Hillsborough County, Florida: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Hillsborough County is home to one of Florida’s rarest natural features – Class II river rapids? Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this vibrant county welcomes over 23 million visitors annually who come to experience its unique blend of urban excitement, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage. From the thrilling roller coasters of Busch Gardens to the serene waters of the Hillsborough River, this dynamic destination offers something for every type of traveler.

Getting to Hillsborough County

Tampa International Airport (TPA) serves as the main gateway to Hillsborough County, offering direct flights from major cities across the United States and international destinations. The airport is consistently ranked among the best in the country for its efficiency and passenger experience.

Alternatively, you can reach Hillsborough County by car via Interstate 75 from the north or south, Interstate 4 from the east, or Interstate 275 from St. Petersburg and the beaches. Amtrak also provides train service to Tampa Union Station, and several bus companies offer routes to the area.

Best Time to Visit

Hillsborough County enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers. The most pleasant months to visit are October through April when temperatures typically range from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) with lower humidity.

Summer (June through September) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. This is also hurricane season, so it’s wise to monitor weather forecasts if traveling during these months. However, summer offers the advantage of lower hotel rates and fewer crowds at popular attractions.

Getting Around Hillsborough County

While public transportation options exist in Hillsborough County, including the HART bus system and the TECO Line Streetcar in downtown Tampa, having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the area’s diverse attractions.

For getting around downtown Tampa, consider using the free Downtowner shuttle service or renting bicycles through Coast Bike Share. The Tampa Riverwalk provides a scenic 2.6-mile pedestrian path connecting many downtown attractions, restaurants, and parks.

Where to Stay in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Downtown Tampa provides luxury hotels with waterfront views and easy access to attractions, while Ybor City offers historic boutique hotels in a vibrant cultural district.

Top Attractions in Hillsborough County

From thrilling theme parks to serene nature preserves, Hillsborough County offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the must-visit destinations during your stay.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This 335-acre African-themed animal park and thrill ride destination is one of Florida’s premier attractions. Home to some of the Southeast’s most exciting roller coasters, including SheiKra, Montu, and Iron Gwazi, Busch Gardens also features up-close animal encounters with over 200 species. Don’t miss the Serengeti Safari, where you can hand-feed giraffes on an open-air tour across the park’s 65-acre Serengeti Plain.

Tampa Riverwalk

The 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk connects downtown’s most popular attractions along the Hillsborough River. This pedestrian-friendly path links cultural venues, parks, and restaurants, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Key stops include the Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and The Florida Aquarium. The Riverwalk is particularly beautiful at sunset when the lights illuminate the path and reflect off the water.

Hillsborough River State Park

Just minutes from downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park offers a refreshing escape into nature. The park is home to rare Class II rapids, a unique feature in Florida’s predominantly flat landscape. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking along seven miles of nature trails. The park also preserves historic structures from the 1930s and offers camping facilities for those who want to extend their stay in this natural oasis.

Ybor City Historic District

Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” Ybor City preserves Tampa’s rich cultural heritage. This National Historic Landmark District features distinctive brick buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and narrow streets that reflect its Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park to learn about the area’s cigar-making history, explore the boutiques and art galleries along 7th Avenue, or enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at the historic Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, established in 1905.

The Florida Aquarium

Located in Tampa’s Channel District, The Florida Aquarium houses over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and around the world. Highlights include the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef exhibit, the interactive Stingray Beach touch experience, and the outdoor Splash Pad water play area for children. The aquarium also offers wild dolphin cruises on Tampa Bay and behind-the-scenes tours for an up-close look at marine life care.

Outdoor Activities and Natural Wonders

Beyond the well-known attractions, Hillsborough County offers numerous opportunities to explore Florida’s natural beauty and enjoy outdoor recreation.

Lettuce Lake Park

This 240-acre park features a 3,500-foot boardwalk and observation tower overlooking the Hillsborough River. It’s an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of alligators, turtles, wading birds, and even otters. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the river or hike the shaded trails through hardwood wetlands.

Upper Tampa Bay Park

This 596-acre natural preserve protects valuable coastal ecosystems and offers kayaking through mangrove tunnels, hiking trails, and a nature center with educational exhibits. The park’s location at the upper end of Tampa Bay makes it an important habitat for numerous bird species, marine life, and native plants.

Alafia River State Park

Mountain biking enthusiasts flock to this former phosphate mining site, which now features some of Florida’s most challenging off-road bicycle trails. The park’s unique topography, created by mining operations, provides rare hills and valleys in otherwise flat Florida. Beyond biking, visitors can enjoy fishing, paddling, and camping in this reclaimed natural area.

Cultural Experiences and Museums

Hillsborough County boasts a rich cultural scene with world-class museums, historic sites, and performing arts venues.

Tampa Museum of Art

Located along the Riverwalk, this museum houses an impressive collection of classical antiquities and modern and contemporary art. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with its striking perforated aluminum façade that creates a mesmerizing light display after dark.

Henry B. Plant Museum

Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, this National Historic Landmark preserves the opulent Gilded Age resort built by railroad magnate Henry Plant in 1891. The museum’s ornate Moorish architecture and Victorian-era furnishings offer a glimpse into Tampa’s early tourism history.

Tampa Bay History Center

This Smithsonian Affiliate museum chronicles 12,000 years of Florida history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and stories. Highlights include galleries dedicated to Florida’s indigenous peoples, Spanish explorers, and Tampa’s cigar industry.

For performing arts enthusiasts, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows, opera, and concerts, while the historic Tampa Theatre, a 1926 movie palace, screens independent films and hosts special events in its breathtaking Mediterranean-inspired interior.

Dining and Nightlife

Hillsborough County’s culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural influences, from Cuban and Spanish to contemporary American and international cuisines.

Top Dining Districts

Don’t miss the chance to try Tampa’s signature Cuban sandwich, a local specialty featuring ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, pressed until crispy. For seafood lovers, the fresh grouper sandwiches and stone crab claws (in season) are must-try local delicacies.

Nightlife Hotspots

When the sun sets, Hillsborough County offers vibrant nightlife options for every taste:

Ybor City – Historic district with everything from dive bars to dance clubs

Sparkman Wharf – Outdoor beer garden with waterfront views and live music

SoHo – Upscale lounges and sports bars along South Howard Avenue

Downtown Tampa – Rooftop bars with skyline views and craft cocktails

Practical Tips for Visitors

Make the most of your Hillsborough County visit with these helpful tips:

Plan Your Hillsborough County Adventure

From the thrilling roller coasters of Busch Gardens to the serene waters of the Hillsborough River, from historic Ybor City to the modern Tampa Riverwalk, Hillsborough County offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, family fun, or culinary delights, this vibrant Florida destination delivers unforgettable memories against a backdrop of sunshine and Southern hospitality.

With its diverse attractions, natural beauty, and year-round pleasant weather, Hillsborough County isn’t just a destination—it’s your next adventure waiting to happen. Pack your sunglasses and sense of discovery, and prepare to be captivated by all that this Florida gem has to offer.