It is common advice for first-time cruisers to arrive at your cruise port the day before departure to make sure you don’t miss your cruise because of a flight delay or a broken down car. This creates an exciting opportunity for you to squeeze an extra day of fun into your holiday, as most cruise ports are worthwhile destinations themselves. If you happen to have a cruise departing from Tampa, then you will no doubt be looking for the best activities to do while you are in town. Luckily for you, we’ve got our list of the 5 best attractions to do before your cruise departs in Tampa, Florida.
Tampa Riverwalk
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The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic pedestrian pathway that runs for 2.4 miles along the Hillsborough River. Here you will find many local shops and attractions, as well as street performers and scenic views. This is a great place to enjoy the sun, either rising or setting, or to go for a morning jog. Being within walking distance to the port means it is the perfect place to spend time before a cruise departs as you wouldn’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic right before you are supposed to board. For a good collection of shops and food vendors, take the Riverwalk to Sparkman Wharf. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, so you will at least have a good chance for some top-notch people watching!
Ybor City
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Originally founded in the 1880s as a hub for cigar manufacturing, Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most iconic and culturally rich districts. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, it is a testament to Tampa’s diverse and deep history. At its height, Cubans, Spaniards, Italians, and Eastern Europeans flocked here in droves to work at the cigar factories, creating a true melting pot of cultures and putting the city on the map as the "Cigar Capital of the World." Today, you will find many local shops and restaurants where you can interact with the locals who now call Ybor home, as well as take walking tours that explore the city’s history, architecture, and folklore. If you are looking to get a real taste of Tampa’s local culture, this is the place for you.
The Florida Aquarium
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Another conveniently located attraction for cruisers, the Florida Aquarium is a worthwhile experience for anyone, but especially good for families with young children. The aquarium is heavily involved in conservation efforts, including the restoration of coral reefs and the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles, and it is a great place to teach your children about the importance of environmental protection and restoration. Here they feature many exhibits such as a coral reef gallery, a Madagascar exhibit, a Wetlands replication, and an exhibit highlighting Tampa's bays and beaches. Possibly the most enticing attraction here is the Wild Dolphin Cruise, where passengers are taken on a 75-minute boat ride in an attempt to see wild dolphins right in Tampa Bay!
Henry B. Plant Museum
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Another educational attraction for cruisers, the Henry B. Plant Museum offers a glimpse of the Gilded Age and the opulent lives of the upper class in the late 19th century. The museum was originally the lavish Tampa Bay Hotel, as established by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant in 1891. It was one of the most luxurious hotels of its time, attracting affluent tourists from all over the world. Architecturally, it is an astounding structure featuring a Moorish Revival style, complete with striking minarets and ornate details. Once offering 511 rooms to patrons, it now pays homage to many of the greats who stayed here, from Teddy Roosevelt to the Queen of the United Kingdom. In addition to learning about what the lives of the rich and famous were like over a century ago, you will also learn about Henry B. Plant himself, who he was and how he helped shape Tampa’s history. This is a great attraction if you’ve got any history buffs in your group.
Clearwater Beach
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If you are taking an ocean cruise leaving from Tampa, then there is a good chance you are amenable to a little fun in the sun, and there’s no better place for that than Clearwater Beach. While it is 25 miles from the cruise port, it is still the best place to dip your toes in the ocean before departing on your cruise. This is a hub for locals and tourists alike to play watersports, sunbathe along the white-sand beach, get in a game of volleyball, or sip on a cocktail at a local bar. Restaurants and shops are bustling with activity and a lively nightlife offers something to do the night before your cruise. If a night on the town is up your alley, then Clearwater has got you covered!
