Your summer staycation museum guide

This summer, discover the museums of Tampa Bay. From interactive science centers and historic ships to art galleries and cultural exhibits, local museums offer something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a day with the family or a quiet solo visit, this guide will help you explore the best places to visit without ever leaving the area.

Tampa Bay History Center members receive free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art in June and July, and to the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in August. It’s a great way to expand your museum experience across the region. Not a member? Join today and start exploring more with your membership benefits.

St. Petersburg Museums

The Dalí Museum

1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday until 8 p.m.

The Dalí Museum holds the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside Europe. Paintings, drawings and objects show his full creative range. Visitors can explore his interest in science and philosophy along with surrealist art. The modern building and location on the bay make it a memorable stop for art lovers.

Florida Holocaust Museum

55 Fifth Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Reopens Sept. 9, 2025

The Florida Holocaust Museum reopens with a redesigned exhibition, “History, Heritage, and Hope.” New displays highlight survivor stories, original artifacts and the Danish rescue boat Thor. The museum’s mission to educate and promote human rights is supported by upgraded gallery spaces and increased accessibility. The result is a more personal and powerful experience for visitors of all ages.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

1925 Fourth St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Open Monday to Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 4 p.m.

Great Explorations is designed for young children to learn through play. Interactive exhibits help kids develop social, problem-solving and creative skills. Parents and caregivers can join in or watch as children explore at their own pace. This museum is a favorite among local families for early learning and hands-on fun.

Imagine Museum

1901 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Open Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Imagine Museum displays contemporary glass art from around the world. Visitors can view both permanent collections and rotating exhibits that show the beauty and science behind glassmaking. The museum includes work from major artists in the American Studio Glass Movement and beyond. It’s a colorful and inspiring space to enjoy on your own or with friends.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday until 8 p.m.

This museum features art of the American West and wildlife. Paintings, sculpture and jewelry reflect the culture and history of the region. Works by Native American and Western artists bring diverse stories to life. Wildlife art from around the world adds depth and variety to the collection. The galleries offer a quiet and meaningful experience for visitors.

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Museum of Fine Arts showcases art from ancient times to today. Highlights include pieces by Monet, Rodin and Kehinde Wiley, along with significant photography and cultural collections. Exhibits change regularly, offering something new with each visit. This museum is a good place to enjoy art from across the globe without leaving the city.

Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement

355 Fourth St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Open Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 4 p.m.

This museum focuses on handmade design from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Furniture, lighting and textiles show the craftsmanship of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. Visitors can explore galleries, period rooms and detailed displays in a thoughtfully designed building. The museum also includes a café, gift shop and event space.

St. Petersburg Museum of History

335 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Open Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

This museum highlights the stories that shaped St. Petersburg and its place in Florida’s history. Located at the entrance to the St. Pete Pier, the museum features a replica of the world’s first commercial airliner and the largest collection of autographed baseballs. Exhibits cover local aviation, sports and city development. After your visit, enjoy a walk down the pier or grab a meal at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants.

Woodson African American Museum of Florida

2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Open Tuesday to Thursday: noon to 5 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This museum presents African American history through a local and national lens. Located in the heart of Midtown, it occupies a former community center in the historic Jordan Park neighborhood. Exhibits and programs explore the African American experience, with a focus on cultural resilience, community development and the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The museum preserves stories of migration, segregation and success that have shaped St. Petersburg for more than a century.

Tampa Museums

American Victory Ship and Museum

705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Open Monday: noon to 5 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Step aboard a fully operational World War II ship. The American Victory Ship served in multiple wars and now offers self-guided tours through cargo holds, crew quarters and the bridge. The museum honors the Merchant Marine and their service at sea. Visitors learn how this “floating workhorse” helped deliver troops and supplies during conflict.

Glazer Children’s Museum

110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Glazer Children’s Museum invites kids to play with purpose. Exhibits include real-world settings like a bank, firehouse and farm where children learn by doing. The space encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and exploration. The museum, with different play zones, is ideal for family visits throughout the year.

Henry B. Plant Museum

401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606
Open Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, this museum shares stories from Florida’s Gilded Age. Guests tour rooms with original furniture and learn about Henry Plant’s influence on rail travel and tourism. The building’s architecture and detailed displays offer a look into luxury travel at the turn of the century.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)

4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MOSI is full of interactive exhibits that make science fun for all ages. Guests can explore topics like space, robotics, health and energy. The museum includes a ropes course, planetarium and live science shows. Kids and adults alike enjoy the hands-on experiences that explain how the world works.

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

106 South Evers St., Plant City, FL 33563
Open Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This museum preserves and displays photographs that document the history of Plant City and eastern Hillsborough County. Visitors can view rotating exhibits, explore local archives and learn about the people and events that shaped the area. The center includes more than 100,000 images, along with oral histories and research materials.

Tampa Baseball Museum

2003 N. 19th St., Tampa, FL 33605
Open Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This museum tells the story of Tampa’s baseball roots. Located in the boyhood home of Al Lopez, it features memorabilia, player histories and local league traditions. The exhibits show how baseball became part of Ybor City’s diverse community. It’s a great stop for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Tampa Bay History Center

801 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The History Center highlights 12,000 years of Florida history. Visitors explore galleries about Indigenous cultures, Spanish exploration and Tampa’s port and railroad development. The museum includes a map library, gift shop and the Columbia Cafe. Its downtown location and rotating exhibits make it a strong choice for locals and visitors.

Tampa Museum of Art

120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This museum blends classical and contemporary works. Greek and Roman pieces share space with modern paintings, sculpture and photography. Educational programs and family events support community access to the arts. Located on the Riverwalk, the museum is a quiet place to reflect and enjoy a wide range of visual styles.

Plan your staycation

The Tampa Bay area offers more than beaches and restaurants. Its museums are filled with stories, creativity and discovery. Whether you visit one or several, each offers something unique to enjoy close to home. This summer, take time to explore the places that make this community special.