OPINION: Tampa summers are more fun than people give them credit for

Students should take advantage of being in Tampa during the summer because of the activities they can experience. ORACLE PHOTO/KEATON DUKE

This summer is the second time I’ll be staying in Tampa instead of going back home to Orlando, Florida.

A few factors — including summer classes and my job in Tampa — played a role in that decision.

But one of the main reasons I am staying is because of the advantages Tampa has to offer in the summer.

Last summer, I was able to see friends, live in my own apartment near campus and learn more about what makes this area so cool.

And while I know Florida summers can be hard, especially with the heat, I enjoyed my previous summer in Tampa and plan to keep busy again this summer to take my mind off the heat.

During the summer, my academic workload lessens and allows me to take more time away from campus, meaning I can fully indulge in a summer in Tampa.

One of the biggest misconceptions about summer is that there is nothing to do besides sit by the pool or hide from the heat. But in reality, Tampa is packed with events that make staying here worthwhile.

So, instead of spending my free time indoors waiting for the fall semester to start, I have been able to explore parts of Tampa I’ve never had time to experience since I was so busy with homework.

When I first moved to Tampa in fall 2024, I was unaware of how many events and opportunities there were in the area. Since then, I’ve explored downtown Tampa, taken walks to watch the sunrises and sunsets and sunbathed on different beaches.

Many of these experiences are free and close, making it easy to take advantage of everything the city has to offer.

For example, Busch Gardens is hosting its annual Summer Nights event, which features extended park hours, live entertainment, drone shows and firework displays until Aug. 9, according to the park.

Not only is the park close, but it also offers discounted passes for USF students to enjoy, according to Busch Gardens.

Additionally, downtown Tampa is also full of activities along the Riverwalk, which is about a 20-minute drive from campus.

The Friends of the Riverwalk Event Calendar features free events, such as sunset paddle happy hours, yoga in the park, outdoor markets and live entertainment throughout the summer months.

I first discovered the Riverwalk through my roommate who showed it to me last year. I was excited because of how close it was to campus, along with how scenic it looked. Most people know of the area, but don’t have the time to commute because of school.

I knew downtown had the perfect view of the sunrise and sunset, so I have gone on multiple early or late-night walks with friends to see the beautiful view of the sun on the water.

The Riverwalk also has events specific to summer holidays, including a Liberty of the Bay celebration on July 4. This event will feature live music, food vendors, a boat parade, a drone show and fireworks along the Tampa Riverwalk.

These events are appealing because they break up the routine of classes and work without requiring a weekend trip or an expensive vacation. It can be easy to only focus on the bigger events, but there is so much more to Tampa.

Sometimes you just have to play tourist in your own town to find new things.

Still, if public events aren’t your thing, going to the beach is always an option, and comes with the added benefit of enjoying the ocean and the views that come with it.

St. Pete and Clearwater beaches are only an hour from USF Tampa and are some of the best spots to unwind after a stressful week of tests or classes.

I love going to Clearwater and St. Pete Beach because of the boardwalks, and I go to both beaches every few weeks to walk around, shop and hang out with my friends.

Many students can see Tampa as a temporary home during the academic year, but the summer offers a chance to experience the city in a new way.

In my two summers in Tampa, I have been able to go to Friends of the Riverwalk events where I participated in activities and listened to live bands.

Those experiences helped me decide to stay over the summer because I learned how much fun it can be to do and try new things, especially without the pressure of classes lingering behind.

With all these events and opportunities available, it is easy to make the most of a season that is often dismissed as too hot or central to school and career building.

Going outside and being active in Tampa can show you what it has to offer and how many opportunities there are outside of classes and work.

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