TAMPA, Fla — In town for Super Bowl LV but not sure what else to check out? You've come to the right place.
The Tampa Bay area is full of adventure, art and some of the best beaches around. And the best part is you can explore it all in shorts and flip flops as winter rages on in other states.
Though, it is important to note that parts of Tampa Bay, like Pinellas and Hillsborough County, still have mask orders. So make sure to pack an extra in your suitcase.
If you need some inspiration on where to go and what to do, we've broken it down for you. Here are some of the top ways to spend your time outside of the big game.
Welcome to Tampa Bay!
Places
Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Hang out with Winter from "Dolphin Tales" while learning about the popular spot's mission of rescue, rehab and release.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 36 minutes
Tampa Riverwalk: The stretch of downtown Tampa offers both sights and food as you walk along the Hillsborough River.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx.12 minutes
St. Pete Pier: This newly-rebuilt area is quite the "exPIERence." You can sit underneath the outside art installment, grab a bite to eat, or even catch the sunset over Tampa Bay.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx.34 minutes
John's Pass Village and Boardwalk: Take a stroll through the shops and restaurants that line this waterfront "turn-of-the-century" fishing village. The website calls itself Pinellas County's #1 tourist attraction.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 43 minutes
Pier 60: The 1,800- foot fishing pier and recreational park calls one of Florida's top beaches home. Either toss in a line, lay on Clearwater Beach, or stop for some food in the area.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 45 minutes
Florida Botanical Gardens: This "diverse garden paradise" spans 100 acres in Pinellas County and is dedicated to showcasing unique botanical specimens.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 35 minutes
Florida Aquarium: Get an underwater glimpse at Florida's aquatic and terrestrial animals and ecosystems, while also learning about conservation.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 17 minutes
Sparkman Wharf: Grab a bite to eat and pull up a chair at one of downtown Tampa's latest outdoor entertainment installations.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: 15 minutes
ZooTampa: Spend the day hanging with wildlife in your downtime. You might even get a peek at the rhino named after Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: 13 minutes
Busch Gardens: Seeking a thrill? Make a stop at Tampa's theme park to catch a rollercoaster or hang out with the animals of the Serengeti.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: 20 minutes
Dinosaur World: Take a step back in time to see the recreation of 200 prehistoric, life-size creatures.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: 23 minutes
TECO Manatee Viewing Center: If the weather cooperates, you can get an up-close look at Florida's sea cows as they cuddle in the sanctuary's water.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: 30 minutes
Museums
The Dali Museum: Explore the artwork of Salvador Dali, and at times others, come to life inside one of St. Petersburg's top museums. The location is also hosting the popular "Van Gogh Alive" exhibit through Feb. 28.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 29 minutes
Tampa Museum of Art: Right in along Tampa's Riverwalk you can find engaging exhibitions and educational programs within the museum's walls.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 11 minutes
American Victory Ship & Museum: Take a step back in time as you climb aboard the SS American Victory that served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 16 minutes
Glazer Children's Museum: Need something for the kids? Step into a world of learning and innovation within the walls of the museum.
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 10 minutes
MOSI: Immerse yourself in Tampa Bay's "intersection of science, technology and innovation."
Time to get there from Raymond James Stadium: Approx. 18 minutes
Events
Not the biggest football fan, but traveling with one? Here are some other area events to check out:
St. Pete Pier Marketplace: Feb. 5-7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Free to attend | 600 2nd Ave NE., St. Petersburg
TASCO Drive-In Movie (Space Jam): Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. -- Free to attend | 1320 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg
St. Pete Saturday Morning Market: Feb. 6 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.-- Free to attend | 100 1st St. SE., St. Petersburg
The Puppy Bowl Cornhole Tournament: Feb. 5 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. -- Free to attend | 4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa
5th Annual Pasco Blues Festival: Feb. 6 at 12 p.m. -- Tickets start at $10 | 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes
Ybor City Saturday Market: Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- Free to attend | 1800 East 8th Ave., Tampa
Beaches
Florida is known for its beaches, especially those in the greater Tampa Bay area. So, if you're looking to take a break and enjoy the sunny shores while in town here are a few of the best places to stick your toes in the sand.
Clearwater Beach: Rockaway St., Clearwater, FL
- Open 24 hours
- Free but excludes pets
Indian Rocks Beach: 196th Avenue, Indian Shores, FL
- Open 24 hours
- Free but excludes pets
Madeira Beach: Gulf Blvd & Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, FL
- Open 24 hours
- Free but excludes pets
St. Pete Beach: Gulf Boulevard and 67th-71st Avenues, St. Pete Beach, FL
- Open 24 hours
- Free but excludes pets
Sand Key Park: 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, FL
- Open from 7 a.m. to dusk
- $5 cover but allows leashed pets
Fort De Soto Park: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL
- Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- $5 cover but allows pets in designated areas
Redington Shores Beach: 18200 Gulf Boulevard, Redington Shores, FL
- Open from 8 a.m. to sundown
- Free but excludes pets
Egmont Key State Park: 4905 34th Street S., St. Petersburg, FL
- Open from 8 a.m. to sundown
- Free but excludes pets
Honeymoon Island State Park: 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL
- Open from 8 a.m. to sundown
- $8 cover (per car) but allows pets in designated areas
Murals
Tampa Bay is known for its art and it feels like there is a mural on every corner. You can catch the dazzling and vibrant displays in both cities.
To learn more about the countless Instagram-worthy spots and to pick out some of your favorites before you head to the area be sure to check out Tampa and St. Pete's online list.
And there are even a few murals for the sports fans at heart as the cities both have murals dedicated to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the following locations:
- Mural featuring Raymond James Stadium, Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski: 4205 East Busch Boulevard
- Mural duo of Tom Brady and Mike Evans: 3125 5th Ave. North, St. Petersburg
RELATED: Tampa's greatest Super Bowl moments
- Florida governor calls out 'vaccine tourism'
- Driver of stolen car plows into Manatee County deputy, video shows
- President Biden signs first executive orders on climate, coronavirus
- 10 facts about Kamala Harris, America's history-making vice president
- Third stimulus check: When could you get $1,400 now that Biden is officially the president?
- Why the 'frozen tundra' may not be a disadvantage Sunday for Bucs in Green Bay
- How to get a COVID-19 vaccine at Publix
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter