Things to do in Tampa, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

May 11, 2022 Natalie Tallman

Tampa is a laid-back city with a vibrant arts scene and plenty of opportunities for adventure. Busch Gardens offers thrills for families and risk-averse adrenaline junkies, as does the domed IMAX theater of the Museum of Science and Industry. Spend a day touring Tampa’s many art museums, then cheer on your favorite Tampa Bay team at a home game. Get up close and personal with the majestic lions, tigers, and leopards of the Big Cat Rescue animal sanctuary.
Restaurants in Tampa

1. Veterans Memorial Park and Museum

3602 N US Highway 301, Tampa, FL 33619-1247 http://veteransparkhc.com/
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Veterans Memorial Park and Museum

2. Big Cat Rescue

12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL 33625-3702 +1 813-920-4130 [email protected] http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,223 reviews

Big Cat Rescue

Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees? Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger? Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy? Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them? You don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true. The world's largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue.

Reviewed By elizabethmP7310XL

Excellent organization who prioritizes the well-being of the cats and educating visitors on the cruelty of owning these wild animals as pets. The tour is an excellent opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures up close and learn about how to help preserve these species. Don't go to "cub petting" tourist traps! You can tell that everyone who works and volunteers with this organization genuinely loves these animals and are interested in providing the best possible life for them.

3. The Upper Tampa Bay Trail

9201 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33635-1568 +1 813-801-6729 http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/facilities/Facility/Details/7530
Excellent
56%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Reviewed By Y3574MXjeffg - Waterloo, United States

My friend showed me this great trail on an evening ride from the Bay Bayou RV park. There were different areas you could park in the shade and ride. I noticed at least one of the lots you had to pay $2 to park (Wilisky?) They use Igloo water coolers and place then in a neat wooden stand with little cone cups for use. Or refill your own bottles. The water tasted great and was ice cold! What a cool idea. I've never seen anything like it biking back home in IA or up in MN. The trail was nice and wide for all the use, even horses have a place to ride along the side. Many shaded areas with a wide variety of trees and palms. Based on the maps they look to extend it on either end. After I rode to what was basically a dead end I wasn't so sure it was much of trail. On the way back I took the fork in the road and that added a few more fun miles. It is all very flat and blacktop. One long overpass which was nice to have for an option. A different area you have to wait a bit for the crosswalk and its very narrow path.

4. Croc Encounters

8703 Bowles Rd, Tampa, FL 33637-2511 +1 813-217-4400 http://www.crocencounters.com
Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Croc Encounters

Reviewed By Missyp197911151222

What a great place to visit!! Will definitely do again. My family loved it! Our tour guide Clay was amazing and super knowledgeable. The interaction of some of the animals was an added bonus!

5. Northlakes Woodstork Colony and Nesting area

16217 Sagebrush Rd, Tampa, FL 33618-1305
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.