$ $0 – $10
$$ $11-$25
$$$ $25-$50
$$$$ >$50
Selected attractions ordered by their distance from the convention center are listed below:
- Urban Kai Paddleboard
- Next to Tampa Convention Center (700 S. Florida Ave, Tampa)
- Paddleboard classes and paddleboard and kayak rentals for those who wish to explore Tampa Bay on their own.
- $$$
- Tampa Bay Water Bike Co
- Next to Tampa Convention Center (333 S. Franklin St, Tampa)
- The ultimate human powered watercraft
- $$$
- The Florida Aquarium
- Blocks from Tampa Convention Center (701 Channelside Drive, Tampa)
- Showcases the aquatic animal and ecosystems of Florida and around the world
- Wild Dolphin Cruise $$
- Childrens Splash Pad
- $$
- Yacht Starship (lunch and dinner cruises)
- Blocks from Tampa Convention Center (603 Channelside Drive, Tampa)
- View million dollar mansions, wildlife and a spectacular Florida sunset
- $$$$
- Magic Carpet Glide (Segway tours)
- Blocks from Tampa Convention Center (513 S. Florida Ave, Tampa)
- View the majestic Hillsboro River from the Tamps Riverwalk and takin in panoramic views of the city and bay
- $$$$
- Olde World Sailing Line (sailing cruise on Tampa Bay)
- Sailing from Riverwalk docks, 1.3 miles from Tampa Convention Center (97 Columbia Drive, Tampa)
- Luxury sailing cruise on 44’ ocean-going sailing yacht
- $$$$
- Tampa Museum of Art
- 3 Miles from Tampa Convention Center along the Riverwalk
- Contemporary art and antiquities
- $$
- Tampa Riverwalk
- In front of Tampa Convention Center
- Parks, playground, dining, shopping
- 4 miles along the Hillsborough River
- FREE!!
- Streetcar to Ybor City
- Dick Greco Plaza stop a block from Tampa Convention Center, between Embassy Suites and Marriott Waterside
- Shopping, dining, music, history
- $
- Tampa Theatre
- 8 miles from Tampa Convention Center (711 N. Franklin Street)
- Beautifully restored 1926 movie palace
- First run and classic movies, concerts
- $$
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- 3 miles from Tampa Convention Center (1010 N. W.C. Macinnes Place)
- Largest performing arts center in the Southeast
- Speakers, concerts, dance performances, Broadway shows, and more
- $$$-$$$$
Theme parks and zoos
- Busch Gardens
- World-class thrill rides, Broadway-style live entertainment and one of North America’s largest zoos in an unforgettable adventure
- 10 miles from Tampa Convention Center
- Discount Tickets for 2017 AFS Meeting Attendees!!!
- Lowry Park Zoo
- Natural outdoor exhibits for more than 2,000 animals from Florida and similar habitats include a Native Florida Wildlife Center and manatee hospital, Asian Gardens, Primate World, Free-Flight Aviaries, children’s zoo, and Safari Africa. Also features rides, shows and hands-on interactive exhibits designed to give you a WILD
- 6 miles from Tampa Convention Center
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- See Winter the dolphin – the inspiration of the Dolphin Tale movies!
- 25 miles from Tampa Convention Center – but close to the beach!
- Legoland
- 150 acre interactive theme park for kids with more than 50 rides, shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and botanical garden
- 55 miles from Tampa Convention Center in Winter Haven
- Disney Parks
- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom
- 69 miles from Tampa Convention Center in Orlando
- Sea World
- Dolphins, whales, penguins, turtles, fish, rollercoasters, shows and children’s area
- 74 miles from Tampa Convention Center in Orlando
- Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
- The wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade
- 77 miles from Tampa Convention Center in Orlando
- City Pass Tampa Bay
- 5 attraction combo ticket
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- The Florida Aquarium
- Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Museum of Science and Industry or Chihuly Collection
- Good for 9 days
- $99/per pass
Sports
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Located in St. Petersburg about 23 miles from Tampa Convention Center
- Major League Baseball
- The Rays have home games against the Seattle Mariners from August 18-20 and the Toronto Blue Jays from August 22-24.
Outdoor adventures
- Weedon Island Preserve
- 15 miles from Tampa Convention Center (~ half hour drive)
- 3,190 acre natural area located on Tampa Bay
- Great for birding, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking
- Fort De Soto Park
- 32 Miles from Tampa Convention Center (travel time 35 minutes)
- 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde
- Miles of sugar white sand Gulf beaches, kayak rentals, fishing
- $
- Speed boat Adventures
- 32 miles from Tampa Convention Center (on the way to Ft DeSoto Park)
- 1901 Pass a Grille Way, St. Petersburg Beach
- Narrated tour of Tampa Bay driving your own speed boat!
- $$$$
- Clearwater Beach
- 25 Miles from Tampa Convention Center (travel time 45 minutes)
- Sugar sand beaches, shopping, dining attractions, Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Canoe Escape
- 20 Miles from Tampa Convention Center (20 minute travel time)
- Canoe and kayak rentals on the beautiful Hillsborough River
- Discover natural Florida in a 16,000 acre wilderness park
- Birdwatching, wildlife, photography
- $$
- Alligator Bob’s Ecotours
- 20 miles from Tampa Convention Center (20 minute travel time)
- Guided walks in Florida’s pristine coastal and freshwater wetlands, hardwood hammocks, and flat pinewood forest. Paddle nearby river systems to see alligators, otters, turtles and birds in their natural habitat.
- 813-986-3008, info@gatorbob.com
- $$$
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
- 28 miles from Tampa Convention Center (travel time 1 hour)
- Greek community with working sponge diving industry
- Shopping, sightseeing, Greek food
- Various tour operators specialize in nature tours, sightseeing tours and sponge diving exhibitions
- Flatwoods Wilderness Park
- 21 miles from Tampa Convention Center (travel time 30 min)
- 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa
- Paved trails for biking and jogging, nature trails for birdwatching, picnic tables
Museums
- Chihuly Collection
- 24 miles from Tampa Convention Center (travel time 42 minutes)
- 720 Central Avenue, St Petersburg
- Display of Chihuly art, video about his life and work, glass blowing demonstrations
- $
- The Dali Museum
- 26 miles from Tampa Convention Center (travel time 50 minutes)
- Over 2000 works from the career of Salvador Dali
- $$
