3 Best Landmarks in Tampa, FL

I love culture and history, so Ybor City was at the top of my to see list. There is a free tram that transports you to and from the city from various points across Tampa Bay, the riverfront area. We happened to be there during the Pride Parade, so that made it quite interesting. People were nice, with many food options and loads of culture. And, yes, there are plenty of chickens and roosters roaming around. Leave them be, and they will also leave you alone.

This place is such a blast and a real incredible piece of history. It feels like stepping back in time. There are many cigar shops, eateries, and night life places all over. There also is an interesting museum. The people here are usually super friendly and love to say hi. Interestingly there are stray chickens roaming around the city as well. This is a definite must see if you are travelling through the area.

Cute place with information about the area, the highlight was the gentlemen’s working there who did a great job telling us about the history of the area.

This splendid, grand Victorian-era building was initially constructed as the Tampa Bay Hotel and now houses the Henry B. Plant Museum within the south wing of the University of Tampa. This museum is dedicated to Henry B. Plant, a notable figure often referred to as the King of Florida, who played a pivotal role in developing this magnificent hotel. During our weekend visit, we observed various photo sessions taking place, ranging from wedding photographs to quinceañera celebrations, highlighting the stunning exterior and interior of the building, which features high ceilings, beautiful staircases, and exquisite architectural details. The museum’s Christmas Stroll was particularly impressive. It showcased Henry Plant’s remarkable collection of European and oriental decorations, which he acquired from the Paris Exposition and brought back for the Tampa Bay Hotel. Additionally, the museum provides rich historical context behind its exhibits. I highly recommend a visit to this museum; it truly offers a worthwhile experience that is both enjoyable and enlightening.

This museum gives a snapshot of the past Tampa Bay Resort Hotel in the late 1890s, with preserved architecture, furniture, clothing, decor, photographs, all gussied up for the Christmas holidays. Excellent details even down to the low lights consistent with the "modern lighting." The 14 minute video fills in the details of the hotel goers' lifestyle. Many famous people enjoyed their stays here with golf, dancing, boating, horse racing, and a casino that is not represented in the museum. Many older venues are small with narrow doors but all parts of the museum are wide, and accessible, a tribute to the opulence and grandeur of the hotel. The gifts shop offers vintage postcards and other souvenirs of a time long gone. Free street parking dedicated to museum goers that filled up fast. I parked off campus. Wheel chair access men's and women's restroom with a grab and 3ft x 3ft space, which have been redone from vintage restrooms.

It's GORGEOUS and informative! I learned a lot about trains and their importance in Florida history, as well as about the Tampa Bay Hotel. What they've been able to retain from the hotel is phenomenal, given its age. The little shop is great, with two whole rooms.