From its stunning beaches and beautiful weather, to its rich cultural heritage, Tampa is a city that offers something for everyone. So whether you’re searching for homes for sale in Tampa, apartments for rent, or you just want to explore the area, read on for the Top 5 Tampa Landmarks to visit and see what living in Tampa is really about.
1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is one of the most popular landmarks in the city, attracting millions of visitors every year. The theme park is renowned for its thrilling roller coasters and animal exhibits, which include Animal Connections where you can have animal interactions up-close and the Serengeti Plain, where you can watch animals roam in a 65-acre natural habitat. Busch Gardens is also home to family-friendly shows and presentations that change monthly. This is a great day trip option, or if you are keen to explore every aspect of this park, you can turn it into a two-day trip.
2. Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center is a fantastic destination for history buffs who are eager to learn more about the city’s rich cultural heritage. The center features three floors of exhibits that showcase the city’s history, from its early settlers to its modern-day development. This includes one floor focusing on Florida’s first settlers, another floor that features an interactive map that takes you on a virtual tour of some of Florida’s biggest landmarks and finally, a floor dedicated to a specific theme that changes every couple of months. This is an affordable must-see attraction that is suitable for all ages.
3. The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is another popular landmark in Tampa, with over 20,000 aquatic animals, plants, and its extensive collection of marine life. What’s also unique is that it offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the animals. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive with sharks and swim with the fish. You can also touch and interact with stingrays, starfish and sea urchins. The Florida Aquarium is committed to conservation efforts and is involved in numerous projects to protect and restore marine habitats and species, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and ways they can make a difference.
4. The Tampa Theatre
The Tampa Theatre is a historic landmark that has been entertaining audiences since 1926. The Tampa Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered an important cultural landmark in Tampa, Florida. It has hosted numerous famous personalities and events throughout its history, including Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. The theater features a stunning Mediterranean Revival-style architecture. The building is adorned with intricate details, such as statues, balconies, and ornate moldings, creating a grand and majestic atmosphere. The interior is just as impressive, with a beautifully decorated ceiling, vibrant colors, and an atmospheric lighting design that enhances the viewing experience. Visitors can catch a range of live performances, films, and special events at the theater, making it a must-visit landmark for anyone who appreciates the arts.
5. The Tampa Riverwalk
This is a scenic promenade that stretches for 2.4 miles along the Hillsborough River. The Riverwalk is home to several historic landmarks and cultural institutions, such as the Tampa Bay History Center, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Henry B. Plant Museum, showcasing Tampa’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The Riverwalk also features a variety of public art installations, including sculptures, murals, and interactive installations, enhancing the visual and cultural experience for visitors.
Tampa is a city that offers visitors a wide range of attractions, from theme parks to historic landmarks. Whether you’re interested in history, marine life, or the arts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget, if time permits, stop in at a nearby deli to enjoy a Cuban sandwich. Fun fact, Tampa is the birthplace of the famous Cuban sandwich, which is made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.
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