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We just returned home from a four-day trip to Tampa, Florida. It was our first time staying downtown, and we had plenty of time to check everything off our bucket list, plus more! We ventured to the Pinellas County beaches, Busch Garden Tampa, and even the Tarpon Springs Florida Sponge Docks to explore the charming town and eat Greek food. However, we spent most of our time in the city, near the Riverwalk. Today I want to share one of our unexpected favorites – the Tampa Bay History Center!

Tampa Bay History Center Guide

First, the center covers much of Florida’s history vs. solely the greater Tampa area. There is an additional focus on the local heritage, including the Cigar Factories in Ybor City and a fantastic short video about the shipping industry. There is also a very tasteful and insightful focus on the Seminole Tribe and the Seminole Wars that plagued Florida.

At the Tampa Bay History Center, different floors and exhibits worked their way up through history. At the top is an entire floor dedicated to shipwrecks and pirates! This section was just as engaging for Matt and me as for Abby and Jake.

Seminole dolls on display at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa Florida

A father and two kids sitting on saddles at a Corboys and Crackers exhibit at the Tampa history museum.

Let’s go over what you can expect on a visit and some reasons why the Tampa Bay History Center is a must-do while visiting Tampa! Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family with curious kids, or simply looking for a way to escape the Florida heat for a bit, this is the perfect destination.

Let’s dive in and explore this hidden gem together!

Tampa Bay History Center: Location, Tickets, and Hours of Operation

Situated along the Tampa Riverwalk and near Sparkman Wharf, the Tampa Bay History Center boasts a central location that makes it easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. It is close to two Streetcar stops, and plenty of nearby parking is available.

A father and daughter boarding a free streetcar in tampa

Tampa Bay History Center Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day

The museum is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Additionally, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the center closes at 3 p.m.

Tampa Bay History Center Admission Cost:

$16.95 for adults
$14.95 for seniors and college students
$12.95 for kids ages 7 to 17
FREE for children 6 and under

You can purchase Tampa Bay History Center tickets online in advance or at the door. I want also to mention that the Tampa Bay History Center also offers discounts for active military families and participates in some reciprocal museum partnerships. Inquire at the desk about these.

Special Events at the Tampa Bay History Center: Occasionally, special events are held at the museum. Stay up to date by viewing the Tampa Bay History Center event calendar.

Website: www.TampaBayHistoryCenter.org

Tampa Bay History Center Location: 801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Booking.com

Tampa Bay History Center Parking: There is ample parking in the Water Street areas, from street parking to garages. Visit the parking section of the Tampa Bay Visitor Center’s website to see all options.

How Much Time Should You Spend At The Tampa Bay History Center?

Short on time? You’ll be pleased to know that you only need to budget two to three hours for a comprehensive visit, making it an ideal activity for those with limited time. We spent approximately two hours at the Tampa Bay History Center but only watched some of the movies. Doing so could have added another fun-filled hour to our trip. It was equally entertaining for us as it was an educational experience.

Discovering somewhere everyone could enjoy was a big plus for us as we wanted to fill a morning while getting a little refuge from the hot July sun. We didn’t want to block off too much time because there is so much to do in Tampa! So, this was perfect!

Exhibits at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa Florida

Enjoy a Cool Escape from the Florida Heat at the Tampa Bay History Center

Tampa’s scorching heat can be relentless, especially in July. We enjoy the heat, but last week was almost too much. So, we made a point to visit the Tampa Bay History Center almost solely to escape the sun. And it did provide a refreshing respite from the soaring temperatures! This air-conditioned museum is kept at 72 degrees year-round. It’s the perfect way to escape the heat and satisfy a thirst for knowledge.

Two teens and a day riding fake horses at the museum in downtown tampa

Tampa Bay History Center: Engaging Exhibits for All Ages

The Tampa Bay History Center takes an innovative approach to storytelling, ensuring an immersive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Your family will be easily entertained while exploring the three floors that house the museum. One standout feature is the presence of little videos scattered throughout the museum.

Many were in small theater rooms and very immersive. With two to five videos per floor, these interactive exhibits offer a captivating glimpse into the past. Children and teens, in particular, will be captivated by these multimedia presentations, making history come alive right before their eyes.

Abby and Jake particularly enjoyed the interactive pirate exhibit and firing the cannon!

A day and two kids inside of a shipping crate watching a video at the downtown Tampa Bay History Museum.

Interactive pirate exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa Florida

What Ages Is the Tampa Bay History Center Best For?

The exhibits at this Tampa museum were great for our family of two adults and basically two teens. At ages 12 and 14, Jake and Abby were very engaged with all the exhibits showcasing Tampa’s history. It is definitely geared toward school-aged children and adults, more so than toddlers and young children. This is probably why children under 6 are free!

Despite its central location along the bustling Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, the history center maintains a surprisingly uncrowded atmosphere. You’ll have plenty of space to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This allows for a more intimate and enjoyable experience, ensuring you can absorb the historical narratives without distractions.

a father and son reading a display about cigars in Ybor city and a Tampa history timeline

A boy playing in a log cabin exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa Florida

A log cabin play house at the Tampa History Center

Special Exhibits at the Tampa Bay History Center

When we visited, the third floor had two areas housing special exhibits, and we found both very interesting! First, there was a large room filled with old maps of Key West and The Florida Keys. And you know, Key West is one of my favorite Florida cities. There is so much for families to do in Key West!

The other special exhibit was A History of the Printed Bird. It features the works and artistic processes of John Costin with Etched Feathers. Abby enjoyed this focus on the arts! In addition, other artists are on display whose creations also capture the magnificence of this winged creature over the years.

Also, don’t forget to walk about onto the outdoor deck off the 3rd floor. It’s at the end of the pirate section and provides great views of Tampa!

An old red car on display at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa Florida

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner at Columbia Cafe After Visiting This Museum in Tampa

After delving into the rich history of Tampa Bay, grab a bite to eat at the delightful Columbia Cafe just outside the Tampa History Center admission desk. The Columbia Cafe has inside seating and a large outdoor dining area along the Riverwalk. It mimics the charm and flavor of the original 116-year-old Columbia Restaurant just a few miles away in Ybor City.

Interestingly, we left the museum hungry, not going there initially. But, after walking around a couple of blocks, we decided it was the best option and headed back. I am so glad we did. Everyone loved their meal, especially the large loaves of fresh Cuban bread.

There are also food truck-like restaurants housed in shipping containers next door at Sparkman Wharf that are also a good option. However, we already had plans to head back there that evening for the 4th of July celebration.

So, as the little sister of that iconic restaurant, The Colombia Cafe is a great place to get authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and great food!

A man looking at exhibits at the Tampa History Museum

Plan Your Visit to this Florida History Museum in Tampa

The Tampa Bay History Center offers an excellent opportunity to dive into the captivating history of Tampa Bay. From its convenient location and affordable admission to its engaging exhibits and cool refuge from the Florida heat, this museum has it all. Take a few hours out of your day to immerse yourself in the stories, sights, and sounds of the past. The location couldn’t be any more convenient in downtown Tampa.

Don’t forget to treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Columbia Cafe!

Florida Travel: Looking For More Florida Fun?

We are big fans of the Sunshine State! Here at Our Little Lifestyle, you’ll find posts sharing our adventures. Our stories include everything from swimming with the manatees in Crystal River and glamping at a goat farm to sunset sails in Key West and the scoop on everything 30A. In fact, we own four vacation rentals along 30A in the Florida panhandle!

You can browse the entire Florida section of my blog by clicking here.

Check out our 30A vacation rental here on Airbnb.