tampa

Welcome to Golf Country!  The surrounding area boasts 40 public golf courses in some of the worlds most desirable areas.  Is that all you can do in Tampa?  No, that is just the tip of the iceberg.  (For the record, there is NO ice in Tampa.) There are a multitude of adventures in and around the Tampa area.  Everything from pristine white sand beaches, to renowned museums, to all manner of shopping, to parks and live sports events.  Catch a theatrical performance or visit a museum and then easily find your way to a restaurant, coffee shop or night club overlooking the fantastic Tampa Bay.  From sunrise to our legendary sunsets, you can create a different plan for every day that you spend in the magical paradise.

The Tampa port is now the seventh largest in the nation which is why it was once held by the army as a strategic harbor.  Tampa offers many unique cultural, educational, and other entertaining experiences to its residents and visitors.  Aside from being the largest city in Hillsborough County, it is also the third most populous city in all of Florida and is the business hub of the area.  See you in Tampa.

City Sites

• Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is a beautiful glass domed, three-story building where you will find a fascinating range of animals and aquatic plants, local, and from all around the globe.  You can swim with the fishes and be sure to drop by the underwater cave.

• Tampa Museum of Art
Located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Museum of Art  has something for the whole family.  You can choose from a variety of classes, lectures, seminars, and children's activities.  The atmosphere is always changing and a mixture of styles are often showcased.

• Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
This science and technology center contains more than 210,00 square feet of exhibits and hands-on displays.  Some of the most popular features are the IMAX theater and the planetarium.  Have you ever wanted to stand in the eye of a hurricane? Step inside the hurricane simulator and hang on for a wild ride.

• Ybor City Museum State Park
Visiting the Ybor City Museum State Park is a trip back in time.  This "City" was once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Founded in 1886 by a Cuban immigrant, a small city quickly formed from the many immigrants employed there.  Various exhibits are permanent and some rotate twice yearly. This is a must see for all cigar aficionados.

• Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
If you enjoy the performing arts, you will be dazzled here.  The world-class Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center includes four theatres, a rehearsal hall, a banquet hall and in-house catering. Check to see what is playing today.

sports

• Tampa Sports Alive
If you want to catch a live sports event, Tampa has you covered.  Tampa is home to many major league sports teams.  Take some time out to catch one of the home teams play on their own turf. Tampa is proud of all their home teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devil Rays, and the Lightning. 

other Parks

• Snow Park
According to Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Tampa is home to the "world's smallest park" - Snow Park. It was also listed in the Guiness Book of World Records.

WEATHER

• Spring: 63°F to 81°F
• Summer: 75°F to 90°F
• Fall: 68°F to 84°F
• Winter: 54°F to 71°F

must see

• Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is the ultimate family adventure park.  From the "Congo" to "Timbuktu", "Egypt" and the "Serengeti", you will be dazzled and amazed at the broad expanse that is Busch Gardens.  Breathtaking rollercoaster rides, exotic African animals in one of the country's premier zoos with more than 2,700 animals, shows, restaurants, shops and games.

• Adventure Island
30 acres of water filled adventure!  From slides like the Wahoo run, and waterfalls, to corkscrews and a wave pool, you are sure to enjoy your time getting soaked at Adventure Island.  There are numerous other attractions like gift shops, arcades, cafes, a children's water playground, and even picnic and sunbathing areas. For those so inclined, there is even a championship white sand volleyball complex.  Adventure awaits you.

special Interest

• Channelside
Channelside has every kind of entertainment: complementary catamaran cruises, IMAX movies, extreme games, dance clubs, piano bars, and unique shops and restaurants. Stroll the waterfront and watch the Port of Tampa at work, explore a 3D cave at the IMAX theater, or play state of the art arcade games. The best entertainment is waiting for you. Explore the diverse world of Channelside.

• Starlite Cruises
For an unforgettable evening out on the bay, take a cruise with Star Lite Cruises.  From an evening out to special occasions, all meals are prepared fresh on board. Two first class vessels both feature plush interiors and large windows for a clear view.

• Franklin Street Mall, Open Air
Franklin Street Mall is an open air mall covering six city blocks right downtown. This open air mall is often used to showcase special events.  You will find many restaurants and shops with vendors selling everything from hot dogs to hair scrunchies.

Click here for more Tampa information and links to various city sites listed here including parks, beaches, golf courses, and restaurants.