Greater Tampa Bay Region is the kind of place that turns everyday living into a getaway. Whether you’re chasing outdoor serenity, family fun, or cultural flair, this part of Tampa has experiences that truly elevate your lifestyle. The community is diverse, the energy is dynamic, and the opportunities for fun are practically endless. So, if you’re considering calling New Tampa home, here’s a glimpse at five must-visit destinations that will quickly convince you why this neighborhood is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If thrills, wildlife, and family fun top your list, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is your new favorite weekend spot. As one of the most well-known attractions in the Southeast, this 335-acre African-themed adventure park packs in adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, immersive animal habitats, and live entertainment—all in one place. You can brave the 200-foot drop on SheiKra, get your heart racing on Iron Gwazi (the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster), or take it slow with a relaxing ride on the Skyride for sweeping park views.
But Busch Gardens isn’t just about roller coasters. It’s home to more than 200 species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and lions, many of which you can observe from the comfort of a guided safari-style truck. Families with younger children will love the Sesame Street Safari of Fun, with interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets, and gentle rides.
Seasonal events like Howl-O-Scream and Christmas Town add to the magic, making this park a year-round destination. And the best part? It’s all just minutes from New Tampa’s residential communities. Living nearby means spontaneous weekend visits, annual passes that pay for themselves, and a backyard filled with world-class entertainment.
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Lettuce Lake Park
Tucked just off Fletcher Avenue, Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is a peaceful retreat that showcases Florida’s natural charm. It’s a favorite among locals for good reason—whether you’re a nature photographer, a parent looking for a fun (and free) weekend activity, or someone who simply enjoys a quiet walk among the trees, this park delivers. The 240-acre site features a boardwalk that meanders through lush hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps, offering plenty of chances to spot native wildlife like herons, turtles, and even alligators.
An observation tower overlooks the scenic Hillsborough River, where the still water often reflects the surrounding foliage in a picture-perfect mirror image. The park also includes picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an interpretive center with educational exhibits that give insight into local ecosystems.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available if you’re in the mood to explore the river by water. Birdwatchers especially love this park—more than 100 bird species have been recorded here throughout the year. You’ll find the park calm on weekday mornings, lively on weekends, and always worth returning to.
Living in New Tampa means having daily access to this kind of natural beauty and serenity. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue, enjoying a date with your binoculars and camera, or simply escaping for some quiet time under the trees, Lettuce Lake Park is a priceless perk of living nearby.
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ZooTampa at Lowry Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is where education meets unforgettable family fun. This 63-acre zoo has been voted one of the best in the country—and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why. The experience is immersive and thoughtfully curated, giving visitors the chance to explore animal habitats from Africa, Asia, Australia, and right here in Florida. From elephants and orangutans to stingrays and flamingos, ZooTampa brings you face-to-face with fascinating wildlife in beautifully designed environments.
Kids can pet goats, splash in Wallaroo Station, or hop aboard the zoo-themed rides. Adults will appreciate the commitment to conservation and the state-of-the-art Manatee Critical Care Center—the only non-profit hospital of its kind in the world, where rescued sea cows are treated and released back into the wild.
ZooTampa offers something new every season, including popular annual events like ZooBoo and Christmas in the Wild, which transform the park into a holiday spectacle. Memberships are affordable and offer locals unlimited access, discounts, and early entry for special events.
As a New Tampa resident, this isn’t just a fun spot to visit—it becomes part of your lifestyle. From impromptu weekend trips to hands-on learning for your kids, having ZooTampa right around the corner adds incredible value to everyday life.
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The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium offers a mesmerizing deep dive into the ecosystems that shape life in Florida and beyond. Located in nearby downtown Tampa and just a short drive from New Tampa, this destination draws both tourists and locals for its spectacular exhibits and hands-on learning experiences. It’s home to more than 9,000 aquatic animals, including playful otters, menacing sharks, and majestic sea turtles—all housed in carefully recreated habitats.
Your visit might start in the Wetlands Trail, where free-flying birds flit through lush foliage overhead and continue into the Coral Reef exhibit, a panoramic underwater world filled with vibrant tropical fish. Kids love the Stingray Beach touch tank, while adventurous families can book a Wild Dolphin Cruise that explores Tampa Bay’s sparkling waters.
The aquarium also serves as a center for conservation, hosting educational programs, research projects, and wildlife rescue operations. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression—and a growing appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our oceans.
Living in New Tampa means you’re close enough to make this a regular part of your weekend rotation. Whether you’re keeping your little ones engaged, impressing out-of-town guests, or just taking a break to reconnect with nature, the Florida Aquarium offers an escape that’s equal parts entertaining and enriching.
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Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a beautifully designed 2.6-mile waterfront trail that connects some of the city’s most exciting destinations—and it’s one of the biggest perks of living in the New Tampa area. Whether you want to enjoy a morning jog along the Hillsborough River, sip wine at a riverside café, or catch a live concert in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Riverwalk is your open invitation to explore the best of Tampa’s culture, cuisine, and community.
Along the path, you’ll encounter the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts—all within walking distance of one another. Art installations, fountains, and event spaces pop up along the way, giving the area a festive, creative energy that locals adore. The Riverwalk also serves as the starting point for riverboat tours and kayak rentals, making it easy to transition from urban adventurer to water-bound explorer.
With its vibrant events calendar, stunning sunset views, and nonstop activity, the Riverwalk isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a lifestyle. Living in New Tampa gives you easy access to this gem, where every walk turns into a memory and every evening stroll feels like a mini-vacation.
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Living in New Tampa
Living in New Tampa means more than just proximity to amazing attractions—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that balances comfort, convenience, and community. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy the best of Florida living, New Tampa offers a neighborhood that fits your needs and elevates your everyday.
Housing options here are as diverse as the people who call it home. You’ll find everything from modern apartments and affordable townhomes to spacious single-family homes with large yards and scenic lake views. Many communities are thoughtfully designed with walking trails, parks, and top-rated schools nearby, creating a neighborhood feel that’s both welcoming and vibrant.
Commuting is a breeze thanks to major roadways like I-275 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, which connect you to downtown Tampa, the University of South Florida, and the wider Bay Area. You’re also just minutes from hospitals, shopping centers, fitness studios, and an impressive array of local dining options—from international flavors to Southern comfort food.
But what truly sets New Tampa apart is its spirit. There’s an undeniable energy here—a sense that you’re part of something growing and thriving. Weekends are filled with community events, farmers markets, and family outings to nearby parks and attractions. You’re never far from nature, never far from fun, and never far from the people and places that make life meaningful.
In New Tampa, you don’t have to choose between convenience and lifestyle—you get both. It’s a place where you can put down roots, build connections, and truly feel at home. And once you experience it, you won’t want to live anywhere else.
Let's Make It Happen
Are you ready to stop visiting and start living? New Tampa is calling, and there’s no better time to find your perfect place in this dynamic, inviting community. With incredible homes, unbeatable access to entertainment and nature, and a quality of life that continues to attract new residents, New Tampa is more than a destination—it’s your future.
Reach out today, and let’s find a home that brings all of this to your doorstep.