5 Active Adventures To Enjoy In Tampa

Looking for an active trip then search no further than Tampa, Florida.

This city offers a nice mix of urban and outdoor experiences. Plus, it’s so scenic you’ll want to spend as much outside as possible. To help you plan an energetic itinerary, here are five fun suggestions for exploring active adventures in Tampa.

Explore Tampa By Bike 

One way to explore and get moving in Tampa is a tour with Tampa by Bike, which shows guests around on their “orange fun machines”, aka bright orange bikes. 

On a City Showcase Bike Tour, you’ll learn the history of the city while getting active, with tour highlights including the Riverwalk, Harbour Island, the University of Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard and beautiful Hyde Park.

While you’ll get your blood pumping, the ride is leisurely, and anyone with average physical fitness will love it. 

Bonus: The company also offers additional themed bike tours, including a Brew Loop Bike Tour, which gives you a taste of Tampa’s vibrant local beer culture, and a historic Historic Ybor City Bike Tour. The latter dates back to 1885, and is known for its cultural diversity, Latin roots and cigar heritage. 

Go On A Fishing Trip

It’s one thing to eat the delicious seafood offered around the city —recommendation: Oystercatchers — but it’s another to catch your own meal.

On a fishing charter with Flats and Bay, you’ll climb aboard a 24′ Proline Flatback with Captain Steve for a day spent catching grouper, snapper, snook and more. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie to the sport, as the crew will supply you with tips and tutorials tailored to what you’ll be catching. 

Captain Steve truly knows where the fish are hanging out, and you’ll very likely leave the experience with much more than one catch. 

Snorkel Off A Secluded Island

From Tampa, you have easy access to Florida’s azure waters — and the aquatic wildlife that reside below them! One highly rated tour operator for this excursion is Island Boat Adventures. 

Along with dolphin watching and sunset cruises, they offer an active four-hour snorkeling trip to Egmont Key, a Florida State Park known for its remote beach in the Gulf of Mexico. Once at your destination, you can collect shells, enjoy a picnic lunch, see the famed lighthouse, spot dolphins and even explore historical sites from the 19th century. 

Of course, the highlight is the snorkeling. And actually, some of the Spanish-American War fort ruins are underwater, attracting an array of sea life. Some aquatic wildlife you might encounter includes sea turtles, tarpon, grouper, crabs and more. 

Hike The Many Trails Near Tampa

Sure, Tampa itself may be a city; but it’s close to numerous parks full of trekking paths. 

One photo-worthy spot for hiking is the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. This natural escape includes 16,000 acres featuring numerous smaller parks, not to mention 60+ miles of hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails. 

You could also spend a few hours on the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area, where 16 miles of pine shaded trails await.  

Explore The Tampa River Walk

Another type of hiking trail, albeit in an urban, waterfront setting, is the 2.4-mile Tampa River Walk. 

If you start your stroll on the south end, you’ll be privy to an inspiring Riverwall showcasing over 500 images of the waterfront you’re about to explore. Along your walk, you’ll undoubtedly stop to explore more than a few of the enticing attractions, like the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and the Glazer Children’s Museum. 

One of America’s most active cities, be sure to get out and enjoy this important aspect of any trip to Tampa.

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Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.