Top 9 Outdoor Activities In Tampa, Florida - Updated 2024

Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 4 min read

The city of Tampa nestles on Tampa Bay on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Tampa is well known for its museum, art, and theater scene. The historic Ybor City neighborhood is a great destination for dining and nightlife, established by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the start of the 20th century. The pristine beaches are ideal for relaxation in the fresh air and they line the Caladesi Island State Park. Busch Gardens is an African-theme amusement park offering a zoo area and exciting thrill rides. Among the other great things to do are some top outdoor activities in Tampa, Florida, that we’ve listed below. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Experience the fishing trip of a lifetime (from USD 250.0)

There is nothing quite like catching your own fresh dinner so sign up for this four-hour fishing trip in Tampa, Florida. First, you will enjoy an exciting ride across the bay to the best fishing area. This will include entering an Indian wildlife preserve to hunt for big sports fish in the clear, shallow water. All the while, you will be surrounded by the wildlife of the area and will enjoy the scenic surrounding landscapes. At the end of your fishing session, enjoy another boat ride across the bay, climbing off at the docks. The fee covers all transportation, food, drinks and equipment.

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Fishing Trip of a Lifetime in Tampa

Duration: 4 hours

102 reviews

2. Take a tour of The Dancing Goat Dairy Farm (from USD 49.0)

This walking tour is ideal for the whole family and it starts with a visit to the ducks and chickens. Your guide will explain the various breeds and will allow guests to collect eggs from the nests. Next, you head to the barn area to visit the goats and will be able to pet the animals and interact with them. Animal cookies are provided for feeding the goats. The farm also fosters cats, so there are likely cute kittens to pet along the way. Also, visit the milking parlor and enjoy samples of the goat cheese made at the farm.

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The Dancing Goat Dairy Farm Tour

Duration: 2 hours

146 reviews

3. Spot dolphins on a sightseeing cruise on Tampa Bay (from USD 30.0)

Start your cruise at the Tampa Water Taxi Company and head out into the bay to see the pods of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins playing. The captain will steer the boat to places where the dolphins feed, play and raise their young at the nursery. The guide will give details about the dolphins’ daily life and habits. Keep your camera at the ready, as the captain will stop the boat within 30 ft (10 m) of the playful animals to get the best shot. On the way back, enjoy a cruise of the channels and the river to learn more about Tampa.

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Tampa Bay 1.5-hour Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise with Guide

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

385 reviews

4. Enjoy paddle-boarding around Harbor Island (from USD 35.0)

What better way to explore the waters around Harbor Island than on a paddleboard? Your rental includes the paddleboard, paddle and life jacket, allowing you to smoothly cruise on the water while admiring all the surrounding views. Your children can perch on the front of the board as you go. Durations can vary from one hour to four hours, depending on your requirements.

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Harbour Island Paddle Board Rental in Tampa

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

7 reviews

5. Have fun on a scavenger hunt in Ybor City (from USD 12.0)

This fun scavenger hunt is offered on the Let’s Roam app and it takes you to the best landmarks and hidden places you would not normally find. Along the way, you will get to answer trivia questions and solve challenges. Ybor City is the perfect neighborhood for a scavenger hunt, where you can learn about the history, culture and art of the city. Among the stops along the way are The Cuban Club, Ybor City State Museum and Jose Marti Park.

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Ybor City Scavenger Hunt Through Historic Tampa Neighborhood

Duration: 2 hours

4 reviews

6. Rent a kayak to explore beautiful Tampa Bay (from USD 25.0)

Single kayak rentals are the perfect way to explore the wonders of Tampa Bay. Choose a duration from one to eight hours, giving plenty of time to explore and view the city from the water. Paddle to the beaches for some fun in the sun and along the way, you might spot dolphins and manatees close by. The kayaks are wheelchair and stroller accessible and service animals are allowed on board. Infants must sit on your lap as you paddle. Your kayak rental location is close to public transportation options in Tampa.

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Single Kayak Rental to Explore the Waters of Tampa Bay

Duration: 1 to 8 hours

11 reviews

7. Enjoy a Nature Coast private day tour with a photographer (from USD 250.0)

Head out to the Nature Coast on this 12-hour fun tour. You will visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park that has a special hippo and the world’s largest fishbowl. Then, visit the Yulee Sugar Mill ruins, before heading to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, home to the underwater theater and the historic Mermaids of Florida. Last but not least, visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks to watch divers diving for sponges, before having dinner at the popular Greek restaurant, Hella’s. Along the way, have your own personal photographer capturing the moments.

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Tarpon Springs, Weekie Wachee, and Homosassa Springs Private Day Trip

Duration: 12 hours

8. Explore Bayshore Boulevard on a motorbike (from USD 199.0)

Have a fun, 45-minute tour of Tampa on a three-person motorbike. Head out from the port to visit Davis Island, which boasts beautiful mansions. Make a stop at the Davis Island Marina to take some photos. Then, ride along the longest sideway in America, backed by beautiful, panoramic views of Tampa Bay. Enjoy the views from Tampa Convention Center before riding through Harbor Island to tour Tampa Bay. Your tour will end back at the Port of Tampa.

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Bayshore Drive Motorbike Tour

Duration: 45 minutes

1 review

9. Relax on a private two-hour yacht charter in Tampa Bay (from USD 1.0)

Explore the Floridian coast on a two-hour yacht cruise in Tampa Bay. The boat can take groups of up to 20 people, making the trip ideal for wedding parties or family reunions. Relax and enjoy the views as your sail past Vinoy Hotel and Snell Isle, with all the comforts of a private tour. Being out on the water allows for Instagrammable photos from a unique viewpoint. Your cruise includes a Master Captain and First Mate, and all fuel and insurance are included in the price.

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Private Two Hour Yacht Charter in Tampa Bay

Duration: 2 hours

Fresh air and sunshine in Tampa, Florida

While exploring the museums and art galleries is an interesting experience, make the most of the Sunshine State and its gorgeous weather this year by taking advantage of the beaches or participating in some of the above exciting outdoor activities in Tampa.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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