10 best things to do in Tampa this spring: Baseball, beach days, and Tampa Bay fun
10 best things to do in Tampa this spring: Baseball, beach days, and Tampa Bay fun
Tampa's year-round offerings are a testament to the city's diversity, blending cultural richness, natural allure, and festive vibes. But springtime is special for visitors and locals alike, when the weather in Tampa is perfect, and everyone embraces the warmth and the vibrant tapestry that defines the area.
Here are 10 things to do in Tampa, Florida, from pirate-themed festivities to dining al fresco along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Celebrate Gasparilla season
Hundreds of thousands of revelers flock each year to Tampa to witness the Pirate Invasion
Tampa has a thing about pirates, and spring is the best time to experience it. Gasparilla Season, named in honor of the legendary pirate José Gaspar, features festive parades, parties, and much more from January through March.
The children's parade kicks things off followed by arts and music festivals, a film festival, the Pirate Invasion and Parade, Nighttime Sant' Yago Knight Parade, and the Gasparilla Distance Classic.
Explore the Tampa Riverwalk
Walking, jogging, or biking Tampa's scenic Riverwalk is a favorite spring pastime
One way to celebrate Tampa's beautiful spring weather is to walk, jog, or bike the Tampa Riverwalk. More than just a scenic route, it's the perfect orientation for first-time visitors exploring downtown.
The 3-mile walkway connects city attractions, downtown hotels, entertainment spots, and dining options. Along the way you'll encounter iconic landmarks, such as Armature Works and the Heights Public Market, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Convention Center, and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Dine al fresco at Tampa restaurants
Explore sophisticated sidewalk dining at Water Street's Boulon Brasserie
Many Tampa restaurants take advantage of the warm sunny days and starry nights of spring by offering outdoor dining. Some of the most popular options are in the visionary Water Street neighborhood, where the public areas promote community engagement and pedestrian comfort. The result is a neighborhood with wide sidewalks and spacious public spaces perfect for cultivating cafe culture.
The neighborhood is home to Sparkman Wharf, featuring street-food concepts by some of Tampa's best chefs and served from creatively renovated shipping containers. The vibrant locale also boasts a spacious community lawn, outdoor games, and a bandshell for entertainment.