Downtown Tampa Channel District - Florida Aquarium Cruise ships, educational boat trips and the Florida Aquarium are compelling reasons to head for the Channel District.

Discover Tampa's Channel District

The Channel District is home to the Port of Tampa, Florida’s largest seaport. Many major cruise lines and commercial freighters, as well as pleasure craft and sailboats call this harbor home. Annually, around 900,000 cruise ship passengers embark to their favorite Caribbean or Mexican destination via the Port of Tampa.

Downtown Tampa enjoys the nostalgic charm of the streetcar with the TECO Line Streetcar System, which is FREE to ride with service every 15 minutes. The streetcars connect Downtown and Channelside to the Port of Tampa and Historic Ybor City, and are replicas of the original Birney Safety Cars that shuttled passengers around Tampa beginning in 1892.

With 200,000 square-feet of air-conditioned fun, The Florida Aquarium anchors the eastern side of the Channel District. It’s a world-class facility with hundreds of entertaining and educational exhibits. Endorsed by the American Zoological Association (AZA), it’s the must-see attraction for all ages.

Adjacent to The Florida Aquarium is Sparkman Wharf, a mega-entertainment complex that’s at the core of the action in the Downtown Tampa Channel District. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of a variety of restaurants that offer something for every taste and budget.

Downtown Tampa Channel District - Tampa Street Car Florida
A streetcar winds its way
through the Channelside District.
Downtown Tampa Channel District Shopping, Downtown Tampa Channel District Theaters - Downtown Tampa Channel District Restaurants
Sparkman Wharf offers waterfront views,
music, craft beer, and exceptional dining.
Florida Aquarium Downtown Tampa
The Florida Aquarium is a
200,000 sq. ft. air-conditioned
display of fascinating aquatic life.