Attractions and Places To See in Hillsborough County - Top 20

Hillsborough County offers a variety of natural features. You can explore the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (LHWP), which spans 16,000 acres and includes 13 miles of the Hillsborough River, offering extensive trails for paddling, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Other notable natural areas include Hillsborough River State Park, the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail for biking and walking, and the popular Bayshore Boulevard Waterfront Trail. For a unique experience, visit Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and Egmont Key State Park, accessible by boat, featuring secluded beaches, a 19th-century fort, and a lighthouse.

Yes, Hillsborough County is rich in history and culture. The Tampa Riverwalk connects many downtown attractions, including the historic Tampa Bay Hotel, now home to the Henry B. Plant Museum. The Ybor City Historic District is a National Historic Landmark known for its unique architecture and history as a cigar-making hub. You can also visit the historic Tampa Theatre, the Tampa Bay History Center, or the East Hillsborough Historical Society Museum in Plant City.

Hillsborough County has many attractions suitable for families. Thrill-seekers will enjoy Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which combines roller coasters with an accredited zoo. For marine life, visit The Florida Aquarium, and for animal encounters, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a great choice. Adventure Island, Tampa offers a vibrant water park experience, while the Glazer Children's Museum provides interactive exhibits for younger visitors.

Hillsborough County offers numerous trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve provides over 60 miles of forest trails. The Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail and Bayshore Boulevard Waterfront Trail are popular paved paths for biking and walking with scenic views. For more specific routes, you can explore options for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking throughout the county.

Beyond the preserves, Hillsborough County features the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, offering stunning views as it connects St. Pete and Bradenton. The Tampa Riverwalk provides scenic views along the Hillsborough River. For a unique natural experience, explore Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, known for its marine life, ecosystems, and mangrove tunnels, perfect for kayaking.

In urban areas, Sparkman Wharf is a lively waterfront destination offering dining and entertainment. Amalie Arena is a major venue for sports and concerts. The Tampa Riverwalk itself is a hub of activity, connecting various attractions and offering a pleasant stroll along the water.

Hillsborough County, Florida, generally enjoys pleasant weather from late fall through spring (roughly November to May), making it an ideal time to visit attractions and enjoy outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which might be less comfortable for extensive outdoor exploration, though indoor attractions and water parks remain popular.

Yes, the county offers several museums. The Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa showcases Gilded Age artifacts. The Tampa Museum of Art and the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) provide engaging exhibits for various interests. The Tampa Bay History Center offers immersive insights into the region's past, and the Glazer Children's Museum is designed for interactive learning.

Absolutely. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers 13 miles of the Hillsborough River, perfect for paddling. Additionally, Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve features mangrove tunnels that are ideal for kayaking and exploring diverse marine ecosystems.

Beyond historic buildings, Hillsborough County's skyline features distinctive modern architecture. The Rivergate Tower, often called the 'Beer Can Building,' and Truist Place (formerly SunTrust Financial Centre) are recognizable elements of the Tampa skyline. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is also an architectural marvel.

Within the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, you'll find several conservation parks like Dead River Park, Flatwoods Park, John B. Sargeant Park, Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Park, and Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System. These areas feature diverse landscapes including pine flatwoods, wetlands, and riverine forests, offering ample opportunities for nature exploration.

Hillsborough County's natural preserves and parks are home to diverse wildlife. In areas like the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and Hillsborough River State Park, you might spot alligators, various bird species, deer, and other native Florida animals. Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is a significant bird nesting site and a refuge for gopher tortoises, while Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve teems with marine life.