15 Fun Things to do in Tampa for Adults

Looking to get the most out of your Tampa experience? We’re happy to help you jam-pack your days and nights in Tampa with fun activities that will have you coming back for more. Check out these 15 Fun Things to do in Tampa for Adults and maximize your good time!

You’ll find fun around every corner in sunny Tampa. This charming city, nestled in the heart of Florida, is teeming with culture and personality that it serves with a side of southern charm. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Tampa for adults!

Table of Contents

• Sightseeing Tours & Dolphin Cruises
• Water Activities (Paddleboard, Jet Ski & More)
• Fishing
• Busch Gardens
• Explore the City
• Animal Encounters
• Nightlife
• Catch a Game
• Dining & Dinner Cruises
• Get Romantic
• Experience Tampa Parks
• Spend a Day at the Beach
• Brewery Hop
• Helicopter Tours
• Shopping

 

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1. Sightseeing Tours & Dolphin Cruises

 

Image from Riverwalk Place

 

Strike out and go explore the sights. It’s true what they say, if you have the time, it’s best to explore a new city on foot. A good place to start is on the Tampa Riverwalk. This 2.6 mile stroll follows the Hillsborough River. Here you can view stunning vistas, take in the sights, and gain some inspiration for your next adventure.

Many cities now offer sightseeing tours which are mainly enjoyed by adults. Tampa has incredible sightseeing tours, and I love them because they are so adult friendly. They inform you, in a relatively short time, of what’s unique about the city . These are a great way to learn real facts from actual locals. We’ve even put together a perfect Tampa Travel Bag with all you need for a trip to this popular Florida destination.

If you’re looking to get out on the water, a Tampa dolphin cruise is the perfect sightseeing adventure. Catch a glimpse of dolphins in their natural habitat aboard a relaxing boat cruise through the Tampa waters. Along with dolphins, you’ll also see sharks, sea birds, stingrays, sea turtles, and the stunning sights of coastal Tampa.

{Read Reviews & Book Dolphin Cruises Online}

 

2. Water Activities (Paddleboard, Jet Ski & More)

 

Paddleboarding, pictured above, is just one of the many incredible watersports adventures Tampa, FL, has to offer! Image by Matt Deavenport

 

Get out on the water and have a great time. When it comes to water activities you certainly have a wide array of options. You can paddleboard, kayak, windsurf, jet ski, and that’s just to name a few. So, whether you want to stay in the city and kayak around Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough River, or you’d prefer to drive a little out of the city for a more rural experience in nearby St. Pete, water activities offer serious adult fun!

{Read Reviews & Book Water Activities Online}

 

3. Fishing

 

Anglers show off their haul after a Tampa fishing charter

 

Florida fishing is anything but boring. So, for the ultimate in adult fun try this addictive new hobby. Tampa is a popular destination for fishing, whether its offshore, in a boat, or on a fishing charter with an expert guide teaching you all you need to know.

{Read Reviews & Book Fishing Charters Online}

Instead of hours of boredom, you have an adrenaline-pumping good time with the added bonus of possibly catching your own dinner! Not to mention the incredible fun of cruising on a boat, spotting local wildlife, and seeing Tampa from the water. Whether inshore or offshore, a fishing adventure is hours of fun in the sun and one of the top things to do in Tampa for adults!

 

4. Busch Gardens

 

Courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa

 

If you’re a thrill-seeker then look no further than Busch Gardens in Tampa. With 9 of the most intense roller coasters in Florida you can scare yourself silly for hours. If, however, being thrown around at over 60mph isn’t your cup of tea then you can check out the African-themed zoo. It’s one of the largest in North America! For more information about this incredible theme park, click here: https://buschgardens.com/tampa/.

 

5. Explore the City

 

City tours are a great way to get out and see a different side of Tampa, include lots of local art and murals, as pictured above

 

Tampa is a city steeped in culture. It is rich. It is vibrant. It is alive. There’s Ybor City with its cobblestone streets dating back all the way to the late 1800’s. The downtown area is hopping with great restaurants, museums, and excellent parks. There’s downtown St. Petersburg with its incredible mural art. Did I mention there are so many things to do in Tampa for adults? So get out and experience all of Tampa’s glorious diversity!

 

6. Animal Encounters

 

Pictured above is an adorable animal encounter with one of the many special creatures that call ZooTampa at Lowry Park home

 

Getting close to exotic animals is always a fun experience (when it’s safe), and it’s one that you can definitely find in Tampa. The Tampa Zoo at Lowry Park offers many animal encounters. You can get up close and personal with penguins, rhinos, elephants, and one adorable koala bear.

Another great local gem is the Florida Aquarium. This place is top-notch and allows you to travel the globe without leaving the city. Check out the aquarium’s diverse habitats: the Wetlands, Bays and Beaches, and Madagascar-themed ecosystem. If you’re up for it, you can even have a shark experience!

{Read Reviews & Purchase Zoo & Aquarium Tickets Online}

 

7. Nightlife

 

Courtesy of free-images.com

 

Tampa has a rich nightlife that culminates in an area called Soho. This district, located in the Tampa city limits, is the epicenter of fun when the sun goes down. Standing for South Howard, Soho is the place to go to eat, drink, shop, and dance the night away.

Soho has top-notch bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, with a wide variety of music on every corner. So, whether you choose a low-key pub with an acoustic performer, an original band, or a DJ, you’re sure to find lots of fun things to do for adults in Soho!

 

8. Catch a Game

 

Photo courtesy of ResetEra

 

If you’re into hockey, baseball, or football you’re in luck in this sunshine city. Tampa is home to 3 professional major league teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning, making it a hub for the sporting enthusiast. Catch a game on your next trip and experience the exhilaration of a live sporting event first-hand.

If a live game isn’t in the cards for you there are many amazing bars in the area that offer an excellent atmosphere for watching the game. One place that always has the game on and offers multiple wide-screen televisions is the Fermented Reality Biergarten at Sparkman Wharf.

 

9. Dining & Dinner Cruises

 

Photo by Adrienn at Pexels

Food may, or may not, be what comes to mind when you think of fun, but if you like to try new things Tampa has a hot food scene. One of my favorite things about coastal living is the coupling of a tremendous view with fresh and creative eats.

If you’re a foodie, after my own heart, check out the open-air courtyard at Heights Public Market. Or, try roof-top dining. Just remember that everything’s better with a view!

While visiting the coast, atmosphere is everything. Why not take your restaurant past the “beachfront” and go out on the water? Dinner Cruises are an unforgettable way to enjoy a meal, especially if you add drinks, dancing, and entertainment.

{Read Reviews & Purchase Dinner Cruise Tickets Online}

 

10. Get Romantic

 

Pictured above is a romantic Tampa, FL, dinner and sunset cruise

 

If it’s romance that you seek, Tampa has got you covered. From roof-top dining to sunset cruises you’re get-away can serve to spark and ignite the passion in your relationship or life. Treat yourself to the special things, that we seem to get too busy for somehow. So pack that little black dress and make the reservation, you’ll be glad you did!

 

11. Experience Tampa Parks

 

With lush greenery, blue skies, and beautiful beaches, checking out the area’s natural beauty is a must

 

Tampa has so many lovely parks where you can sightsee, picnic, take in an outdoor concert...the possibilities are endless. The Curtis-Hixon Waterfront Park provides ample space for an in-the-city picnic, whereas Al Lopez Park, Cypress Point Park, and Rowlett Park offer hiking trails. Many parks, like Ballast Point, have beautiful piers for you to enjoy a picnic on.

 

12. A Day at the Beach

 

With white sand and beautiful water, you’ll want to be sure you make time for the beach on this vacation

 

Tampa is a meer 30 minute drive from popular Clearwater Beach. Voted the 5th most beautiful beach in the United States, by the Travel Channel, this stretch of pristine sand is the perfect place for a dip in the Gulf. You can also enjoy a wide variety of water activities or just bronze yourself in the sun. Leave early to avoid traffic and don’t forget your sunscreen!

13. Brewery Hop

 

Picture courtesy of pexels

 

If you are a craft beer enthusiast you’ll feel right at home in Tampa. This merits some time to experience it all. Why not spend an afternoon hopping around to some of these top-rated breweries? Sample everything from meads and ales, to IPAs, sours, and stouts.

Some breweries have great music, like Rock Brothers Brewing. Some highlight Tampa’s rich Cigar history, like Cigar City. Whatever your pleasure you’re sure to enjoy a hop around Tampa’s breweries.

{Read Reviews & Book Pub Crawl Tours Online}

 

14. Take a Helicopter Ride

 

Helicopter tours are one of the best things to do in Tampa for adults if you’re looking for stunning views and an amazing experience

 

A sky high view of Tampa is a fabulously fun way to see the city. This is best done on a helicopter tour. Most helicopter tours are customizable, where you can pick specific areas and times. One of the most romantic things to do for couples in Tampa, sunset tours are often the most pricy for a reason, since you’re getting a breathtaking bird’s-eye-view.

Not only will you capture stunning images on a helicopter ride, but you’ll also have a thrilling and unforgettable experience!

 

15. Shopping

 

Photo from rawpixel.com

 

Chances are if you’re female, and you’re being honest, shopping is a beloved pastime. Allow me to help you satisfy your needs. If it’s luxury brands you’re after check out the International Plaza located near the airport.

For more vintage boutiques stroll through Ybor City. Hyde Park offers more open-air shopping and blends your big brands with trendy boutiques. If it’s a Tampa trinket you’re after look no further than the Tampa City Center, which features creations from local artisans.

 

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I know you work hard, now go play hard with these 15 Fun Things to do in Tampa for Adults, and make sure you check out Tampa activities and attractions on TripShock for the latest and best activities, tours, and attractions in Tampa, FL!