Get up close with crocodiles, manatees and dinosaurs in Brandon. The community is a great base to explore Downtown Tampa and discover everything the Gulf Coast has to offer. Visit excellent museums, dine in the buzzing Riverwalk district and discover family-friendly attractions like a zoo, aquarium and multiple theme parks.
Things to do in Brandon
The Hillsborough River flows through the heart of Downtown Tampa. The pedestrianised Tampa Riverwalk hugs the banks of the river and is lined with cafes, restaurants and outdoor art installations. If you’re lucky, you might spot manatees cruising past. The friendly aquatic mammals live in Tampa Bay and can often be seen swimming in the Hillsborough River. Segway tours are a fun way to explore the downtown core. After dark, head to Ybor City to hit up bars and nightclubs.
Walk in the footsteps of giants at Dinosaur World. The theme park is dotted with hundreds of life-size dinosaur statues, including an enormous Tyrannosaurus Rex. Pan for gemstones in the excavation zone and channel your inner palaeontologist in the boneyard. Don’t miss the Prehistoric Museum packed with genuine dinosaur bones and artefacts.
Come face to face with enormous reptiles at Croc Encounters. The wildlife park is home to dozens of crocodiles and alligators, as well as other reptiles like snakes, lizards and turtles. Learn more about local wildlife at the excellent educational sessions.
The wave-shaped Florida Aquarium is one of the best in the country. It’s set on the Riverwalk and features crystal-clear tanks filled with colourful fish, turtles, sharks and other marine life. The lush swamp and mangrove exhibits feature free-roaming ibis and herons.
Getting around Brandon
Brandon is in Hillsborough County, a 20-minute drive from Downtown Tampa. Rental cars are a fast and flexible way to get around and explore nearby sights and attractions at your own pace. Tampa International Airport is a one-hour drive away.