Area · Tampa

North Tampa

Broad north-of-downtown area anchored by USF, Busch Gardens, MOSI and the Fowler Avenue corridor

North Tampa has no single official boundary.

People come here for the theme park, the science museum, USF events and the nature boardwalks at Lettuce Lake Park on the Hillsborough River.

TampaUpdated October 2026

Known for

  • University of South Florida
  • Busch Gardens
  • MOSI science museum
  • Fowler Avenue corridor
  • Lettuce Lake Park
  • Uptown Innovation District

Good for

  • Theme-park days
  • Families with kids
  • Students and USF events
  • Nature boardwalks

Landmarks

  • University of South Florida (Tampa campus)
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI)
  • Lettuce Lake Park
  • Moffitt Cancer Center
  • Uptown Innovation District

Getting there

I-275 and I-75 frame the area, with Fowler Avenue (SR 582), Busch Boulevard (SR 580), Nebraska Avenue (US 41) and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (SR 581) as the main surface routes. Busch Gardens sits roughly two miles east of I-275 at the Busch Boulevard exit; most trips here are by car.

Where to eat, drink and play in North Tampa

4 places in North Tampa made our Tampa Bay guides, including Fortune Star Oriental Bakery, HW Bakery Panadería Argentina, La Taqueria El Nopal. Each one links to the guide that picked it.

Pins match the numbers below. Showing 4 spots in North Tampa.

Eat
Coffee & Sweets
Things to Do

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Upcoming events in North Tampa

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Nearby areas

Ybor CityNational Historic Landmark district of cigar-era brick buildings, social clubs and Seventh Avenue nightlifeChannel DistrictWaterfront district of cruise terminals, aquarium, arena and apartment towers east of downtownTampa HeightsHistoric riverfront neighborhood north of downtown with Armature Works, Water Works Park and early homesDowntown TampaHillsborough River core of Tampa with the Riverwalk, museums, Channelside and Water Street

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