Tampa, Florida, is renowned for its lush natural scenery, unique local cultural destinations and famous landmarks. Here’s where to look for the perfect Instagram backdrops in town.
Visitors to Florida can be hard-pressed to name a single favorite location, but there aren’t many destinations that offer quite the same rich variety of sights and scenery as Tampa. Occupying a central position along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city is as beloved for its wealth of natural beauty and historic architecture as it is for its unique blend of cultures, delicious local foods, and some of the most memorably Instagrammable spots in the state. Below, take a look at some must-snap destinations to visit while you’re visiting.
1. The Henry B. Plant Museum
Housed in Plant Hall, a stunning Moorish Revival structure on the campus of the University of Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum is a fascinating window into Tampa’s Gilded Age history. Originally the Tampa Bay Hotel completed by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant in 1891, the interior of this interactive museum is filled with photos, artifacts and exhibits exploring Tampa’s history and tourism industry over the last two centuries. When you feel like stretching your legs, step outside and take a few shots around its beautifully manicured gardens, kept looking exactly as they did when first constructed over a century ago.
2. The Salvador Dalà Museum
If you’re interested in soaking up some of Tampa’s international culture, stop by the Salvador Dalà Museum in nearby St. Petersburg. First opened in 1982, the entire structure is dedicated to housing the works of its namesake Spanish artist, boasting the largest collection of DalÃ’s paintings, drawings, photos, personal possessions and writings. Aside from the artwork inside, the structure itself is inspired by the Surrealist school of art in which Dalà worked, making it an instant standout for any social media timeline.
3. Bell Creek Nature Preserve
Stepping outside the city, you’ll find more natural beauty than you could ever hope for, with settings like Bell Creek Nature Preserve. Located in Riverview, FL, this 477-acre nature preserve offers a profusion of Florida wildlife and plants inside an area that can be easily covered on foot in the space of a day. Look for brilliant green sand pines and stately scrub oaks draped in Spanish moss for photo backdrops, or seek out some of the creeks and ponds which lace the area for memorable snapshots.
4. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park, one of many public parks found scattered around Tampa’s periphery, is situated on a string of five keys, or islands, just off the coast near St. Petersburg. It takes its name from the U.S. Army’s Fort De Soto, named for the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and in use from 1898 to 1910. The area’s military past has left it with an array of historical sites dotted among seven miles of white sand beaches, pristine woodlands, hiking trails, campsites and more. Every shot you take on these islands is sure to attract notice on your timeline.
5. Tampa Theatre
The heart of downtown Tampa is where many of its most treasured landmarks can be found, including the historic Tampa Theatre. A stunning example of the movie palace era of a century ago, the Tampa Theatre’s exterior combines all the luxuriant textures, colors, and intricate 19th-century detailing you need to make an eye-catching backdrop for your vacation photos. When you want to beat the heat and catch a show, step inside to enjoy a movie in style!
6. The City of Tampa Mural
Originally painted in 2012 by Tampa’s own Carl Cowden III, the City of Tampa mural hearkens back to the design of postcards popular in the 1920s, with large, bold lettering, vivid colors, and unmistakable visual cues associated with the city. Located at the corner of Florida Avenue and Royal Street, this mural has been a favorite destination for photo-seekers since its unveiling.
7. Ybor City
No trip to Tampa is complete without stepping through Ybor City, the historic center of the city’s Cuban community. Originally built in the 1880s to house the workers and facilities of Vicente Martinez Ybor’s cigar manufacturing empire, the area attracted thousands of immigrants who created a unique local lifestyle that exists to this day. Favorite backdrops for photos include the many historical cafes and social clubs in the area, as well as vintage cigar signs still fixed to buildings across several blocks.
8. The Florida State Fairgrounds
Satisfy your search for stunning backgrounds and fun for your family with a trip to the Florida State Fairgrounds on Tampa’s northeastern edge. The fair is typically held in February each year, so plan your trip carefully to catch some pictures for your social media accounts.
9. Bahia Beach Nature Preserve
One of the newest and most secluded of Tampa’s parks, the Bahia Beach Nature Preserve can be found in Ruskin, Florida, right where Manatee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties converge. With plenty of aquatic and shore birds, bald eagles, and restored wetlands, this is the perfect spot to capture some memories of the tropical scenery Florida is famous for.
10. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, a 25-acre green oasis on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, is a great place to spend an afternoon unwinding after a long trip or to relax before heading home. What makes this park particularly attractive for Instagrammers are the many pieces of public art found throughout the area, including larger-than-life sculptures, mosaics, and murals which can add a distinctive dash of color to your snapshots.
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