TAMPA BAY HISTORY LESSON
CUBA WITHOUT A PASSPORT
Visitors to Tampa Bay can make a side trip to Cuba without needing their passports. Tampa Bay’s historic Latin Quarter, Ybor City, is home to a genuine piece of Cuban territory – José Martí Park, dedicated to the memory of the poet, journalist, and firebrand who led the island’s revolution against Spanish rule in the 1880s and 1890s.
José Martí Park
📍: Corner of 8th Ave and 13th St, Tampa, FL
Did you know you can step onto Cuban soil without leaving Tampa Bay? Tucked in historic Ybor City, José Martí Park honors the poet, journalist, and revolutionary who fought for Cuba’s independence. The park features a striking Martí statue and soil from across Cuba, and it’s officially owned by the Cuban people, making it one of the only pieces of Cuba in the U.S.
Roll With Tradition
Once the Cigar Capital of the World, Ybor City still celebrates its hand-rolled cigar tradition. Skilled artisans use generations-old techniques, while visitors can watch the craft at Corona Cigar Co. or explore J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the nation’s last operational cigar factory. Built in 1910, the El Reloj factory offers tours, exhibits, and even rolling classes, bringing Tampa Bay’s cigar legacy to life.
Play Dominoes Like a Local
📍 : Ybor City Museum State Park
Housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, Ybor City Museum State Park brings Tampa’s cigar and immigrant heritage to life. Exhibits, artifacts, and a lush Mediterranean garden trace the community’s Spanish, Cuban, and Italian roots. Step outside to play a game of dominoes, a Cuban tradition that still celebrates connection and culture.
The Best Cuban Sandwiches
You can’t explore Cuban culture in Tampa Bay without trying the city’s signature dish—the Cuban sandwich. Stacked with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on fresh Cuban bread, this local favorite was born in Ybor City. More than just a sandwich, it’s a blend of the cultures that built Tampa, and you’ll still find some of the best versions served up all over the city.
Step Inside the Historic Cuban Club
📍: 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba, Tampa
Once a hub for Tampa Bay’s Cuban immigrants, the Cuban Club was founded in 1902 as a mutual aid society offering care and community. It soon became known for lively dances, music, and gatherings, and today the historic building still stands as a striking example of Cuban architecture, welcoming visitors for events and celebrations.
Celebrate Cuban Culture
Celebrate the vibrant flavors, music, and traditions of Cuban and Latin American culture at the FORD Florida Taste of Latino Festival. Held in the heart of Ybor City, this lively event brings together the best of Latin cuisine, from classic Cuban sandwiches and lechón to sweet guava pastries and café con leche. Enjoy live music, dance performances, and cultural showcases. Whether you're indulging in authentic dishes, watching local chefs in action, or dancing to the sounds of salsa and merengue, this festival is a must-visit for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Tampa Baseball Museum
Baseball has been part of Tampa Bay’s story for over a century, and the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al López House honors that legacy. Set in the childhood home of Tampa’s first Major League player and Hall of Famer, it showcases legendary athletes, Cuban and Latin American roots, and local teams like the Tampa Smokers—making it a must for sports fans and history lovers alike.
Devil Crab
Crunchy on the outside and filled with spiced blue crab on the inside, Tampa Bay’s devil crab is a local favorite. Created in Ybor City’s cigar factories in the early 1900s by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian workers, this golden fried delicacy remains a must-try at food trucks and family-owned restaurants across the city.