Best Things to Do in Fall in Tampa

To see the natural beauty of Florida without having to drive very far out of town, Hillsborough River State Park is your best bet. Located upriver from downtown Tampa, in northeastern Hillsborough County, this is one of Florida's oldest and most popular state parks. The list of things to do here is expansive, starting with both full-facility and primitive camping. Canoes and kayaks can be rented to go down the river. In contrast to most segments of the Hillsborough River which are very slow-moving, the river here has a rare section of fast-moving water with Class II rapids. There are also numerous picnic areas, a public pool, and numerous hiking trails where, if you're lucky, you will be able to spot some native Florida wildlife.

Coast Bike Share provides a convenient and environmentally-friendly transit option in Tampa's most popular neighborhoods. With bike hubs located in downtown, Hyde Park, and Ybor City, visitors can grab a bike and explore many of the city's most popular attractions. To get started, simply visit the website and sign up for a membership. Short-term visitors can get a pay-as-you-go hourly membership, while longer-term visitors may wish to select a monthly membership which includes one free hour of riding per day. While you won't win any races, the cruiser style bikes are sturdy, safe, and vandalism resistant.

If you took a poll of golfers in Tampa, chances are they will name TPC of Tampa Bay as the toughest public access golf course in the region. This award-winning course is part of the PGA Tour's Tournament Players Club network and was designed by Bobby Weed with PGA professional, Chi Chi Rodriguez. The 6,800 yards from the TPC tees doesn't quite tell the tale of a course that weaves in and out of wetlands, woodlands, and lakes. Although a relatively flat course, many of the greens have considerable drop-offs so a missed shot will have you chipping back on. Bring your "A" game if you want to tee it up like the pros.

Tampa's Pirate Water Taxi travels the city's downtown waterways and offers visitors and residents an easy and convenient way to visit downtown parks, museums, restaurants, and other attractions. The large, comfortable vessels offer seating for up to 46 and have restroom facilities. There is also a limited beverage menu available on board including beer and wine. There are currently 17 stops and guests are able to hop on and hop off all day for one low price. Time to navigate between the farthest stops beginning at Rick's on the River and ending at the Columbia Cafe on Garrison Channel is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Check their website for maps of the stops and a handy guide to the nearby attractions. Tickets can be bought at any stop, just look for their distinctive yellow and black sign on the docks along the route.

The Official Ybor City Ghost Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the haunted history of Tampa's famous historic district. By day, Ybor City is a charming neighborhood to visit, by night, as revelers play unawares in local bars and clubs, the ghosts come out to replay their tragic histories in buildings throughout the neighborhood. By joining a Ybor City Ghost Tour you are given the opportunity to explore these chilling spaces and see for yourself if there are spirits about. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, this entertaining two-hour walking tour takes you past Ybor City's haunted spaces and into the buildings most notorious for their nocturnal activities.

Clearwater Beach is a very popular and busy beach with a long list of "Best Beach" honors. In addition to meticulously groomed beaches and tons of beach amenities, Clearwater Beach offers many additional attractions. Fishing, dolphin-watching and leisure charters are available close-by. You can also visit the famous dolphin Winter who lives at the nearby Clearwater Aquarium. Some of the best seafood restaurants in the Tampa Bay area are found here including perennial favorite, Frenchy's. There are also a wide variety of clubs and nightlife including two-story dance club, The Wave, at Shepherd's Beach Resort. There are always events going on and every evening people gather at The Pier to take part in the sunset celebration that includes entertainment and a craft market.

Even in Florida, there are opportunities to get out and enjoy traditional fall activities. One of Tampa's favorites is the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze located just out of town in nearby Plant City. Recently named 6th best corn maze in the country by a USA Today 10 Best Reader's Poll, this fun event offers families a wide range of activities to celebrate the season. In addition to the hugely popular corn maze and pumpkin patch, the event offers a hayride, horse & pony rides, pumpkin painting, air brush tattoos, sand art, butterfly experiences, and arts and crafts. Food vendors are also on site providing a wide variety of snacks, treats, including cupcakes, kettle corn, boiled peanuts and shaved ice.

Scream-A-Geddon is a nationally recognized haunted house attraction in a remote area just north of Tampa. But this isn't your garden variety spooky house, this is full-fledged theme park of horror. With seven elaborate scenarios to experience, there will definitely be something here to scare the pants off you and your friends, including interactive attractions...if you dare. Fight back with some zombie paintball if you want to get in on the action yourself, however, there is an extra charge for this attraction. In between scares, take a load off on the Monster Midway and enjoy a snack and a beer while you catch your breath. Stop by the concession and pick up some marshmallows to roast over one of the several fire pits. This attraction is open select weekends in September, and every day from October 1 through Halloween. Regular admission prices vary between $24.95 and $47.95 depending on the day you go - buy through their website to save $5 off each ticket.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been voted the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the country by Parents Magazine and is a five-time winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The 56-acre nonprofit zoo is home to 1,300 animals and emphasizes regionally endangered species and those in similar climates. All of your favorites are here, including African species like giraffes, rhinos, and hippos, Asian animals like lions and tigers, as well as animals native to Florida, such as various species of alligator and crocodile. Once they've made their way around to all of the animals, the kids can play in the Australian-themed children's area that includes rides and other games. Going in the morning is a good idea, especially in the summer. Not only do you avoid the heat, but the animals also tend to be more lively.

Wild animals and wilder rides await visitors to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This 335-acre, Africa-inspired theme park boasts several scream-worthy roller coasters, 2,000-plus animals and a host of entertaining live shows. There is something for kids of all ages at this world-class park. While adventure lovers flock to the many adrenaline-inducing thrill rides, animal enthusiasts can enjoy hand-feeding kangaroos at Walkabout Way. While there is a gondola and a train to help negotiate the distances, be prepared to walk in order to explore all areas of the park. Luckily, there are plenty of areas to linger for rest and refueling, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment stages located throughout the park.