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City in the United States
Photo: LoneStarMike, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The city of Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and the largest city on Florida's West Coast.
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The Channel District has many shops, restaurants, and is one of the beginnings of the Tampa River Walk. Formerly home to a shopping center named Channelside Bay Plaza, this area is now completely remodeled and opened in late 2018 as Sparkman Wharf, with many take away eateries and a beer garden, along with a lively lawn beside the waterfront. The area also serves as a major cruise hub with five lines embarking or stopping in Tampa. The Florida Aquarium is also here (see entry below).
Fabulous aquarium following a drop of rain from a swamp through Florida's aquifer, to its rivers and out into the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Restaurant, gift shop, children's play area, touch tank, interactive dive experiences, and eco-tours of Tampa Bay. The aquarium also has a great outdoor water play area (included with admission), so on hotter days bring swim attire and towels for the kids - bathrooms are located adjacent for changing. There is a fee for parking at the main lot, but on busier days/times only members are allowed to use it - others will be directed to the parking garages nearby.
Opened in 1926 in downtown, the Tampa Theatre is a historic movie palace featuring a wide range of independent, foreign, and documentary films on a daily basis. Architecturally stunning inside and out, it is no wonder that the Tampa Theatre has become a city and national landmark. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. It is Tampa's only non-profit theatre and operating costs are largely covered by its membership program, various corporate sponsors, and ticket sales.
Built at the turn of the 20th century as the Tampa Bay Hotel by railroad magnate H.B. Plant, the beautiful old building is now used as the administration building and classrooms for the University of Tampa. It has been lovingly restored to most of its prior glory; the ballroom is a showpiece with its domed ceiling under brilliant silver minarets. There is a small, but very interesting museum in the building that recreates a large portion of Tampa's early history, as well as giving visitors a peek into how the hotel appeared when it first opened.
The Convention Center always has activities. National and international groups rent space for meetings and conventions. Regional and local groups rent space. Some of the activities require fees for entrance, but many are open to the general public either free or for a small fee. The Tampa Riverwalk passes along the south and west sides of the building. Just north of the Convention Center is the Convention Center parking garage for visitors. On the Tampa Bay side is a boat dock area where for a fee private boats may be docked. Several outlets inside the Center sell food and drinks. On the east side of the center property is the Sail Pavilion, which has some food but mainly sells alcoholic beverages.
Tampa Riverwalk has been nearly 30 years in the making, and finally connects the vibrant Tampa Heights district with the heart of Downtown, all the way to the Florida Aquarium in the Channel District. Along the 2.4-mile walkway are many parks, including the incredibly popular Curtis Hixon, the Tampa Performing Arts Center, the Amalie Arena where the Tampa Bay Lightning play, and multiple hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Roman Catholic church built in 1905. This large, predominantly Romanesque building is one of the oldest churches in the Tampa Bay region.
Waterfront road on Hillsborough Bay, an easy walk across the Platt Street bridge from the Riverwalk or the Convention Center. Its sidewalk, at 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long, is 10 feet (3.0 m) wide and is widely used for recreation and exercise. The 3-mile (4.8 km) bike lane, a linear park, and the Bayshore Greenway Trail provide scenic views of urban Tampa and the water. There are also benches, a water fountain, bicycle parking, a city marina, and workout stations. Many large and historic homes line the road.
Three floors of permanent and temporary exhibition space covering 12,000 years of Florida history, with a special focus on Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. It has a museum store, classrooms, the Witt Research Center (a branch of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System), a map gallery, an event hall and the Columbia Cafe (a branch of Ybor City's Columbia Restaurant).
More than just an amusement park -- also a top-notch zoo. Expensive, but a very enjoyable day -- rides, shows. This is a fun place for all ages, kids, teens, and even adults. It has a family friendly atmosphere with lots of things to do and see. The scenery is amazing; it has a feel of different places as you travel throughout the park. Rides vary from a huge merry go round to the famous rollercoaster, Montu. There are many different types of rides to choose from and also many roller coasters to choose from as well. Not a ride fan? You can check out the many shows they perform daily. Ice skating, singing, magic, birds and other performances can be found all around the corners of Busch Gardens. Not a show fan either? Then check out the many food establishments spread out through the park. They offer fast food like popcorn and fries to a nice sit-down meal. Also check Busch Gardens out during different holidays. They always have special events and offers. For instance, for Halloween they have Howl-O-Scream when the park is open all night long. They also have special events for over night stays, New Years, and special ticket sales for Florida residents. Always watch out for these special events because they happen all the time.
Lowry Park Zoo
One of the top-rated zoos in the country, featuring children's areas, restaurants, a manatee hospital, and first-rate encounters with animals from around the world. Make sure to tour the aviary and feed the lorikeets. Popular sections of the zoo include the Florida Wildlife Center with alligators, bears and manatees; the Asian Gardens with komodo dragons, rhinoceros, and leopards; and the new Safari Africa with meercats, elephants, and a wide variety of African animals. There is a large water play area near the entry of the park and in the Australia area (the kind where water comes up from the ground) that kids are drawn to - bring a towel and a change of clothes on hot days, or in case your child can't resist.
Hands-on children's science museum, including an IMAX dome and stellar revolving exhibits. Great way to spend a day with the family.
The main campus for this university. USF only had five buildings when it first opened in 1960, but quickly grew to its current form with 240 buildings in Tampa alone. USF is known for having beautiful greenery, fountains, and architecture. As a matter of fact, it was named the "top architecture school in Florida" by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design in 2002. A sports fan? USF has you covered here as well! The South Florida Bulls play Division I football (at Raymond James Stadium) and basketball (at the on-campus Yuengling Center) among other sports.
On 9th Avenue between 18th & 19th Streets, should be the first stop for any new visitor to the area. This small, but intriguing museum highlights the colorful history of this city-turned-Tampa-suburb and has a gift shop filled with small trinkets. The museum offers walking tours (see "Do" section, below). Visitors must park at metered spots on 9th/nearby streets.
Presents the history of cigar making in Ybor City. Nice gift shop.
Centered by a 20-screen mega-cinema, plenty of shopping, bars, and nightclubs, this large entertainment complex/plaza at the heart of Ybor City, it is the epicenter of Tampa's young-adult nightlife.
An annual event consisting of several parades, live entertainment, and fireworks. The event is also known as the Mardi Gras of Tampa, and normally takes place on the last two Saturdays in January.
Water park adjoining Busch Gardens, combined or single admission with the main park is available.
Trampoline Park.
An illuminated nighttime parade that takes place one Saturday in February in Ybor City.
are an NHL (ice hockey) team who have won the Stanley Cup in 2004, 2020, and 2021. Their home ice is at Amalie Arena in the Channelside area of downtown. Season includes 41 home games and lasts October-June.
The New York Yankees train at George M. Steinbrenner Field during the month of March. However, tickets are usually sold out several weeks before a game.
Very close to Lowry Park Zoo at Florida & Sligh. Amazing local soft-serve, shakes and banana splits.
Ybor City neighborhood. Cuban, Spanish, and Italian.
Between MLK and Hillsborough on Florida Avenue. Great local pizza joint, family friendly.
In downtown Tampa, chow down on wings, mozzarella sticks and other dishes while watching the Tampa Bay Lightning play against their rivals.
Don't be put off by the name - "jerk" is a Jamaican term for slow-roasting meats. The Jerk Hut serves theirs with an addictive sweet red sauce. Also, curries and oxtail stew.
A tacky little restaurant near Busch Gardens. Good hot dogs and bizarre hot dog related memorabilia.
Inexpensive Cuban diner with good food and interesting characters. A true Tampa institution.
Numerous other locations throughout Tampa Bay. A local chain with good, cheap eats including pizza and cheesesteaks.
South Tampa's best smoothies. A local smoothie shop that offers buy one get one free on Sundays.
Ybor City section of Tampa. Brew pub with a good food menu including shepard's pie and huge calzones in addition to more standard fare.
Considered to be one of the best steakhouses in Florida: it claims to have the largest privately owned wine lists in the world, with over 7000 labels and a million bottles. It is commonplace to have a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar after dinner, but expect to spend at least a few hours.
Spanish, a landmark in the Ybor City neighborhood since 1905. Famous for their "1905 Salad, " traditional Spanish menu, and flamenco dance shows.
West Tampa section of Tampa. Very popular craft brewery with a tasting room.
Ybor City section of Tampa. Good variety of well made beers.
Hostel
Clean, quiet, restful, music-themed "Bed & Beat" rooms and a simulated railroad depot and sleeper car, over-sized in ground Jacuzzi and BYOB bar in courtyards.
Rooms and suites with free internet, flat screen TV, and large work space. Hotel provides, free hot breakfast, pool and fitness center.
Hotel in a skyscraper; amenities include a 5th floor pool with fire pit and a restaurant on the ground floor.
Extended stay accommodations with full size kitchens, free Internet, and complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily.
Just off I-75. Warm rooms with balconies come with WiFi (fee), flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Club rooms provide access to a lounge with complimentary continental breakfast, all-day snacks and afternoon appetizers. Suites offer microwaves, mini-fridges, and living areas with pull-out sofas. Parking is free. Other amenities include an American grill and bar, plus regular wine-tasting. There’s also a 24/7 fitness center, tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Other perks include a business center and 30,000 sq ft of meeting space.
35-acre resort-like hotel along a wildlife preserve on the upper shores of the bay
Luxury hotel.
Once a federal courthouse, this new Tampa Bay hotel mixes contemporary culture with its European heritage. The Bizou Brasserie restaurant is open from 6AM to 10PM and provides a comfortable, relaxed setting for date nights, business lunches, post-work relaxation or a special evening downtown.
International Plaza is near the airport, and would be worthwhile if you are trying to spend a few hours. The usual stores are present, plus a collection of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars in the outdoor area. Lots of food and drink options as well.
Also near the airport, has a food court, movie theater and shops.
Beside the cruise terminals in downtown, this shopping complex has shops, food, and drinking places. Take the streetcar into Ybor City for more shopping and restaurants, the ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Near University of South Florida, it has mid-range shops and food. Few tourists would have a reason to visit this mall, but in a pinch it would be a good bet for basic clothing needs. However, in the mall's parking area along Fowler Ave, there are several good family-style restaurants such as Portillo's Hot Dogs, Long Horn Steakhouse, and a Racetrack convenience store.
In the northwest part of the county. Another Westfield Shopping Town with the standard food court, shops, and a movie theater.
Founded in 2003, Couture Boutique is one of the leading providers of authentic used luxury goods in the United States. Couture offers a wide selection of designer handbags, jewelry, clothing, and accessories and features top-name designers that include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci, and David Yurman. With their ever-changing inventory and friendly staff, Couture Boutique has become a popular shopping destination for Tampa Bay area residents and travelers alike.
By train
Amtrak runs its Silver Star daily train (#91, 92) from New York City and Miami to Tampa.
By car
Tampa is easily accessible via the major interstate highways, I-75 from north and south, and I-4 from the east. From either highway, exit onto I-275 to reach Tampa.
By bus
By boat
Cruise ships from five cruise lines operate from Tampa, mostly to Caribbean islands and Mexico. The Tampa cruise terminal is on the Ybor channel downtown.
By bus
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) provides extensive bus service throughout Hillsborough County.
By streetcar
Tampa's TECO Line Streetcar runs from Whiting and Franklin Streets downtown to Centennial Park in Ybor City with 9 stops along the way (11 total stops).
By trolley
Tampa also a rubber-wheel trolley system serving the Central Business District.
By ferry
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Tampa · International · TPA
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