Things to Do Near Port Tampa Bay

Aquarium exhibits and optional wildlife experiences in downtown Tampa.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

3 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$35-40 adults, $30-35 kids (3-11), free under 3

Best for: Families with kids who love animals and water

Pro tip: Check ticket inclusions and experience times; special animal encounters and boat outings may need separate bookings.

A children’s museum with hands-on exhibits and play-based learning.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$25 general admission, free under 1

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.

Waterfront park with a lawn, playground and water features in downtown Tampa.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

30 min - 1 hour

Cost

Free

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check current park conditions and whether the water features are operating before planning water play.

Streetcar service connecting downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

Catch it near the port

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

Free

Best for: Train-loving kids, tired parents who want to sit down

Pro tip: Check current service and your return stop before boarding; leave enough time to get back for your cruise transfer.

Waterfront dining gardens, restaurants and entertainment along Garrison Channel.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

5 min walk from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Arrange luggage storage before visiting: suitcases and backpacks are prohibited. Keep children supervised and away from the wharf edge, and check hours for your chosen restaurant or event.

The operator’s Tampa Tiki + Social venue offers games, bowling and dining at Sparkman Wharf.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

5 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

~$8-12 per person per game plus shoe rental

Best for: Groups, competitive types, anyone bored of walking

Pro tip: Use the operator’s current Tampa venue details and check what games or lanes can be reserved for your group.

Explore downtown Tampa by bicycle, choosing permitted routes such as the Selmon Greenway.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

5 min from port

Time needed

1 hour

Cost

Check current bike rental rates and equipment requirements.

Best for: Active families, kids who can ride a bike

Pro tip: Check the rental operator’s age, helmet, route and return rules. Scooters are not permitted on the Riverwalk; shared e-bikes also have restricted riding zones.

Walk beside the Hillsborough River between downtown parks, restaurants and cultural stops.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

5 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to walk; food and attraction admission cost extra.

Best for: Active teens, anyone who wants to get outside

Pro tip: Choose a short walking section and a return point. Scooters are not permitted on the Riverwalk.

Animal exhibits and conservation experiences at Lowry Park.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

Check your route to the terminal

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

Check current admission and booking requirements

Best for: A dedicated day with animals and family activities.

Pro tip: Check the day’s opening schedule, construction notices and any separately reserved experiences.

A theme park with rides and animal experiences in Tampa.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

Check your route to the terminal

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

Check current admission and booking requirements

Best for: A full vacation day for rides and animal attractions.

Pro tip: Set aside a separate day and check ride-height requirements, operating schedules and weather policies before buying tickets.

Build a photo walk around Ybor City’s murals, including Viva Ybor on East Seventh Avenue.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to explore

Best for: Creative teens, photographers, anyone who appreciates urban culture

Pro tip: Use Visit Tampa Bay’s mural map to select your stops, then check any shops you want to visit before extending the walk.

A Tampa Bay history museum on the downtown Riverwalk.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

5 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

$18 adults, $13 kids

Best for: Curious teens, history fans, anyone wanting an indoor activity

Pro tip: Review the current galleries and visitor information before choosing tickets; special programs may have separate schedules. With children, make time for Treasure Seekers, the permanent gallery built around a 60-foot pirate ship.

A downtown Tampa district with dining, shops and public spaces.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

5 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to explore

Best for: Teens who want to walk around somewhere new

Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.

Historic cigar factories, brick streets and iron balconies tell the story of Tampa’s Ybor City.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port (or free streetcar)

Time needed

1-3 hours

Cost

Free to explore (food/shopping costs vary)

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Choose a few historic blocks for your walk; check individual museum and restaurant hours if you want to go inside.

Factory tours and experiences centered on Tampa’s cigar-making history.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1 hour

Cost

$15 per person for guided tour

Best for: History lovers, cigar enthusiasts, anyone curious about Tampa's roots

Pro tip: Check the tour calendar, age restrictions and reservation requirements; do not assume a factory tour runs whenever the building is open.

Art museum combining Greek and Roman antiquities with modern and contemporary art.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

$25 adults

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.