Top 10 Things to Do in Downtown Tampa for the Perfect Weekend Getaway
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
If you’re looking for an easy weekend getaway, look no further than Tampa, Fla. This mid-sized city offers the perfect combination of sunshine, culture, history and water recreation. While staying in downtown Tampa, everything you need for a full and fun weekend is all within a short walk or ride via a charming streetcar or water taxi.
Top Things to Do in Downtown Tampa
1. Stroll the Riverwalk
Tampa is a waterside city and its downtown is hugged by the Hillsborough River, the Garrison Channel and the Ybor Channel, all which provide some of the most entertaining and unique experiences for visitors.
An absolute must is walking, jogging or biking the Tampa Riverwalk. This 2.6 mile stretch connects some of downtown’s most popular things to do, including a series of waterfront parks, the Tampa Museum of Art, and a collection of restaurants and bars surrounding the Tampa Convention Center.
Among Riverwalk's best features is its network of connected greenspaces. These parks are wonderful places to relax and attend major events. The main Riverfront parks are:
• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park — Major festival area near the Tampa Museum of Art. Includes water features and dog park.
• Water Works Park — Playground, spashpad, and picnic areas near Armature Works.
• Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park — 4.5 acres along Garrison Channel with a pier and memorial to the Seminole Indian Wars. Green space includes a playground.
• Kiley Gardens — Large, urban greenspace designed with a concrete/grass grid. Includes an ampitheater.
• Plant Park — On the west bank of the Hillsborough river at the Henry B. Plant Museum/University of Tampa. Lined with Palm trees and benches.
• MacDill Park — A small park (3/4 acre) honoring MacDill Air Force Base.
A major Riverwalk exapansion along the west bank of the Hillsborough River began in 2025. When completed Tampa will have a 12.2 mile contentious walkway. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, which is also along the west bank riverfront, will be among those newly connected miles.
Julian Lane Park is alreadly a popular destination. It's 25 acres includes a play area, splash pad, sports courts, boat ramps and an outdoor sculpture area. It's also home to major special events, including the Gasparilla Festival of Arts. The park includes a wonderful variety of public art from mosiacs to murals that highlight the area's rich history and natural resources. For a peek into what's displayed, the city has a nice online listing and description of each piece.
Riverwalk (and Tampa in general) is home to a wonderful collection of public art, including soaring scultptures and installations featuring colorful glass and steel. The city offers an online, self-guided walking tour for pieces along the Riverwalk.
For a listing of all Tampa-area parks and recreation facilities, visit here.
2. Cruise in a Water Taxi
Seeing a city from its waterways always offers the best views! Take a water taxi along Hillsborough River and through Garrison Channel and enjoy the city's skyline, beautiful waterfront homes, outdoor public art, the incredible architecture of the historic Henry B. Plant Museum and so much more.
With hop-on and hop-off options, a water taxi is a unique and perfect way to travel from site-to-site. TN&G’s favorite choice was the Pirate Water Taxi service. It’s really a city water tour/taxi since the vessel host offers history and trivia along the routes. And the fact, the water taxi has seating in the shade is a major plus!
3. Relax at Armature Works
The brick and steel Armature Works building was originally built in the early 1900s as a streetcar warehouse for Tampa Electric Company (TECO). Today, it’s a large, multi-use facility that’s one of the city’s most popular destinations.
Located along the Hillsborough River, the complex features a few shops and the incredible Heights Public Market food hall (more on that below). Pick among Armature Work's numerous large outdoor spaces — including shaded options — to enjoy a tasty meal or drink while watching boats go by. You and your friends might also enjoy a game of chess or checkers on the giant outdoor boards.
4. Tour the Henry B. Plant Museum
One of Tampa’s most iconic structures is the beautiful Henry B. Plant Museum. The museum was once home to the Tampa Bay Hotel, a luxurious winter retreat for the wealthy from the late 1800s – 1932. The hotel was financed by Plant, a railroad and steamliner magnet, who was instrumental in the growth and success of Tampa and Florida.
The historic building’s storied past includes serving as a military headquarters during the Spanish-American War. Beginning in 1933 the hotel became a museum and part of the University of Tampa.
The building’s architecture with its Moorish/Islamic revival style was chosen to provide an a exotic lure for well-traveled, elite Victorians. Among the building’s more unique features are a series of minarets with cupolas. The hotel’s design, furnishings, modern conveniences, and grounds were all opulent and unique for the time.
Located in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood, the museum is just over the Hillsborough River via the W. Kennedy Blvd bridge. The museum is housed in Plant Hall and includes original furnishings, artwork and artifacts. Audio tours are available.
Once finished with the tour, walk outfront to Henry B. Plant Park. This riverside park is gorgeous. After admiring the beautiful landscaping and fountain, find a bench under some palm trees facing the river and enjoy views of the city and watercraft.
5. Shop and Sip at the Oxford Exchange
Located adjacent to the University of Tampa, the Oxford Exchange is a quaint shopping and food destination. There’s a coffee bar, a tea bar and even a champagne bar. Plus, beer, cocktails and wine. Food offerings include all day breakfast, small plates, salads, sandwiches and more.
The Oxford Exchange’s atmosphere is its best draw. It’s gorgeous and has all the “feels.” The building’s interior features antique brick, dark panelled walls, vintage-inspired art, garden-like solarium dining, and velvety oversized chairs one would expect to find in a personal study.
Shopping-wise, the Oxford Exchange has wonderful retail areas featuring bespoke finds from stationary to jewelry. There’s also a bookstore with a candle bar for customizing your own.
6. Be Inspired at the Tampa Museum of Art
Not many museums can boast balconies with waterviews — the Tampa Museum of Art can! The museum has temporary exhibits from preeminent artists and an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and Greek and Roman antiquities.
The museum is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion that will triple its exhibit space.
7. Visit Other Cultural Attractions
Tampa has interesting and educational experience for all ages. In addition to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art, other popular attractions include the Tampa Bay History Center, the Glazer Children’s Museum and The Florida Aquarium.
8. Dine Outside at Sail Plaza and The Pointe
For some of the best downtown water views (especially of the marina) and al fresco dining, check out options in either Sail Plaza or The Pointe on Harbour Island. Both are located waterside and directly across from each other.
Sail Plaza is on the mainland of downtown Tampa and offers 360 degree views and a giant sail (hence the name) for shade. The plaza features a super casual patio bar (frozen drinks!), no-fuss bites (sandwiches, seafood, appetizers) and live music. Several water taxi companies have their main ticket and departure area here.
Adjacent to Sail Plaza is a bridge over the Garrison Channel that connects to Harbour Island’s The Pointe. This multi-level, entertainment complex is home to numerous sit down and quick-serve restaurants and bars. Among the most popular is Lower Deck, an outdoor bar where you can listen to live music or watch games and movies on a large outdoor screen all while overlooking the water. This area is also inlcudes The Pointe Marina, home to beautiful docked yachts of all sizes.
9. Attend a Festival or Celebration
Tampa residents know how to celebrate and their most famous party is the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. A tradition that dates back more than 100 years, this pirate-theme festival and parade recreates the invasion by Spanish pirate José Gaspar.
Pirate fest begins with a fully-rigged pirate ship along with hundreds of vessels forming a flotilla “arriving” in Tampa with 300,000+ onlookers (many dressed as pirates) cheering them on. Once the pirate ship “invades” Tampa and reclaims the city’s key, a huge parade through the heart of downtown Tampa begins.
Pirate Fest is held annually on the last Saturday in January. In addition to the huge Mardi Gras-like party, the fun continues for numerous weeks with a series of events celebrating art, music and culture.
Want even more way to celebrate? Check out these other popular Tampa events:
Riverfest — This large, two-day celebration of food and music in May spans from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to Water Works Park. Highlights include glowing hot air balloons at sunset; a Wiener Dog Derby; a lantern parade; and Taste of Riverwalk, a favorite featuring samples from the area’s popular culinary scene.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade — This nighttime river parade is an annual favorite held every December. The parade and features small and large watercraft with theme decorations and lights.
River O’ Green — For St. Patrick's Day the Hillsborough River is turned into a bright shade of green and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is home to a celebration with live music, kids activities, food trucks and more.
10. Eat and Drink Your Way Around Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf is a large, dining, shopping and entertainment destination in Tampa's Channel District overlooking the Garrison Channel. A highlight of Sparkman Whaft is its casual, outdoor food hall housed within a collection of shipping containers. Indoor, sit-down resturants are also located in the area. Among the recreation choices is Splitsville, a luxury bowling alley. Sparkman Wharf is located near the Port of Tampa where cruiseships depart.
Things to Do in Downtown Tampa: Tastebud-Satisfying Recommendations
Among the top things to do in downtown Tampa is eat! Choices for delicious meals abound in Tampa. Here are just a few of TN&G’s favorite picks.
Ulele - Located along the Riverwalk and adjacent to Armature Works, Ulele is a vibrant and gorgeous restaurant. Its rustic, modern dining room features high ceilings, brick walls and large windows.
The menu is a fusion of food and ingredients that are indigenous to the area and prepared using a barbacoa grill. No visit is complete without some barbacoa blackened shrimp! TN&G’s favorite item, the appetizer pairing of shrimp with a parsnip and celery root puree, roasted tomatoes, charred asparagus tips and a lemon vinaigrette. Yum! Indoor and outdoor dining options.
Heights Public Market —This food hall has something to satisfy just about anyone’s tastebuds. Craft cocktails, barbecue, pasta, empanadas, ice cream and so much more! And, it's all housed within the industrial-style architecture of Armature Works.
The Pearl — A gastropub and oyster room in downtown's Water Street neighborhood. The resturant is open, bright and beautiful with throwback vintage vibes. Be sure to try the deviled eggs from the “Snacks” part of the menu. Not only are they flavored well, but they come served on an antique egg scale for an extra charming touch. Outdoor covered patio dining also available.
Tori Bar — A hip, Japanese gastropub featuring tapas and craft cocktails. Tori Bar’s atmosphere is lively and metropolitan thanks to its low lighting and chic decor, especially the wall lined with large glowing lanterns.
The burrata vinaigrette salad with a miso caramel, ube puree, heirloom tomatoes and pistachios is a chef’s kiss combination! Amorg the other favorites of TN&G is the tuna sashimi and the crab rangoon with shiso (a Japanese herb). Located near the University of Tampa and The Oxford Exchange. Indoor and outdoor dining options.
Mayday Ice Cream — Delicous and creamy artisanal ice cream. Just to get your mouth watering, a few of their flavor offerings include salted caramel, coffee+donuts (made with glazed donut pieces) and brown butter chocolate chip (TN&G's favorite). Locations in Hyde Park and in Ybor City, just beyond downtown.
Sorsi Waterfront Lounge — Sorsi's menu offerings are inspired by Italy's Amalfi coast. Choose among small plates, spritz cocktails and gelato. The spritz with lavender, vodka, prosecco and fresh lemon juice is the perfect bright, refreshing drink on a hot afternoon. Located next to Jackson’s Bar & Bistro on Harbour Island’s The Pointe. Walk-up counter service.
Things to Do Beyond Downtown Tampa
If you’re willing to hop in a ride-share or a TECO streetcar, there’s so much more to explore. For instance, Hyde Park Village with its upscale shopping and dining is a popular destination.
The village has major, upscale retailers such as Kendra Scott and Peter Millar, as well as unique local boutiques. Food-wise, there’s everything from Roman-style pizza to a pirate candy shop. The village is designed around a central plaza with a large water fountain — the perfect spot to relax after making rounds to the various stores.
The Hyde Park neighborhood is also home to the legendary Bern’s Steak House featuring a renowned wine selection (you can request a cellar tour) and artsian desserts. FYI, call waaaay in advance to secure a reservation even if you plan to only patron the resturant's Henry Waugh Dessert Room.
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood just northeast of downtown Tampa. Hop on a downtown TECO streetcar (no charge!) and within minutes you’ll be transported to the former cigar capital of the world.
The city’s cigar industry in the late 1800s brought an influx of people from Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany creating a unique cutural blend and influence that's still felt today.
One of the best ways to explore Ybor is through a food and history tour. Highlights inlcude learning about the community’s former cigar-focused social and business endeavors; seeing restored former cigar factories and other historic buildings; and learning about significant moments, such as Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders arriving in town.
In between these locations are stops to sample food from Tampa’s immigrent influences. Flora Fina, a restaurant within the modern and beautiful Hotel Haya, has an incredible Cuban sandwich. And, best of all, it's done the Tampa way with salami added. The Tampa Cuban is the perfect nod to the city’s early immigrant population - pork for Cuba, ham for Spain, salami for Italy and Swiss cheese for Germany.
If you’d rather tour the area on your own, Ybor City has an excellent visitor center with memorabilia, walking maps, historic information and a short film. The center is managed by the Chamber of Commerce and located in the Centro Ybor shopping and dining complex.
Consider timing your visit to Ybor City based on the kind of experience that interests you. During the day, Ybor City is typical of most historic downtowns with just normal comings and goings. But, at night things ramp up with a serious, nightlife vibe.
With so many options of things to do in downtown Tampa, enjoy vbrant weekend!
