Parque Jose Marti - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Centro Asturiano de Tampa was founded in 1923 as a social center for members of the Spanish and Italian immigrant communities. It provided them with a place to gather socially and recreate, as well as access to healthcare, education, and other services. Today, it continues to serve the community of Hillsborough County by hosting various cultural events and educational programs. The four story building also houses a library filled with more than 5,000 books ranging from literature to history.

Ybor City Museum State Park is a great destination for exploring the history of Ybor City. The museum in the park highlights the city's rich culture and history, focusing on its 19th-century cigar industry roots. Visitors to the museum will learn about the Tampa's first settlers and see unique artifacts like machines used to make cigars. There are beautiful trails looping around the park letting visitors take in sights like old cigar factories, Spanish Revival homes, and Victorian architecture.

The J.C. Newman Cigar Company has been family owned and operated since 1895, making it one of the oldest cigar businesses in America. This local institution is still owned by the Newman family and is a thriving business today. They produce over 6 million handmade cigars per year with 80 employees across multiple shifts in their Tampa-based factory. The company is dedicated to craftsmanship, quality control and continuing the long history of classic American cigar brands .

Perry Harvey Sr. Park is an outdoor experience for the entire family to enjoy. With its bike trail, basketball court, picnic area, and playground set-up, there’s something for everyone at Perry Harvey Sr. Park! Spend a day here floating down the Hillsborough River on a rented canoe or kayak, play a game of hoops on the lighted basketball court near midday overlooking the river or take an afternoon stroll along the winding bike trail with stunning views of downtown Tampa.

The Florida Aquarium is a world-class facility showcasing the magic of aquatic life from all around the globe. Visitors can delve into unique habitats such as the Bays & Beaches, Wetlands, and Tropical Corals to get up close and personal with more than 20,000 amazing aquatic animals and plants. If you wish to dive even deeper into marine science, The Florida Aquarium offers educational programs for school groups and other educational institutions.

Tampa is a vibrant city with an abundance of activities to enjoy. Whether you head to Ybor City for entertainment or walk along the scenic waterfront of Bayshore Boulevard, there is something for everyone in Tampa. You can explore the natural beauty of Citrus County by taking a kayak tour along one of its many rivers and springs, or simply relax on one of the area’s idyllic beaches. Cultural and fine arts are also prevalent in Tampa.