and serves as the home court for the South Florida Bulls’ basketball and volleyball teams.

The women’s basketball program has particularly excelled, having been crowned regular season champions in both 2021 and 2023 while making eight NCAA tournament appearances over the past decade.

Additionally, the center regularly hosts concerts, WWE events, and UFC bouts. Numerous famous performers have graced the stage over the years, including Madonna, Frank Sinatra, Tom Petty, Elton John, Drake, and Ghost.

14. Florida State Fair

The expansive Florida State Fairgrounds are located just a few minutes away in East Lake-Orient Park. The State Fair, held for over 11 days in February, stands as the largest annual event in the area.

Featuring numerous agricultural competitions, displays, and demonstrations, this event originated in 1904 and relocated to its current site in the 1970s. The magnitude of some venues on the fairgrounds is impressive.

For example, the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre has a capacity of 20,000, while the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center features show rings surrounded by festival seating.

As is typical of major fairs, thrilling midway rides and delectable food options contribute to the enjoyment. Additionally, take the time to explore Cracker Country, a living history museum showcasing 13 historic buildings.

The fairgrounds host a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, RV shows, boat expos, and gun shows.

15. The Museum of Science and Industry

Source: jared422_80 / Flickr

Located less than a couple of miles away, this nonprofit science museum underwent significant downsizing in 2017. Although the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) now features only a fraction of its previous exhibits, it remains a captivating destination for children.

The museum focuses on young audiences with exhibits covering topics such as robotic engineering, optics, geology, astronomy, mathematics, nutrition, medicine, paleontology, and much more.

A particularly exciting addition is the ropes course, standing 36 feet tall and comprising over 30 elements. Equally remarkable is the Saunders Planetarium, which offers guided tours of the night sky presented by distinguished astronomers.