Is someone other than Santa coming to town, or will you be spinning a dreidel with family as we approach Christmas and Hannukah? As you sling the bedsheets on and fluff up those pillows are you thinking, "I can survive this, if Clark Griswold can survive, then I can too!" I mean it can't get much worse than Christmas Vacation, right? What Clark needed and did not have, but you do my friend, are DESTINATIONS! The key to sanity when your holiday visitors come calling it to keep them busy. Below you will find a list of fun things to do in Tampa, holiday and New Year's Eve events in Tampa, restaurants, shopping opportunities and more.
Traveling Tampa is easy. If your destination is Downtown Tampa and Channelside, invite guests to walk the streets, visit Tampa Riverwalk, discover the many fine restaurants in downtown Tampa, craft beer bars, and gastropubs locals love. From the arts to Sunday Markets there is plenty to see and do in Downtown Tampa where parking is free on weekends. Once parked you can ride from one side of the city to the other and to historic Ybor City using the Downtowner, a Tampa Free Ride Service. The TECO Line Streetcar System is another option, rides are inexpensive, and you can purchase passes. Want to mosey up the river to Ulele to check out the barbicoa and artifacts collected since childhood by owner Richard Gonzmart? The history and food are superb, not to mention, there's a craft brewery here too. Grab the Pirate Water Taxi, you can pay for the day, however, if you entertain visitors through the year, we recommend grabbing an Annual Pass.
Hot Spots in Downtown Tampa (Click the links below to learn more about the place and events).
- Museums and Exhibits in Tampa
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- Patel Conservatory
- Florida Aquarium
- Tampa Theatre
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Events in Downtown Tampa (Click the link for more).
Restaurants in Downtown Tampa Locals Love
Nightlife in Downtown Tampa (Click to see more bars and clubs in Downtown Tampa).
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South Tampa, the Westshore corridor and the Waterfront present multiple destinations sure to keep your guests occupied for hours, even days! There's shopping, drinking, eating, family-friendly fun, they can even get their toes in the sand!
Hot Spots in South Tampa, Westshore and the Waterfront area of Rocky Point
- Bayshore Boulevard Linear Park
- Ballast Point Park
- Hyde Park Village
- International Plaza and Bay Street
- Picnic Island Beach
- Courtney Campbell Causeway
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Events in South Tampa, Westshore and the Waterfront
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Restaurants in South Tampa, Westshore and the Waterfront Locals Love
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Nightlife in South Tampa, Westshore and the Waterfront.
- The Blind Goat Food & Drink Company
- MacDinton's
- WTR Tampa
- Edge Social Drinkery
- Bahama Breeze
- Yard of Ale SoHo
- Pete's Place
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Look at all the things to do in Tampa and we haven't discussed Historic Ybor City yet! From day tours to ghost tours, authentic restaurants, the areas top nightclubs and more, Ybor City has been a destination for people of all ages, kids and on, for years. Included in this section is East Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Don't miss the weekly Saturday Artist Market, where you find unique items and fun things to do and see in Centennial Park in Ybor. See more shopping in Ybor.
Hot Spots in Ybor City
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Events in Ybor City (Click for more).
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Restaurants in Ybor City Locals Love (Click the Heading for more).
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East of the city in Brandon and Plant City, and South to Riverview you find bustling communities with much to explore. Discover a new area you do not routinely visit this holiday season in Hillsborough.
Hot spots
- Westfield Brandon Town Center
- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
- Florida State Fairgrounds
- Center Place Fine Arts
Events in Brandon, Plant City and the Southshore
Important to know AAA & Budweiser FREE Tow To Go Gets You and Car Home Safe
