Top 10 Things to Do in Tampa Bay for New Residents

Top 10 Things to Do in Tampa Bay for New Residents

As a new resident of the Tampa Bay area, you’re about to discover the vibrant lifestyle and diverse attractions this area offers. From exploring nature to enjoying cultural events, there’s something for everyone. This guide dives into the top 10 things you should do to get the full Tampa Bay experience.

Top 10 Things to Do in Tampa Bay for New Residents

This guide covers:

  • Visiting Busch Gardens
  • Exploring the Tampa Riverwalk
  • Enjoying Ybor City
  • Relaxing at Clearwater Beach
  • Discovering the Florida Aquarium
  • Attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game
  • Experiencing the Gasparilla Pirate Festival
  • Delving into history at the Tampa Bay History Center
  • Dining at waterfront restaurants
  • Shopping at International Plaza and Bay Street

Here’s a closer look at each.

Visiting Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is a must-visit for new residents. This African-themed amusement park offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, and animal encounters. It’s a fantastic place for families, thrill-seekers, or anyone looking to enjoy a day full of fun and excitement.

Exploring the Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is a picturesque path that snakes along the Hillsborough River. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or jog. Along the way, you’ll encounter parks, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it a great way to explore the city.

Enjoying Ybor City

Ybor City, known for its rich history and vibrant nightlife, is a cultural hotspot. You can stroll through its historic streets, visit unique shops, indulge in delicious cuisine, and experience the energetic nightlife.

Relaxing at Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, with its soft white sand and clear waters, is an ideal spot for relaxation. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or try water sports, this beach has it all. It’s also a great place to enjoy stunning sunsets.

Discovering the Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is a fantastic place to learn about marine life. With exhibits ranging from wetlands to coral reefs, it offers an educational and fun experience for all ages.

Attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game

If you’re a sports fan, attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game is a thrilling experience. The energy at Raymond James Stadium is contagious, and it’s a great way to bond with fellow residents over local sports.

Experiencing the Gasparilla Pirate Festival

The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a unique Tampa tradition. It’s a fun-filled event with a pirate invasion, parades, and live entertainment. It’s a fantastic way to dive into Tampa’s local culture and meet new people.

Delving into History at the Tampa Bay History Center

The Tampa Bay History Center offers a deep dive into the area’s rich history. From indigenous cultures to modern developments, it’s an enlightening experience for history enthusiasts.

Dining at Waterfront Restaurants

Tampa Bay’s waterfront restaurants offer diverse culinary experiences with stunning views. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh seafood and other local delicacies while taking in the scenic beauty of Tampa Bay.

Shopping at International Plaza and Bay Street

For shopping enthusiasts, International Plaza and Bay Street offer a range of high-end stores and boutiques. It’s a perfect destination for a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

FAQ About Living in Tampa Bay

Here are some frequently asked questions about living in Tampa Bay. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for here, please call our office. We’re here to help.

What Outdoor Activities Are Popular in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, golfing, and beachgoing. The area’s parks and nature reserves also provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

How Is the Cultural Scene in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay boasts a rich cultural scene with theaters, art galleries, museums, and music venues. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art are among the popular cultural attractions.

Are There Family-Friendly Activities in Tampa Bay?

Absolutely! Tampa Bay is filled with family-friendly activities. From amusement parks like Busch Gardens to educational experiences at the Florida Aquarium, there’s no shortage of fun things to do for families.

What Are Some Popular Local Events in Tampa Bay?

In addition to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Tampa Bay hosts various events, including the Florida State Fair, Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival, and many cultural, music, and art festivals throughout the year.

Can You Recommend Any Local Eateries for New Residents?

Tampa Bay is known for its diverse culinary scene. Local favorites include Ulele, known for its native-inspired cuisine, and Bern’s Steak House, famous for its fine dining and extensive wine collection.

TODAY’S NEWEST HOMES FOR SALE IN TAMPA BAY

RIDGEWOOD PARK - RIVERSIDE HEIGHTS AREA LOT - walkable to RIVERWALK, ARMATURE WORKS, & DOWNTOWN TAMPA!  This lot is located on the highly coveted Glenwood Dr. location!  Enjoy a wonderful buffer conservation type area between the one-way streets in this location, full of trees & free books to take & drop off.  Glenwood Dr. meanders down to the Hillsborough River & all things exciting - complete with Tampa's West River expansion plans/project, the current Armature Works complex, & ability to walk, bike, & run to so many exciting venues in Tampa.  This lot is roughly 58 ft wide and 130 ft deep, with alley access in the back!  Make plans for an amazing venture for a dream build or other options.  The LOCATION is prime for your dream home!  Survey available upon request. $700,000 Active

2404 N Glenwood Drive Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,318 SqFt 0.17 Acres

Under contract-accepting backup offers. Wonderful POOL home in Baycrest offering 4BR's & 4BA's with incredible versatility to living & design options!  This corner lot/cul-de-sac location is a must-see home!  Enjoy a split-level design that includes a bedroom (4th), bathroom, & flex room at lower level, the kitchen & dining/living open plan on main level, with your primary (BR1) & BR's 2 & 3 all upstairs.  This home is perfect for multi-generational or in-law housing options too!  Your expansive main living room area opens fully to a picturesque pool & garden view, complete with newer sealed pavers, freshly painted metal cage with new screws/fastenings, new screens, & new concrete border edge to the pool perimeter deck.  The pool area & lanai is equipped with a full bathroom & entrance to & from the garage as well.  This fully vinyl fenced back yard & expansive lot offers many options for storage & ample space for many interests from gardening or an outdoor landscaping design &/or a decorative fire pit.  The primary bedroom is complete with a large bathroom & walk-in closet design.  Two additional bedrooms & a well-equipped bathroom round out your upstairs living area.  This home has newer interior paint, a newer vinyl sided fence, & new exterior gutter drains & drain system.  The pool is equipped with newer Sta-Rite Posi-Clear RP Cartridge Filter, Hayward Max-Flo XL Pump, & Jandy Tru-Clear Salt System/Salt Cell (all in 2024).  All pavers re-sealed in 2024.  Bay Crest community offers a community boat ramp to residents & open water boating access! Perfectly located near Tampa International Airport, downtown Tampa, the Veteran’s Expressway & I-275, International Plaza, Westshore Business District, Rocky Point Golf Course, award-winning beaches, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, & just a short boat ride to popular waterfront destinations. $485,000 Pending

8408 Granite Place Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,210 SqFt 0.24 Acres

Under contract-accepting backup offers. Prime location & home in the Ballast Point/South Tampa area!  Take this home to the next level & renovate to your dreams or explore options with a new home in a perfect location with so many South Tampa amenities & opportunities.  This lot location is a premier opportunity to take advantage of & offers many options.  This quiet cul-de-sac & spacious lot gives off massive curb appeal!  This solid home could be a gem or let your imagination run free on new options!  Access from all points South Tampa is at your fingertips.  Home is surrounded by amazing homes (newer & established) & this location is minutes from Ballast Point Pier & Park, Bayshore, Bay to Bay, MacDill Air Force Base, & South Tampa locations & much more. $375,000 Pending

2811 W Pearl Avenue Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 2 Baths 1,116 SqFt 0.18 Acres

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Tampa Bay?

You can use this website to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all its communities. Our site is directly connected to the Tampa Bay MLS, and we update our listings every hour. You can even use our site to create your own account and get emails as soon as a new home hits the market, price change alerts and so much more.

While you’re here, check out these listings:

Join our team

Please fill out the below form completely and include your resume & cover letter and we will get back to you quickly!

  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 50 MB.

    Today's Newest Homes for Sale in Tampa Bay

    Check out the newest homes listed in the last hour in Greater Tampa Bay.

    Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Tampa Bay?

    You can use this website to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all its communities. Our site is directly connected to the Tampa Bay MLS, and we update our listings every hour. You can even use our site to create your own account and get emails as soon as a new home hits the market, price change alerts and so much more.

    While you're here, check out these listings: