Movie & TV Filming Locations in Tampa, United States
1. University of South Florida (USF)
The USF campus has been a popular filming location for shows like 'Cloak & Dagger' and 'Bloodline'. The modern architecture adds an intriguing backdrop to the scenes.
- Architectural Variety: Offers a blend of contemporary, traditional, and modern architectural styles.
- Spacious Campus: A large campus with numerous buildings and outdoor spaces, providing diverse filming locations.
- Convenient Accessibility: Located in central Tampa, easily accessible for production crews.
2. Tampa Theatre
This historic art deco theatre has been featured in films like 'The Help' and 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'. The grand interior makes for a striking cinematic setting.
- Iconic Architecture: Distinctive art deco design offers a unique filming location.
- Rich History: Opened in 1926, the theatre has a rich history and vibrant community presence.
- Versatile Space: The theatre's multiple spaces can accommodate various filming requirements.
3. Ybor City
Known for its historic architecture and Cuban influence, Ybor City has been seen in films like 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'Transformers'. The vibrant streets add energy to film scenes.
- Historic District: Designated as a National Historic Landmark District.
- Cultural Richness: Rich in Cuban culture and history, offering authentic settings for film productions.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs create a lively atmosphere for filming.
4. Tampa Bay History Center
The History Center has been featured in productions like 'Ray Donovan' and 'The Sopranos'. Its waterfront location and historic buildings make it an appealing backdrop.
- Waterfront Location: Situated on the Tampa Riverwalk, offering scenic views of the bay.
- Historical Exhibits: Houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Tampa's history.
- Versatile Spaces: Multiple indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate various filming needs.
5. Tampa Museum of Art
The museum's modern design has been showcased in productions like 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Its sleek architecture and waterfront location make it a unique filming site.
- Modern Architecture: A modern, minimalist building designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes.
- Waterfront Location: Situated on the Tampa Riverwalk, overlooking the Tampa Bay.
- Art Collection: Houses an impressive collection of art spanning over 4,000 years.
6. Hyde Park Village
This upscale shopping and dining district has been featured in shows like 'Ray Donovan' and 'Magic City'. Its high-end retailers and architectural charm make it an attractive filming location.
- Upmarket Aesthetic: An upscale, European-inspired shopping and dining district.
- Architectural Variety: A mix of Mediterranean Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Craftsman style architecture.
- Pedestrian-Friendly Layout: Designed with pedestrians in mind, creating a welcoming atmosphere for filming.
7. Tampa Bay's Beaches
St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach have been featured in shows like 'Search Party' and 'The Newsroom'. Their white sandy beaches and clear waters create idyllic filming locations.
- Idyllic Scenery: Famous for their stunning, pristine beaches and clear blue waters.
- Versatile Locations: Offer a variety of beachfront hotels, restaurants, and recreational activities.
- Sunshine Guarantee: Tampa Bay has year-round sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor filming.
8. Amelia Island Botanical Garden
Although located in Fernandina Beach (not Tampa), this garden has been featured in films like 'The Florida Project'. Its lush gardens and historic structures provide a unique filming setting.
- Lush Gardens: Features an extensive collection of tropical plants and gardens.
- Historic Buildings: Includes several historic structures, such as the Carriage House and the Butterfly Garden.
- Scenic Location: Situated on Amelia Island, offering a picturesque coastal setting.
9. Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa's modern skyscrapers have been featured in shows like 'The Glades'. Its urban landscape and waterfront location make it a popular filming spot.
- Urban Landscape: Features modern, towering skyscrapers and a vibrant city atmosphere.
- Waterfront Location: Situated on the Hillsborough River and offers scenic views of the Tampa Bay.
- Accessible by Water Taxi: Downtown Tampa's water taxi system provides easy access to various filming locations.
10. Channelside Bay Plaza
Channelside has been featured in productions like 'I Am Legend' and 'Cruel Intentions'. Its waterfront location and modern architecture make it an attractive filming site.
- Waterfront Location: Located on the Tampa Bay, providing scenic views of the water.
- Modern Architecture: Features modern buildings with a unique, curved design.
- Entertainment District: Offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options for film crews.
11. Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center
Although primarily a wildlife viewing center, it has been featured in documentaries like 'Nature'. Its unique location and wildlife make it an appealing filming spot.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Offers a chance to view manatees in their natural habitat.
- Unusual Architecture: Features a unique, octagonal-shaped building designed by architect Paul Rudolph.
- Environmental Education: Provides educational exhibits about the manatee and their habitat.
12. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
This amusement park has been featured in shows like 'Cloak & Dagger' and 'The Bourne Legacy'. Its African-themed areas, thrilling rides, and animal exhibits make it a popular filming location.
- African Theming: Features African-themed areas, such as Serengeti Plain and Stanleyville.
- Thrilling Rides: Offers a variety of roller coasters and thrill rides.
- Animal Exhibits: Houses a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and rhinos.
13. Ybor City's Centro Asturiano de Tampa
This historic building in Ybor City has been featured in 'The Florida Project'. Its unique architecture and rich history make it a striking filming location.
- Historic Architecture: A beautiful example of Spanish Revival architecture.
- Rich History: Built in the late 19th century as a social center for Tampa's early Cuban and Spanish immigrants.
- Cultural Significance: An important symbol of Ybor City's rich history and cultural heritage.
14. Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk has been featured in shows like 'Ray Donovan'. Its waterfront location, pedestrian-friendly layout, and unique architecture make it an appealing filming spot.
- Waterfront Location: Stretches along the Hillsborough River and offers scenic views of the Tampa Bay.
- Pedestrian-Friendly Layout: Designed for pedestrians, creating a welcoming atmosphere for filming.
- Unique Architecture: Features a mix of modern and historic buildings along the riverfront.
15. University Mall
This shopping mall has been featured in productions like 'Cloak & Dagger'. Its modern design and large size make it an attractive filming location.
- Modern Design: Features a modern, sleek design with abundant natural light.
- Large Size: One of the largest shopping malls in Tampa Bay, providing numerous filming locations.
- Diverse Retailers: Offers a variety of retailers, including fashion stores, electronics shops, and restaurants.