Ybor City - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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 .

Parque Jose Marti is an outdoor recreation area that offers visitors a chance for exploration and play. This park covers 125 acres of land with plenty open space for picnics, sports activities, and walks. The walking paths are lined with tall trees and benches for rest, providing a pleasant environment throughout the park. There are also two lakes in the park which can be used for recreational fishing. Parque Jose Marti is the perfect destination to entertain children of all ages.

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.

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.