Hillsborough County, Florida: Location, Cities, Attractions

Hillsborough County is one of the most populated and diverse counties on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It combines the energetic city life of Tampa with historic neighbourhoods, family attractions, waterfront parks, nature preserves and quieter communities. Visitors can walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, ride roller coasters at Busch Gardens, explore Ybor City or spend a peaceful afternoon beside the Hillsborough River.

Tampa is the county seat and its largest city, but Hillsborough County includes much more than downtown Tampa. Plant City is known for agriculture and strawberries, Temple Terrace offers parks and residential neighbourhoods, and communities such as Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and Westchase provide shopping, dining and access to different parts of the county. Hillsborough County’s estimated population reached about 1.57 million in 2025.

Quick Overview of Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County covers slightly more than 1,020 square miles of land. Its three incorporated municipalities are Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, while a large part of the population lives in unincorporated communities.

Where Is Hillsborough County Located?

Hillsborough County is located in west-central Florida along Tampa Bay. It is part of the larger Tampa Bay metropolitan area and sits close to Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Manatee and other neighbouring counties.

Its location provides convenient access to:

• Tampa Bay waterfront areas
• Gulf Coast beaches in nearby Pinellas County
• Central Florida theme parks
• Interstate 4 and Interstate 75
• Tampa International Airport
• The Port of Tampa Bay
• Nature preserves and riverfront parks
• Petersburg and Clearwater

Visitors should understand that Hillsborough County is large. Driving from Plant City in the eastern part of the county to Westchase or Tampa International Airport can take considerable time, especially during weekday traffic.

Best Areas to Visit in Hillsborough County

Different parts of Hillsborough County suit different types of travellers.

1. Downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa is one of the best bases for first-time visitors. It provides walkable access to museums, sports venues, restaurants and the waterfront.

Popular places include:

• Tampa Riverwalk
• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
• The Florida Aquarium
• Tampa Bay History Center
• Glazer Children’s Museum
• Tampa Museum of Art
• Sparkman Wharf
• Water Street Tampa

The Tampa Riverwalk extends for about 2.6 miles and connects several major downtown attractions, parks and dining areas along the Hillsborough River.

2. Ybor City

Ybor City is Tampa’s best-known historic district. It developed around the cigar industry and has strong Cuban, Spanish and Italian cultural influences.

Visitors can explore:

• Historic brick streets
• Former cigar factories
• Ybor City Museum State Park
• Cuban restaurants
• Local shops
• Live entertainment venues
• Historic streetcar stops

The neighbourhood is connected to downtown and the Channel District by the TECO Line Streetcar.

3. Plant City

Plant City is located in eastern Hillsborough County and is strongly associated with agriculture, especially strawberries.

Reasons to visit include:

• The Florida Strawberry Festival
• Historic downtown Plant City
• Local farm markets
• Antique shops
• Family-owned restaurants
• Seasonal agricultural events

Plant City offers a quieter setting than Tampa and can also serve as a stop between Tampa and Orlando.

4. Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace is a small city northeast of central Tampa. It is known for established neighbourhoods, oak-lined streets, parks and access to the Hillsborough River.

It is also conveniently located near:

• University of South Florida
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
• Hillsborough River State Park

5. Brandon and Riverview

Brandon and Riverview are large communities southeast of Tampa. They are mainly residential but provide extensive shopping, restaurants and convenient access to Interstate 75.

These areas may suit travellers who:

• Are visiting family or friends
• Prefer accommodation outside downtown
• Need access to eastern or southern Hillsborough County
• Want to stay near major highways
• Are travelling onward to Sarasota or Orlando

Top Attractions in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County has several of Florida’s best-known family attractions.

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens combines thrill rides, live entertainment and animal experiences. It is one of the county’s biggest tourist attractions and usually requires a full day.

Visitors should:

• Purchase admission in advance.
• Arrive early on weekends and holidays.
• Check ride restrictions before visiting.
• Carry sun protection and drinking water.
• Review the schedule for shows and animal experiences.

2. The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium is located in Tampa’s Channel District near the Riverwalk and cruise terminals. It focuses on aquatic animals, marine habitats and wildlife conservation. The aquarium can be reached by the TECO Line Streetcar and is close to Sparkman Wharf.

3. ZooTampa at Lowry Park

ZooTampa is a family-friendly attraction featuring animals from Florida and other parts of the world. It also offers educational programmes, wildlife care activities and rides designed for younger visitors.

4. Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk connects many of downtown’s leading attractions. Visitors can walk, jog, cycle, dine or take a water taxi along the river.

Places accessible from or near the Riverwalk include:

• Armature Works
• Water Works Park
• Straz Center for the Performing Arts
• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
• Tampa Convention Center
• Tampa Bay History Center
• Sparkman Wharf
• The Florida Aquarium

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Hillsborough County manages more than 200 parks, preserves and recreation facilities. These include nearly 20 conservation parks and extensive protected natural land.

Popular outdoor destinations include:

• Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
• Upper Tampa Bay Conservation Park
• G. Simmons Conservation Park
• Edward Medard Conservation Park
• Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park
• Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve
• Lithia Springs Conservation Park
• Hillsborough River State Park

Available activities include:

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Camping
• Birdwatching
• Picnicking
• Wildlife photography
• Exploring boardwalks and nature trails

Apollo Beach is also known for the Manatee Viewing Center, where visitors may see manatees during cooler periods when the animals gather near warmer water. Conditions and viewing opportunities vary.

Does Hillsborough County Have Good Beaches?

Hillsborough County has bayfront parks and small beach areas, but it is not the best choice for visitors seeking wide, white-sand Gulf beaches.

Local waterfront options include:

• Ben T. Davis Beach
• Cypress Point Park
• G. Simmons Conservation Park
• Apollo Beach Nature Preserve
• Picnic Island Park

For larger Gulf beaches, visitors normally travel to Pinellas County. Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Fort De Soto are popular day-trip options, but traffic and bridge crossings should be considered.

Food and Local Culture

Hillsborough County has a varied food scene influenced by Cuban, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Southern traditions.

Popular local experiences include:

• Eating a Cuban sandwich
• Visiting a historic restaurant in Ybor City
• Exploring Tampa’s food halls
• Trying fresh seafood
• Visiting independent cafés
• Dining along the Riverwalk
• Exploring restaurants in Seminole Heights
• Buying strawberries near Plant City during the season

Ybor City remains an important place for experiencing Tampa’s cigar history and Cuban cultural heritage. Downtown, Hyde Park, Tampa Heights, Seminole Heights and Westshore offer additional dining choices.

Getting to and Around Hillsborough County

Tampa International Airport is the county’s main airport. It serves approximately 25 million passengers annually and offers nonstop flights to more than 100 domestic and international destinations.

Visitors can travel around the county using:

• Rental cars
• HART buses
• TECO Line Streetcar
• Taxis
• Ride-hailing services
• Water taxis
• Bicycles in selected areas
• Hotel and attraction shuttles

HART operates public bus services throughout Hillsborough County. Several routes also serve Tampa International Airport, downtown Tampa and major attractions.

The TECO Line Streetcar is especially useful for travelling between downtown Tampa, the Channel District and Ybor City. However, a car remains the most practical option for visiting Plant City, Apollo Beach, Brandon, Riverview and nature parks outside central Tampa.

Best Time to Visit Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County can be visited throughout the year, but seasonal conditions can affect the experience.

• November to February: Cooler temperatures and comfortable outdoor conditions.
• March to April: Warm weather, festivals and generally pleasant sightseeing.
• May to September: Hot, humid and rainy, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
• June to November: Atlantic hurricane season, requiring attention to weather forecasts.
• October: Warm conditions with gradually lower humidity.

Winter and early spring are generally the best periods for outdoor sightseeing. Summer visitors should plan indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day and carry water, sunscreen and rain protection.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Before visiting Hillsborough County:

• Choose accommodation close to your main attractions.
• Allow extra driving time during morning and evening traffic.
• Do not confuse Hillsborough County with nearby Gulf beach communities.
• Check parking charges before visiting downtown Tampa.
• Use the streetcar when moving between downtown and Ybor City.
• Carry sunscreen throughout the year.
• Prepare for sudden rain during summer.
• Check hurricane and severe-weather updates during the storm season.
• Reserve major attraction tickets in advance.
• Confirm park hours before visiting nature preserves.
• Watch for wildlife near rivers, lakes and wooded trails.
• Avoid swimming in unapproved freshwater areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many days are enough to explore Hillsborough County?

A: Three days are enough to see downtown Tampa, Ybor City and one major attraction. Travellers who want to visit Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, local parks and Plant City should plan four to five days.

Q2. Where should first-time visitors stay?

A: Downtown Tampa is suitable for visitors who want walkable access to the Riverwalk, museums, restaurants and sports venues. Ybor City is better for nightlife and historic surroundings, while Westshore is convenient for Tampa International Airport. Families visiting Busch Gardens may prefer accommodation in northern Tampa.

Q3. Is a rental car necessary in Hillsborough County?

A: A rental car is not essential for a trip limited to downtown Tampa, Ybor City and the Channel District. The streetcar, buses, taxis and ride-hailing services can cover these areas. A car is strongly recommended for Plant City, Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach and county parks.

Q4. Is Hillsborough County the same as Tampa?

A: No. Tampa is a city and the county seat, while Hillsborough County is the larger local-government area surrounding it. The county also contains Plant City, Temple Terrace and many unincorporated communities.

Q5. Can visitors combine Tampa attractions and Gulf beaches in one trip?

A: Yes. Many travellers stay in Hillsborough County and take day trips to Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. Travel time can increase substantially during weekends, holidays and peak beach periods, so an early start is recommended.