Fun Things to Do in Tampa

Besides being a great tourist destination, Tampa is also known for its museums and cultural offerings. You can find a wealth of historical artifacts and exhibits at the Tampa Museum of Art, as well as an exciting array of entertainment options at the Florida Aquarium. The city is also home to several fun activities, such as Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park that offers thrill rides and animal-viewing areas.

Ybor City

Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most interesting neighborhoods. With its history, culture, and cuisine, this area is a must-visit when you’re in Florida.

Ybor City was the birthplace of the cigar industry, and the area has a unique Cuban culture that can’t be found anywhere else. It’s also an area that is perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The city is home to several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ybor City has long been a place for immigrants to settle, and the neighborhood still has a strong immigrant population. Many of the old, vacant brick buildings have been converted into bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Ybor City is home to several historical sites, such as the Old Tampa Railroad Station, and has been named a National Historic Landmark District. There are a number of art galleries, museums, and cigar shops in the area. The TECO Line Streetcar system runs free between downtown and Ybor City.

If you’re looking for something free to do in Tampa, the Indie Flea Market is a great place to visit. This outdoor marketplace is filled with handmade goods and artisanal goods. It’s a great way to find local vendors and get to know the artists in the area.

Downtown Tampa

Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Tampa is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Florida. It is a diverse community that offers endless amenities and activities for the entire family.

Known for its nightlife, museums, and award-winning parks, the downtown has something to offer everyone. The TECO Line Streetcar is an affordable way to get around the downtown area. There are also buses and vans that provide transportation to the different areas. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit also operates a metro.

Aside from its entertainment, the downtown area is also home to many restaurants and shops. The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile pedestrian trail that features a variety of cultural attractions.

A visit to the Tampa Bay History Center provides an intriguing glimpse into the past. This museum boasts over 25000 square feet of exhibition space. It contains exhibits that cover over 12000 years of history. Its collections include ancient figurines, modern paintings, and photographs. The museum also has a small gift shop.

The University of Tampa is located across the water from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This historic campus is an authentic treasure.

The Columbia Cafe, which was first opened in 1905, has been a staple of the downtown area since then. It serves both Spanish and Cuban cuisine, and hosts live music events on the weekends.

Manatee Viewing Center

Located across the canal from the TECO Power Plant in Apollo Beach, Florida, Manatee Viewing Center offers a look into the lives of manatees. This state and federally designated manatee sanctuary features an observation tower, a butterfly garden, and a gift shop.

Visitors to the manatee viewing center have the opportunity to view hundreds of manatees in their natural environment, as well as learn about their habitat. The facility’s mission is to educate the public about the Florida manatee. The center is part of a partnership with the Florida Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The manatees at the facility are protected by strict safety protocols.

In addition to the observation tower, the center has boardwalks and a butterfly garden. A 900-foot ADA-compliant boardwalk runs through mangrove forest, providing a great view of the mudflats. The coastal habitat trail also winds through coastal strand habitat, salterns, and high marsh.

The center’s 50-foot observation tower offers 360-degree views of the area. Visitors are encouraged to wear sunscreen and bug spray.

The center is free to visit. Parking can fill up quickly during weekends. The facility is open from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on major holidays.

Holiday Promenade

During the month of December, Water Street Tampa will host its first ever Holiday Promenade. This event is a fun way to spend a few hours with family and friends while supporting your local economy. During the evening, the area will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a gorgeous Christmas tree, festive set pieces, lights and more.

While you’re there, you’ll also find a small holiday market and a burgeoning bike ride. The Florida State Fairgrounds will have a large number of vendors on hand, while the area’s oldest brewery, the Tampa Bay Brewing Company, will offer a free tasting of its brews.

You may also want to take in the immersive art exhibit at the Fairgrounds St. Pete, which includes more than 60 artists commissioned to create an immersive art experience. This is a great event for kids of all ages.

While you’re here, you’ll also have a chance to meet Santa Claus in the form of a fire truck! This is a great opportunity to take photos with the man himself!

You’ll also want to check out the new interactive playground at the Pier. It’s a fun and safe place for families to spend some time together.

Sparkman Wharf

Located in downtown Tampa, Florida, Sparkman Wharf offers live music, a restaurant garden and lots of other things to do. As a hub of Tampa’s thriving tech community, the area attracts a lot of talented people. A great way to spend a night out is to dine at one of the restaurants at the Wharf.

The dining garden at Sparkman Wharf features repurposed shipping containers. There are outdoor tables, a lawn and a biergarten. The restaurants there offer a variety of dishes and treats. These include Asian-inspired Dang Dude, Mexican food and barbecue food.

Another part of the development is the Embarc Collective. This is a group of startup companies that provides support to other businesses and helps grow startup hubs. The Embarc Collective has 32,000 square feet of space in downtown Tampa. It’s also home to the CoinFlip financial services provider that uses a cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions.

The Embarc Collective is Florida’s fastest-growing startup hub. Several other tech companies are also located in the area. In addition to the work spaces, there are two retail shops.

Modern Paws is a local pet store. Their merchandise is fun for pets and humans alike. They also sell toys, clothes and other items. They have a large inventory of treasures.

Holiday traditions of the 19th century differ from those of the 21st century

Until the twenty first century, Christmas celebrations were not universal in the United States. The holiday was celebrated in different ways by residents of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. In fact, the state of Florida did not officially declare Christmas a holiday until 1881, a year after the state was formed.

It was also not unusual for slaves to receive liquor and gifts. Slave owners would also give out small, but sweet, gifts to their workers on the holiday. It was common practice to mint specialty coins in anticipation of the festival.

The modern day equivalent of the Christmas trinket of the olden days is a hand-made gift made from natural materials, such as pinecones and bayberry. During the 19th century, the Christmas tree was a common household centerpiece. The aforementioned trinket was typically tied to a branch or a small tree.

The Christmas tree was also a popular decoration for German Americans, who often topped the trees with paper chains, holly, or mistletoe. Some houses insisted on serving oysters or brandied peaches during the festive season. The aforementioned tree also became a fire hazard by the mid-nineteenth century.

In the early years of the twenty first century, the Christmas holiday proved to be an important social season in the South. It was not uncommon for richer citizens to have more food, drink, and fun during this time of the year.

Holiday traditions of the 21st century

During the holidays, Tampa Bay offers several festive events and activities. Some of these traditions are unique to the area and others have become part of the American holiday tradition. While these festivities may seem familiar to young Americans, many American Christmas traditions have changed over the years.

While these traditional celebrations are still a favorite in Tampa Bay, there are also new and innovative ways to celebrate the holiday season. Some of these events are available at multiple locations throughout the city.

The Florida Aquarium hosts several holiday events. This year, Santa will visit the aquarium every Saturday and Sunday from November 26 to December 19. In addition to meeting Santa, guests can enjoy special holiday dining, festive live shows, and a photo opportunity.

There are also several outdoor movie experiences in Clearwater and downtown Clearwater. You can also take a cruise on a yacht to see the skyline of the city. You can enjoy a complimentary holiday meal, refreshments, and dancing on the top deck.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers a variety of exciting rides, including a special “Christmas Town” experience. Visitors can meet Sesame Street characters, play with Baby Bear, and light a menorah. The menorah is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah.