Weird & Unusual Attractions in Tampa, United States
1. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
Explore over 450 interactive exhibits, including a Hurricane Simulator and a Mirror Maze. Experience the thrill of a lightning bolt striking in the Darkness Unleashed exhibit.
- Hands-on Interactive Exhibits: Learning through immersive, interactive experiences
- Hurricane Simulator: Experience the power of a hurricane in a controlled environment
- Darkness Unleashed: Feel the shock of a lightning bolt striking up close
2. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Enjoy a unique wildlife experience with over 1,500 animals across 60 acres. Visit the Primate World and the Asian Gardens for close encounters.
- Primate World: Observe orangutans, gorillas, and other primates up close
- Asian Gardens: Discover Asian wildlife among lush gardens
- Flamingo Lake: Stroll through a picturesque flamingo habitat
3. Tampa's Pirate Ship Adventure
Embark on an adventure aboard the Blackbeard's Grog & Grub Pirate Ship for a unique dining experience with pirate shows and live music.
- Pirate Shows: Experience swashbuckling entertainment on the high seas
- Live Music: Enjoy a lively, pirate-themed musical performance
- Dining Experience: Savor delicious food while sailing Tampa Bay
4. The Dali Museum
Immerse yourself in the surrealist world of Salvador Dalí with over 2,400 works on display. The museum's unique architecture mirrors Dalí's own imagination.
- Architectural Marvel: Be amazed by the building's glass-enclosed, wave-inspired structure
- Permanent Collection: Admire over 2,400 original works from Dalí's career
- Temporary Exhibits: Discover special exhibitions showcasing Dalí's connections to other artists
5. Monkey Island at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Visit this island sanctuary home to over 200 free-roaming monkeys. Watch as they play, groom each other, and interact with visitors.
- Free-Roaming Monkeys: Observe the monkeys in their natural habitat
- Island Sanctuary: Support a safe haven for these fascinating creatures
- Feeding Opportunities: Participate in food tossing sessions (additional cost)
6. The Florida Aquarium
Discover an underwater world with over 20,000 aquatic creatures. Explore exhibits like the Coral Reef and Wetlands trail.
- Coral Reef: Observe vibrant coral formations and a variety of marine life
- Wetlands Trail: Learn about Florida's diverse wetland ecosystems
- Journey to Madagascar: Get up close with lemurs and other rare species from Madagascar
7. Tampa's SS American Victory
Step aboard a fully operational WWII ship open for tours. Learn about the ship's history and explore its various decks.
- WWII History: Gain insight into WWII through the ship's history
- Self-Guided Tours: Explore the ship at your own pace
- Artifacts and Exhibits: Discover a wealth of artifacts and exhibits related to WWII
8. The Tampa Bay History Center
Explore Tampa's rich history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with exhibits that bring the past to life
- Multimedia Presentations: Enjoy engaging videos and audio presentations
- Pirate-Themed Exhibit: Discover the region's connections to piracy and the sea
9. Big Cat Rescue
Visit a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing abused and abandoned big cats. Enjoy educational tours and learn about conservation efforts.
- Educational Tours: Learn about the plight of big cats and conservation efforts
- Sanctuary for Abused Cats: Support a refuge for cats that have been abused or abandoned
- Conservation Efforts: Gain insight into conservation efforts for big cats in the wild
10. The Henry B. Plant Museum
Step back in time to the Victorian era with this historic hotel turned museum. Explore restored rooms and exhibits showcasing the hotel's rich history.
- Victorian Era Architecture: Admire the ornate, Victorian-style architecture
- Historic Rooms: Explore restored rooms that showcase the hotel's history
- Special Exhibits: Discover temporary exhibits related to the hotel and its era
11. Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Fest
Celebrate the city's rich pirate history with a parade, treasure hunt, and pirate-themed events.
- Pirate Parade: Witness an elaborate pirate parade through the streets of Tampa
- Treasure Hunt: Join in on a city-wide treasure hunt for gold doubloons
- Pirate-Themed Events: Enjoy live music, food, and other pirate-themed events throughout the festival
12. Tampa's Sparkman Wharf
Experience a vibrant waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment.
- Dining Options: Choose from a variety of cuisines at unique eateries
- Shopping Opportunities: Discover local and international products at shops
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music, performances, and events throughout the week
13. The Tampa Bay Fishing Museum & Aquarium
Explore the region's fishing history and marine life at this unique museum.
- Fishing History Exhibits: Learn about Tampa Bay's rich fishing history
- Aquarium: Discover local marine life in the aquarium exhibit
- Interactive Activities: Participate in hands-on activities related to fishing and conservation
14. The Tampa Bay Refuge for Homeless Veterans
Visit a sanctuary dedicated to providing housing, counseling, and support services to homeless veterans.
- Housing Programs: Support a safe, stable home for homeless veterans
- Counseling Services: Help veterans overcome mental health challenges
- Employment Assistance: Support the reintegration of veterans into the workforce
15. The Tampa Bay's Upside-Down House
Step into an optical illusion at this upside-down house. Take fun and unique photos as you explore the house's rooms and grounds.
- Upside-Down Architecture: Experience the disorientation of an upside-down house
- Unique Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable photos in this optical illusion setting
- Grounds and Gardens: Explore the house's grounds and gardens for additional photo ops