Plizio Visual Lab

Port of Tampa Bay

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Port
—°10
Port of Tampa Bay (United States)

Weather…

Port Tampa Bay is Florida's largest and most diversified seaport, handling a wide range of commodities including bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo, and containers. Located on the west coast of Florida on Tampa Bay, it has world-class facilities and significant land assets for future expansion. Historically, the port was crucial to the region's development, particularly through the export of phosphate mined in Central Florida, making it the largest phosphate port in North America. In addition to its strength in bulk cargo, Port Tampa Bay has significantly expanded its container capabilities, adding two new Post-Panamax cranes to serve larger vessels and grow its role in Latin American trade. The port is also a major player in the energy sector, handling a significant portion of the state's gasoline and jet fuel. Furthermore, it is a popular cruise port, contributing to Florida's thriving tourism industry and generating a significant economic impact for the Tampa Bay region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151719232627282827242017
Rain mm6565736389226240252185694965

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Port of Tampa Bay is the largest port in Florida by cargo volume and a major hub for bulk goods such as phosphate, fertilizer, and petroleum. It plays a central role in the region's economy and the cruise industry.
🚪
Visiting
The port is partially open to the public, especially the area around the cruise terminals and Channelside Bay Plaza. From there, cargo ships and maritime traffic in the bay can be observed.
👀
Where to view it
Channelside Bay Plaza gives an excellent view of the cruise ships and vessel traffic in Tampa Bay. The Tampa Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River also provides nice views of the port.
🧺
Local products
The port handles large quantities of phosphate used for fertilizer production, as well as petroleum and citrus fruits. Local markets in Tampa offer fresh fish, seafood, and tropical fruits from the region.
📆
Active season
The port is active year-round, with seasonal peaks in winter when phosphate and fertilizer exports are highest. The cruise season is also strongest in winter and spring.
Nearby
Combine the port visit with a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk and the Florida Aquarium. The nearby Busch Gardens Tampa Bay park also features adventure and animal encounters.

Geography

Coordinates
27.90000, -82.40000

Facts

  • Port Tampa Bay is Florida's largest port by land area (approx. 5,000 acres).
  • It handles over 33 million tons of cargo annually.
  • The port supports more than 85,000 direct and indirect jobs.
  • The shipping channel is dredged to a depth of 43 feet (13.1 meters).
  • The port was established in 1924 as the Tampa Port Authority.
  • Over one million cruise passengers pass through the port annually.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Port of Tampa Bay (10)

Glazer Children's Museum🏛 museum

Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa provides hands-on educational exhibits for children.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 13:00-18:00; easter of

Tampa Museum of Art🏛 museum

Tampa Museum of Art showcases modern and contemporary art, as well as classical antiquities.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Th 10:00-20:00; Sa-Su 10:00-17:00; Nov Th💶

SS American Victory;American Victory Museum🏛 museum

SS American Victory in Tampa is a preserved World War II Victory ship that now serves as a museum.

Palma Ceia Spring📍 landmark

Natural spring in the Palma Ceia neighborhood of Tampa.

Hillsborough Bay📍 landmark

Bay forming the eastern shore of the Tampa Bay estuary.

Centennial Park🌳 park

Park in downtown Tampa near the river.

McKay Bay Nature Park🌿 nature

Nature preserve along McKay Bay in Tampa.

Ballast Point Park🌳 park

Waterfront park on Tampa Bay with a pier and playground.

🕒 06:00-20:00

Florida State Fairgrounds📍 landmark

Exhibition grounds for the annual Florida State Fair in Tampa, Of Tampa Bay.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Port of Tampa Bay special?
It is the largest port in Florida and a major cruise hub.
Where can passengers board?
Cruise terminals are located right at the Channel District near the city.
What is traded at the port?
Among other things, fertilizers, petroleum products, and various bulk goods.
Is the area family-friendly?
Yes, there are museums and parks along the waterfront for all ages.
When is the best time to visit?
From October to April, the climate is most pleasant for outdoor activities.
Port of Tampa Bay: where is it located?
Port of Tampa Bay is located in United States.
Port of Tampa Bay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Glazer Children's Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, SS American Victory;American Victory Museum.
Port of Tampa Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.
Port of Tampa Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Port Tampa Bay is Florida's largest and most diversified seaport, handling a wide range of commodities including bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo, and containers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in United States →

Nearby cities