Hillsborough County - 61 Attractions You Must Visit

The Fort Foster State Historic Site is an iconic remnant of the Seminole Wars. It was initially built as a military base by the federal forces in 1837 during their operations against the Seminoles. The white-washed fort was never actually used in battle, but its presence was enough to show that the Americans were ready to wage war against the native population. Today, it is preserved as a historical site and has gained importance due to its diverse landscape.

Housed in a 53,000-square-foot facility in downtown Tampa, the museum features 170 interactive exhibits in multiple themed areas. Traveling exhibits occasionally supplement the museum's permanent collection as well.

Plant Hall was formerly known as the Tampa Bay Hotel, which was a 511-room resort hotel opened on February 5, 1891 by Henry B. Plant near the terminus of his rail line. The museum's exhibits focus on Gilded Age tourism, the elite lifestyle of the hotel's guests, and the building's use during the Spanish–American War.

A popular park due to its proximity to the city of Tampa. The park consists of over 2,990 acres, and there are more than seven miles of trails.

The Hindu Temple of Florida, is a welcoming place for locals to learn about and experience authentic Hindu culture. Its graceful shrines, the intricate details of its walls, the inviting courtyards and lush garden all work together to create a tranquil atmosphere. The temple hopes to provide spiritual solace for congregants and educates guests about various aspects of the Hindu faith with educational initiatives as well as musical, dance, debate and youth activities.

Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is three exhilarating weeks of screams and thrills for the brave and bold. Located in Hillsborough County, the event offers not only haunted houses and scare zones with terrifying themes, but also live entertainment each night and hundreds of ghoulish creatures lurking around every corner. Not for the faint at heart, Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay is a great way to get into the Halloween season with electrifying frights that will stay with you long after the event has ended.

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 .

Kumba, is an unforgettable experience. This thrilling rollercoaster ride has seven intense inversions, speed twists, and tight turns on over 3,800 feet of steel track. Riders reach heights of 135 feet and top speeds of 53mph as they go through loops and diving corkscrews at break-neck speed. After the thrills of Kumba riders find a serene note with a final helix around a quiet pond.

Lettuce Lake Park is the perfect blend of recreational activities and scenic nature trails. With a range of outdoor experiences including canoeing and kayaking along the Hillsborough River, camping along its serene wooded sites, fishing and picnicking on banks of the shallow water lagoon, as well as hiking and biking through winding trails and an environmental education center for a deep dive into nature, there is something for everyone at this breathtaking park.

Lithia Springs Park offers all the delights of outdoor recreation, with a hint of Florida history. Visitors can take in the breathtaking beauty as they stroll along the 1/3 mile nature trail and enjoy the lush foliage, wildlife and springs that feed into nearby FishHawk Creek. In addition to its nature trail, other activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and swimming at one of the area's multiple springs. The park was once part of an old plantation dating back to 1846.

Montu is an intense steel roller coaster located in Busch Gardens. It stands over 140 feet tall and nearly a mile in length with more than 3,900 feet of track. Taking riders through seven mind-blowing inverted loops, Montu is one of the most thrilling roller coasters in the country and is known to be the tallest and fastest inverted coaster. From its initial lift hill climb to hitting top speeds of 60 miles per hour, It keeps its riders heart pounding until it passes through a dark tunnel.

A community-based not-for-profit institution and educational resource that is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology.

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.

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.

Presidents Hall of Fame is an iconic monument dedicated to honoring the many former presidents of the United States. Every president who has served since George Washington, is recognized on this impressive site. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts, including presidential letters and mementos from all 44 presidents. The Hall of Fame also offers interactive exhibits and educational activities to help bring the stories of these past presidents to life for visitors.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, offers its parishioners a place of worship with a rich history and sense of community. This historic church dates back to 1899 and offers a variety of services for those looking for spiritual guidance. Not only does the vibrant church provide beautiful services but it also supports outreach programs such as Feeding Tampa Bay Food Pantry, Women’s Pregnancy Center, Oasis Worship Center and is active in local missions.

Sand Serpent is a unique experience located near Tampa Bay, Sand Serpent offers one-of-a kind adventures for thrill seekers. Tourists can explore the area on various guided activities that take them through diverse trails of white sand, mangrove swamps filled with butterflies and hawks, and lush coastal wetlands along the Gulf of Mexico's shoreline. Tourists also have the opportunity to take guided Ecotours along some of Florida’s most remarkable rivers and waterways.

Serengeti is an unforgettable experience that everyone should experience at least once. This safari allows visitors to observe more than 50 different species of animals up close, including zebra, emu, ostriches, bison, and more. On the tour you will also learn interesting facts about each animal and their natural habitats. Along the way you are even allowed to feed the animals. After the tour you can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery in Hillsborough County.

SheiKra, is one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world! Its wooden frame reaches a maximum height of 200 feet, complete with a breathtaking 90-degree drop before shooting back up at an incline of 120 degrees. You'll be cruising through its 3,188 feet of twisting steel tracks at lightning speed - up to 70 mph! It has 7 quick drops over its course along with some tight turns that really crank up the thrilling coaster experience!

St. Pete Pier™, is an iconic waterfront destination offering locals and visitors alike some of the best attractions the area has to offer. A 26-acre public waterfront complex, complete with restaurants, fishing, boat charters and cruises, retail establishments and plenty of activities for children. At St. Pete Pier™ you can treat yourself to echelons of culinary experiences ranging from casual outdoor dining to mouthwatering seafood -all with a vista overlooking Tampa Bay.