Hillsborough County, home to Tampa and its surrounding cities, is a vibrant mix of outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, and family fun. Whether you’re here for the beaches, museums, or dining, the county offers something for every traveler. Here’s your detailed guide to exploring the best of Hillsborough County.
🌴 Outdoor & Scenic Trails
🌅 Tampa Riverwalk & Bayshore Boulevard: Stretching along Tampa’s downtown waterfront, the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk connects major parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Ideal for walking, jogging, or biking from Armature Works to Sparkman Wharf. Nearby Bayshore Boulevard offers over 4 miles of uninterrupted bayfront views—perfect for a morning jog or evening stroll. Both are free to access and family-friendly. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor art installations, seasonal festivals, and waterfront cafes along the route, making it a scenic and social hub for both locals and tourists. Sunset views over the water are particularly stunning, and the path is well-lit at night, providing a safe and vibrant atmosphere for evening walks.
🐊 Lettuce Lake Conservation Park: Located in North Tampa, this park features a 1.25-mile paved trail, a 3,500-foot boardwalk, and an observation tower overlooking the Hillsborough River. Visitors can spot alligators, herons, and turtles, or rent kayaks to explore the wetlands. Parking costs around $2. Tip: Arrive early for cooler temperatures and better wildlife sightings. Families can enjoy picnic shelters, grills, and a small visitor center with educational exhibits about local flora and fauna. Bird watchers frequent this park for its diverse species, and photographers will find endless opportunities to capture Florida’s natural beauty.
🌳 Hillsborough River State Park: One of Florida’s oldest state parks, this scenic retreat near Thonotosassa offers seven miles of hiking trails, river rapids, and shaded picnic areas. Canoeing and camping are popular here, and the park is open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Admission is $6 per vehicle. Don’t miss the suspension bridge and historic Fort Foster site. In addition to its rich history, the park offers swimming pools, bike rentals, and ranger-led programs that highlight Florida’s unique ecosystems. With its blend of adventure and tranquility, Hillsborough River State Park is perfect for both active explorers and those seeking peaceful nature immersion.
🐋 TECO Manatee Viewing Center: From November through April, this free attraction in Apollo Beach becomes a sanctuary for hundreds of manatees drawn to the warm waters of Big Bend Power Station. The site features viewing platforms, a boardwalk, butterfly garden, and educational exhibits. Open 10 AM–5 PM, it’s one of the best places in Florida to see manatees up close. The visitor center provides hands-on learning experiences about marine life and conservation efforts, and the surrounding area includes picnic spaces, a gift shop, and walking trails through mangroves. During peak season, visitors may also witness dolphins and rays in nearby waters, adding to the center’s charm.
🎢 Theme Parks & Family Fun
🎡 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Combining thrilling roller coasters with African wildlife exhibits, Busch Gardens is Tampa’s top theme park. Ride SheiKra and Iron Gwazi, explore Serengeti Safari tours, and enjoy family shows. Tickets start around $100, and the park is open daily. Tip: CityPASS holders get significant discounts.
🐅 ZooTampa at Lowry Park: Voted among the best zoos in the U.S., ZooTampa offers interactive animal encounters, a manatee rehabilitation area, and a fun splash zone for kids. Located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave, it’s open daily from 9:30 AM–5 PM. Admission ranges from $39–$52. Plan at least half a day to explore.
🐠 The Florida Aquarium: Located at 701 Channelside Drive, this downtown aquarium features over 20,000 marine animals, from sea turtles to sharks. It’s open daily 9 AM–5 PM, with adult tickets around $30. Families can enjoy touch tanks, dive shows, and dolphin boat tours on Tampa Bay.
🪐 MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry): Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and the Sky Trail Ropes Course make MOSI perfect for kids and curious adults. Located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave, it’s open 10 AM–5 PM. Admission is about $25.
🏛️ Culture & History
🖼️ Tampa Museum of Art: On the Riverwalk, this modern glass-front museum combines ancient Greek and Roman artifacts with contemporary art exhibits. Located at 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, it’s open Tue–Sun (10 AM–5 PM, Thu until 8 PM). Admission is $25. The terrace offers scenic views of the Hillsborough River. Inside, rotating exhibits showcase both local and international artists, and interactive programs encourage community participation. Guided tours, art workshops, and family days make this museum ideal for visitors seeking creative inspiration and education.
🏰 Henry B. Plant Museum: Housed in the grand 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, this museum captures the Gilded Age of Florida tourism. Visit Victorian-era rooms, antique furnishings, and royal artifacts. Located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd, open Tue–Sun (10 AM–5 PM). Admission: $12 adults, $7 children. Beyond the ornate interiors, guests can explore manicured gardens and learn about Henry Plant’s influence on Florida’s railroad expansion and luxury tourism industry. Seasonal events, historical reenactments, and photography exhibits bring the 19th century back to life.
📜 Tampa Bay History Center: A Smithsonian affiliate, this interactive museum showcases Florida’s history—from conquistadors to Cuban cigar culture. Find it at 801 Water Street on the Riverwalk. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM, with an on-site Columbia Café offering delicious Spanish-Cuban fare. Visitors can explore three floors of immersive exhibits featuring Native American artifacts, maps, and multimedia displays on Tampa’s evolution. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions and family-friendly scavenger hunts that make history engaging for all ages.
🚋 Ybor City Historic District: Founded by Cuban cigar makers, Ybor City is a National Historic Landmark District known for its nightlife and heritage. Walk its brick streets, dine at the legendary Columbia Restaurant (est. 1905), and visit the Ybor City Museum State Park for a glimpse into Tampa’s cigar past. The free TECO Line streetcar connects Ybor with downtown Tampa. Beyond its historical charm, Ybor offers art galleries, vintage shops, live music venues, and vibrant cultural festivals celebrating Cuban and Latin influences year-round.
🍽️ Dining & Local Flavors
🍤 Ulele (Tampa Heights): Set along the Riverwalk, Ulele serves native-inspired Florida cuisine—from charbroiled oysters to key lime pie. Located at 1810 N. Highland Ave, it’s open 11 AM–10 PM. Enjoy craft beers brewed on-site and sunset views from the patio. The menu celebrates ingredients from Florida’s native waters and land, featuring fresh seafood, local produce, and signature desserts like their house-made key lime pie. Guests can also tour the on-site Ulele Spring Brewery, sample seasonal brews, and dine al fresco under string lights. With its rustic-chic design and indigenous art, Ulele combines a modern dining experience with deep cultural roots.
🥗 Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City): Florida’s oldest restaurant (est. 1905) is a must-visit for its Spanish-Cuban dishes, flamenco shows, and signature 1905 Salad. Located at 2117 E. 7th Ave, it’s open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant’s sprawling tile-lined interior features multiple dining rooms, antique décor, and a charming courtyard fountain. Their extensive menu includes classic paella, Cuban sandwiches, and an impressive wine list with Spanish sherries. The nightly flamenco performance brings a burst of color and sound, offering diners a lively, immersive cultural experience unlike anywhere else in Tampa.
🍺 Cigar City Brewing Co.: Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this award-winning brewery, home to Jai Alai IPA. Take a guided tour and tasting session at 3924 W. Spruce St. Open Thurs–Sun, with reservations recommended. The brewery offers an educational look into Tampa’s craft beer movement, with knowledgeable guides explaining each stage of the brewing process. Beyond Jai Alai, visitors can sample limited-edition and experimental beers exclusive to the taproom. The on-site gift shop sells branded glassware and cans to-go, making it a great stop for collectors and enthusiasts.
☕ Armature Works / Heights Public Market: A revitalized warehouse turned food hall featuring diverse eateries, coffee bars, and riverside seating. Great for brunch, cocktails, and family gatherings. Check their weekend event schedule for live music and outdoor markets. Foodies can indulge in everything from gourmet sushi to Southern barbecue, while the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Hillsborough River. Families can relax on the lawn during open-air movie nights, and digital nomads often gather here for coffee and coworking. The space also hosts cooking classes, artisan pop-ups, and seasonal festivals, making it a cornerstone of Tampa’s modern culinary scene.
🎉 Events & Festivals
🎊 Event
📅 When
📍 Location
📝 Description
🏴☠️ Gasparilla Pirate Fest
January
Downtown Tampa
Tampa’s most famous event, featuring a pirate ship invasion and grand parade down Bayshore Boulevard. Free to attend.
🎨 Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
March
Julian B. Lane Park
One of the nation’s premier outdoor art shows with over 300 artists, live music, and food trucks. Free admission.
🍓 Florida Strawberry Festival
Late Feb–Early Mar
Plant City
A beloved 11-day event celebrating Florida’s strawberry harvest with concerts, rides, and endless desserts. Tickets $10–15.
🍀 St. Patrick’s River O’Green Fest
March
Downtown Tampa
The Hillsborough River turns green for this festive celebration with live music, food, and parades. Free to attend.
🌇 Final Thoughts
Hillsborough County blends the natural beauty of Florida with big-city energy. From kayaking alongside manatees to enjoying fine art and world-class food, Tampa and its surroundings offer a rich mix of experiences for travelers of all ages. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, or culinary delights, this vibrant Gulf Coast destination delivers it all.