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While Tampa may not always get the same attention as Orlando or Miami, it’s still a city worth the attention. If you’re wondering about things to do, especially if you can’t drive or travel around too much, then Tampa is still highly recommended. It really does offer totally different vibes compared to Miami and Orlando. 

Just think about it: this Gulf Coast city is packed with hidden gems. It’s a place where history, nature, and culture come together in unexpected ways. So, if you’re planning a trip to Tampa and want to go beyond the usual tourist spots, here are five unique things to do that’ll give you a fresh perspective on this vibrant city.

Explore Ybor City’s Cigar History

So, if you want to take a step back in time, then by all means, you’ll want to come to Ybor City. But don’t get confused—this isn’t a city; it’s actually a neighborhood here in Tampa. So, this was once the cigar capital of the world. This neighborhood is full of character, history, and more than a little cigar smoke. 

It’s super colorful here, plenty of vintage shops, old cigar factories, and of course areas to celebrate rich cultural heritage too. So, if you’re curious about how cigars are made, you can even watch cigars being hand-rolled the traditional way.

Shop, Eat, and Chill in Hyde Park Village

Now, if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, Hyde Park Village is the place to be. It’s a fairly trendy outdoor shopping district, and it’s perfect for an afternoon of relaxing. It has boutique shops, stylish cafes, and a cool, chilled-out vibe. There’s some effortless charm here, and also, there’s a wide variety of shops and cafes that cater to a variety of budgets, so if you’re on a tight budget, then there’s nothing really to worry about.

But some people travel to Tampa for an all-out shopping trip, and if that’s you, then ideally, you’ll want to look into hotels near Hyde Park Tampa. Then, you’ll be a short walk (or Uber) from some of the best spots.

Get Up Close with Manatees on an Eco Tour

Manatees are practically Florida’s unofficial mascots, and Tampa is one of the best places to see these gentle giants up close. So, there are actually a lot of eco-based tours around the Tampa Bay area to see dolphins and manatees. But you should also keep in mind that it depends on what time of year you’re going there.

For the most part, sea life stays around Florida due to the temperatures not being very cold (usually fairly warm even in the winter). So, even if you pick January for your trip, you should still be able to expect to see some wild sea life on these eco-tours.

Experience the Magic of Tampa Theatre

Even if you’re not a big theatre person, this is still a must-see because of its beauty. So it was built in 1926, and it’s an architectural gem with a gorgeous interior that feels straight out of a fairytale, complete with a ceiling that twinkles like the night sky. You can catch a classic film here and get a tour, and there are even ghost tours and ghost stories in the month of October, too.

Kayak Down the Hillsborough River

If you’re looking for a bit of outdoor adventure, grab a kayak and paddle down the peaceful Hillsborough River. So, it really depends on the weather, the waves, and the time of year, but this is a great chance to do some bird watching.