Mote Marine is an awesome aquarium! They are one of the most educational aquariums I’ve been to. Along with marine life, they also have a bird exhibit and great views around the establishment.
—Victoria
Whether you’re looking for thrills or just want to chill, we’ve got you covered. Our theme park excursions range from the stomach-dropping roller coasters of Busch Gardens to the waterways and waterslides of Adventure Island. If you’re up for a day trip, head for Disney World or Universal Orlando, only about 1.5 hours from USF Tampa.
Of course, the Tampa Bay area’s main attraction is the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond a simple beach trip, you’ll discover plenty of opportunities to enjoy this warm, subtropical sea and its bays. From a new, award-winning pleasure pier to state-of-the-art aquariums offering dolphin cruises and underwater adventures, you’ll experience waterfront fun like never before.
Top Tampa Bay Attractions
Busch Gardens
If you have a need for speed, this is the park for you. Busch Gardens offers some of the fastest and tallest roller coasters in the U.S., including Iron Gwazi, a crocodile-inspired ride that plunges from a 206-foot-tall peak into a 91° drop. The theme park also features up-close animal encounters with the zebras and giraffes roaming a re-created Serengeti, plus live entertainment.
Adventure Island
After Busch Gardens, pop across the street to this 40-acre waterpark with a Key West vibe and activities for all ages: waterfalls, a wave pool, water slides, a lazy river, a sand volleyball complex, and more.
The Florida Aquarium
Visit one of the best aquariums in the nation and meet both aquatic and land animals: sea turtles, sharks, eels, tortoises, river otters, gators and lemurs! For an immersive experience, explore coral caves in the 15-foot-deep Heart of the Sea habitat or go on a dolphin-viewing voyage around Tampa Bay.
The St. Pete Pier
This waterfront hub for recreation and entertainment is way more than a fishing pier. Choose your own adventure: stroll, bike, skateboard, sunbathe, dine, or picnic across 26 acres of artfully designed space connecting lush St. Pete parks to the shimmering waterfront. Come at dusk to view the magical, billowing Bending Arc art installation, a net sculpture that lights up at night.
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
This marine research institution has a spectacular aquarium, where you can explore the 135,000-gallon shark habitat and meet creatures like manatees, sea jellies, roseate spoonbills and river otters. Depending on the season, you can also join a sea-life encounter cruise or take a moonlit kayaking tour of Sarasota Bay.
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
MOSI (pronounced “mo-zee”) brings science to life with interactive exhibits and programming. If you’re looking for an adventure, make sure to try the Sky Trail Ropes Course, complete with rope bridges, ladders and more, 36 feet off the ground. Talk about elevating your trip!
ZooTampa
ZooTampa — where the Nat Geo WILD series is filmed — has been voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos in the country. From panthers to African painted dogs, manatees to penguins, the zoo cares for more than 1,000 animals and is committed to rescue and rehabilitation.
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios
World-famous theme parks are just a day trip away! Walt Disney World Resort features thrill rides, safaris, live entertainment, nightlife, water parks, golf courses and more. Film fanatics can’t miss Universal Orlando Resort, where movies come to life through rides, shows, and immersive recreations of fictional places. Nearby, Universal’s Volcano Bay water park is the perfect place to cool off on a summer weekend.
Take it From the Bulls
I love the St. Pete Pier. It’s a location that's close to campus so I love to walk over there and spend time with my friends.
—Abigail
Get Around in Style
Sure, you could use rideshare apps or take public transit, but why not try something more fun?
- The free TECO Historic Streetcar in Ybor City
- The Pirate Water Taxi, stopping along the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel
- DASH, an affordable ride service provided by the Tampa Downtown Partnership
- The Downtown Looper, a network of free trolleys and electric buses making navigation in St. Pete a breeze
- The Crossbay Ferry, connecting downtown St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa
Mark Your Calendar
Gasparilla
One of Tampa Bay’s top attractions is a pirate parade (yes, you read that right) called Gasparilla. Think of it like Mardi Gras with more swashbuckling. The third largest parade in the nation, Gasparilla stages an “invasion” of Tampa: a fully rigged pirate ship leads a flotilla to land, where 100+ floats cruise down Bayshore Boulevard, tossing out loot that looks an awful lot like party beads. The event is free, but investing in a pirate costume is part of the fun. The Gasparilla Pirate Fest is held on the last Saturday of January, and there is a much more low-key, family-friendly Children’s Gasparilla the weekend before.
