Hillsborough County - 61 Attractions You Must Visit

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is truly a hub of culture and entertainment with an impressive nine venues ranging from cozy theater spaces to expansive concert halls — each equipped with incredible sound technology to ensure the best possible viewing experience. It offering a continuously changing schedule of performances that include Broadway shows, classical and contemporary music concerts, dance events, comedy acts, spoken word programs and much more.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic symbol of Hillsborough County Completed in 1987, this bridge stands across a four-mile span of Tampa Bay and is a beautiful sighting at sunrise or sunset. A cable-stayed bridge with several concrete piers, it also boasts a unique curved shape with fans for extra support, making it a creative engineering masterpiece as well as an eye-catching structure.

A cable-stayed bridge spanning the Lower Tampa Bay connecting St. Petersburg, Florida to Terra Ceia. The current Sunshine Skyway opened in 1987 and is the second bridge of that name on the site.

Tampa Bay Fun Boat is a great way to explore Florida's beautiful Hillsborough County from a unique vantage point. Spend the day cruising around and take in all the sights of the gorgeous landscape and waters, aboard their comfortable pontoon boat. Their knowledgeable captain will show you hidden gems like secret beaches, wildlife preserves and local landmarks that you might not have seen otherwise. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing or just lounging in the sun.

A history museum in Tampa. Exhibits include coverage of the Tampa Bay area's first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, and historical figures who shaped the area's history, as well as a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store.

Tampa, is a vibrant mix of urban culture, beautiful beaches, and historical landmarks. As home to the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens, The Ybor City Historic District provides a glimpse into the city's famed cigar-making past and features iconic brick buildings housing shops, museums and enticing Cuban restaurants. Outdoors lovers can enjoy Fort De Soto Park where stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico abound or drive up to Clearwater Beach for miles of white sand shoreline.

Tampa Museum of Art is an outstanding institution for experiencing and appreciating the finest in visual art from around the world. Housed within its walls are permanent collections that display artwork from ancient to modern times including European masters, ancient Greek and Roman antiquities, contemporary American art and more. The museum also has temporary exhibitions and special programming that showcase the works of renowned international artists as well as local talent.

2.6-mile-long (4.2 km) open space and pedestrian trail development along the Hillsborough River . The Riverwalk extends along most of the downtown Tampa waterfront, forming a continuous path connecting multiple parks, attractions, public spaces, and hotels.

Tampa Theatre is a stunning piece of architecture that remains the city's crown jewel. Built-in 1926 and lovingly restored to its original grandeur in 1977, this historic building has become a true cultural icon. This beloved movie palace captures the glamour and romance of Hollywood’s golden age with its intricate details. From concerts to events and classic films to charities, today Tampa Theatre continues to welcome locals and visitors alike for unforgettable experiences.

The TECO Line Streetcar System is a treasured part of the Tampa Bay Region's transportation system. Started in 2002, this popular and efficient 2.7-mile streetcar route runs from downtown Tampa, through the rapidly growing Channelside District, to Ybor City - one of the city's original Latin Quarters. With newly added modern streetcars that are wheelchair accessible, This System provides riders with frequencies throughout most of their operating hours–seven days a week.

It is a large scale, 250,000-square-foot (23,000 m2) aquarium home to more than 7,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, is a world-renowned museum with the largest collection of Baroque art in America. Spanning over 68 acres, it features five different buildings that highlight a full range of artwork from the 16th century to present day. From Italian grand masters such as Rembrandt and Monet to contemporary pieces from Jackson Pollock, the museum is sure to impress any visitor looking for an educational yet enjoyable experience.

Tigris, is an exhilarating and thrilling roller coaster experience. The steep drops and unexpected loops send riders looping up and down with the wind in their hair. From its signature heartline roll to its intense launches, Tigris packs plenty of thrills into one ride. It also boasts great views for spectators of all heights too! With a maximum speed of over 62 miles per hour and a platform height of 150 feet, Tigris is every adrenaline junkie's dream come true.

TPC Tampa Bay is a golf course and residence located in Hillsborough County. It offers an upscale PGA Tour experience with an 18-hole championship golf course, practice facilities, and a 26-acre performance center. Guests of the complex can enjoy picturesque natural settings with wildlife, stunning marsh views, and both tee and fairway options for all skill levels. The area also features modern amenities such as a full service interactive Pro Shop and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Upper Tampa Bay Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. This 1,125 acre park boasts stunning and varied landscapes, including woodlands comprised of pinion pines and palmettos, wetlands brimming with wildlife, shoreline areas along two different bays, and plenty of open grasslands. Hikers are especially enticed by the 7 mile trail that guides them through different ecosystems, as well as numerous shorter trails that delve deeper into swamplands filled with tall grasses.

The University of South Florida Botanical Gardens features a vast array of natural beauty. Located in Hillsborough County, Florida, visitors come to explore the many lush displays found within the gardens. With approximately 10 distinct collections, each showcase offers its own unique look at exotic plants like those found only in tropical rainforests. In addition to the plant life on display, birds, butterflies and other wildlife can be seen fluttering throughout the grounds.

This is a Thai Buddhist temple that serves as a spiritual center and temple of worship for the local community. The multicolored wooden temple building faces a tranquil pond and is surrounded by lush tropical foliage, making it a beautiful and picturesque sight. Inside the temple, visitors can take part in ceremonies, as well as explore its many artifacts. Additionally, the temple holds festivals with events such as traditional performances, Thai cuisine demonstrations and meditation classes.

Water Works Park is an amazing place to visit and explore! In this unique park, visitors will find two beautiful nature trails, a kids' splash zone, playgrounds, and a picnic area perfect for families or large groups of friends. There are also many special events hosted at the park throughout the year, such as the popular 'Movies in the Park' series. The park also has majestic views of Tampa Bay that provide a perfect backdrop for an idyllic sunset picnic or walk along one of its nature trails.

Ybor City is a historically rich and vibrant area founded by Vicente Martinez Ybor in 1886, This Historic Landmark is known for its contribution of Cuban-influenced culture to the region. It has become an attractive place to live, work, and play by its unique combination of old-world charm, modern amenities, and exciting attractions. Visitors will find plenty here from the impressive architecture of century buildings, professional theater companies, stylish art galleries and trendy restaurants.

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.