by Outline of the Article
Introduction
Overview of Hillsborough County
Why Visit Hillsborough County?
Getting to Hillsborough County
Transportation Options
Navigating Within Hillsborough
Top Attractions in Hillsborough County
Tampa Riverwalk
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Florida Aquarium
Cultural and Historical Sites
Tampa Bay History Center
Henry B. Plant Museum
Ybor City Historic District
Exploring Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Lettuce Lake Park
Hillsborough River State Park
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Beaches and Waterfronts
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
Picnic Island Park
Davis Islands Beach
Food and Dining
Iconic Tampa Eats
Cuban and Latin Cuisine
Must-Try Restaurants
Shopping in Hillsborough County
Hyde Park Village
International Plaza and Bay Street
Local Markets
Nightlife and Entertainment
Bars and Breweries
Live Music Venues
Tampa Theatre
Family-Friendly Activities
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Glazer Children’s Museum
Adventure Island Water Park
Sports and Fitness
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Games
Outdoor Fitness Activities
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Accommodations in Hillsborough County
Luxury Hotels
Budget-Friendly Options
Unique Stays
Day Trips From Hillsborough County
Clearwater Beach
St. Petersburg
Crystal River
Conclusion and FAQs
Summary of the Hillsborough Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hillsborough County, Florida
Introduction
Hillsborough County, nestled in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a destination brimming with culture, adventure, and relaxation. Anchored by Tampa, the county offers everything from thrilling theme parks to historic districts and scenic nature preserves.
Getting to Hillsborough County
Transportation Options
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the main gateway to Hillsborough County, with easy connections to domestic and international destinations. By road, Interstate 275 and I-75 make it convenient to access the area.
Navigating Within Hillsborough
The county has a well-connected network of buses, trolleys, and ride-sharing services. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the surrounding areas.
Top Attractions in Hillsborough County
Tampa Riverwalk
Stretching along the Hillsborough River, this pedestrian-friendly path connects downtown Tampa’s top attractions, restaurants, and parks.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
A mix of thrilling roller coasters, wildlife encounters, and live entertainment makes Busch Gardens a must-visit for all ages.
Florida Aquarium
Home to a stunning array of marine life, this aquarium offers interactive exhibits and a chance to explore Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Tampa Bay History Center
Dive into the region’s rich history, from the indigenous peoples to pirate legends and the cigar industry.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Located in a historic hotel, this museum showcases Victorian-era luxury and the story of Tampa’s development.
Ybor City Historic District
Once the cigar capital of the world, Ybor City is now a vibrant neighborhood with historic buildings, shops, and authentic Cuban cuisine.
Exploring Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Lettuce Lake Park
This scenic park features boardwalks, nature trails, and opportunities for canoeing and birdwatching.
Hillsborough River State Park
Explore lush trails, paddle along the river, or enjoy a picnic in this picturesque park.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
A central spot for outdoor events and relaxation, this park offers views of the Tampa skyline and river.
Beaches and Waterfronts
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
Perfect for spotting manatees and enjoying serene waterfront views.
Picnic Island Park
A laid-back spot for picnicking, fishing, and enjoying Tampa Bay.
Davis Islands Beach
A local favorite for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Food and Dining
Iconic Tampa Eats
Try Tampa’s signature Cuban sandwich or a plate of deviled crab.
Cuban and Latin Cuisine
Ybor City offers authentic Cuban flavors, while other neighborhoods boast dishes from Colombia, Peru, and beyond.
Must-Try Restaurants
Visit Ulele for Floridian-inspired cuisine or Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, for traditional Spanish fare.
Shopping in Hillsborough County
Hyde Park Village
An upscale shopping destination with boutique stores and chic cafes.
International Plaza and Bay Street
A premier mall featuring luxury brands and top dining options.
Local Markets
Explore the Tampa Downtown Market for fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique finds.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Bars and Breweries
Tampa’s craft beer scene is thriving, with favorites like Cigar City Brewing and Coppertail Brewing.
Live Music Venues
Catch performances at venues like the Orpheum or the Ritz Ybor.
Tampa Theatre
This historic theater offers movies, concerts, and a glimpse into Tampa’s past.
Family-Friendly Activities
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
One of the best zoos in the country, featuring exotic animals and family-friendly rides.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Interactive exhibits make learning fun for kids of all ages.
Adventure Island Water Park
Cool off with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Sports and Fitness
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Games
Cheer on the NFL team at Raymond James Stadium.
Outdoor Fitness Activities
Enjoy running trails, kayaking, and yoga classes in parks around the county.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Gasparilla Pirate Festival
This annual parade and festival celebrate Tampa’s pirate history in grand style.
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival
Enjoy live music and a variety of margaritas at this popular event.
Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park
Experience ice skating, holiday lights, and seasonal treats during the winter months.
Accommodations in Hillsborough County
Luxury Hotels
Indulge at The Tampa Edition or JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
Budget-Friendly Options
Find affordable stays at motels or family-friendly hotels like Hampton Inn.
Unique Stays
Consider renting a houseboat or staying in a historic inn for a memorable experience.
Day Trips From Hillsborough County
Clearwater Beach
A short drive west, Clearwater Beach offers pristine sands and vibrant sunsets.
St. Petersburg
Explore the Salvador Dalí Museum and waterfront parks in this nearby city.
Crystal River
Known for its manatee encounters and crystal-clear springs.
Conclusion
Hillsborough County combines the best of Florida’s cultural and natural attractions. From the excitement of Busch Gardens to the historic charm of Ybor City, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant destination.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Hillsborough County?
Winter and spring offer pleasant weather and exciting events.
Is Hillsborough County family-friendly?
Absolutely! Attractions like ZooTampa and Busch Gardens make it ideal for families.
What’s the best way to get around Hillsborough County?
Renting a car is recommended for flexibility, but public transit is available.
Can I visit Hillsborough County in one day?
While you can see highlights, staying a few days allows for a deeper experience.
What’s the top local dish to try?
Tampa’s Cuban sandwich and fresh seafood are must-tries.
