Tampa Bay Attractions

Tampa Bay is ripe with exciting attractions. Here is a brief descriptions of some of our most popular attractions:

Family Attractions

Busch Gardens-Tampa The grounds of a former Budweiser brewery now contain one of Florida's most popular theme parks: Busch Gardens. After viewing African animals roaming free in a naturalised environment, take a spin on the park's thrilling rollercoasters and water rides.

Florida Aquarium At Tampa's state-of-the-art Florida Aquarium you can follow a drop of water from its source to the open sea, passing a range of habitats and marine creatures en route. A highlight is the Coral Reef, teeming with coral and tropical fish. Don't forget the bathing suit for the children! Explore A Shore is a family-friendly outdoor water park designed specifically for young children. Watery waves, slippery slides and gushing geysers surround a shipwreck kids can explore. Toddlers will enjoy sand castles, litttle slides and giant sea creature figures as they play in Shipwreck Shore. While the kids enjoy themselves, parents can enjoy the comfort of the Tampa Tribune Cantina bar and grill with easy viewing of the play area and table service.

Gamble Plantation State Historic Site The Gamble Plantation State Historic Site preserves the only surviving antebellum mansion in southern Florida. The landscaped grounds were once part of a large sugar plantation. There are tours of the house, which is furnished in mid-19th century style.

Lowry-Park Zoo is one of the best in the country. Wooden walkways wind through natural habitats, where you can see Sumatran tigers in the Asian Domain and various monkeys in Primate World. The zoo also has a manatee rehabilitation centre. Take the children and head to the Manatee Fountain near the zoo's main entrance for a splashin' good time, then head to Billabong Fountains, a water play area in Wallaroo Station that takes guests "down under" for an aquatic romp." The Woolshed Playground in Wallaroo Station will keep your little one busy with exciting slides, tunnels and ladders all themed after an Aussie sheep-shearing operation. The Zoo also offers exciting rides like the Gator Falls Flume Ride and the NEW Tasmanian Tiger Family Coaster, as well as tamer rides like the Treetop Skyfari, a 15-minute Safari Ride, and for the little ones: Boomer's Flyin' Bananas.

Pinellas County Heritage Village The lifestyle of Florida's pioneers is exhibited at Pinellas County Heritage Village. More than 25 historic structures, some dating to the mid-1800s, are a log cabin, school, railroad depot and store, as well as a variety of historic homes. There are also demonstrations and various crafts. Admission is FREE, but donations are welcome.

Tampa Bay History Center the Tampa Bay History Center is a $52-million facility that promises an interactive stroll through time. Visitors can design their own citrus labels and cattle brands, walk through a reconstructed turn-of-the-century cigar store, join in a cattle drive by climbing into spring-loaded saddle seats and try their hand at Seminole weaving and fabric arts. Exhibits cover everything from the Seminole Indians to Florida's first European explorers and sports teams.

In addition, we are within an easy 1-hour drive of some of the country's most popular family destinations, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld Orlando.

Other Places of Interest

Bayfront The most attractive part of downtown St. Petersburg is its Bayfront. An impressive array of sailboats from around the world shelter at the Municipal Marina and the yacht club. A scenic stroll along The Pier leads to a shopping and dining complex with an observation deck.

Hyde Park The historic Hyde Park district is southwest of downtown Tampa. There are houses of every style, from Queen Anne to Gothic Revival, while Old Hyde Park Village offers upmarket shops, restaurants and occasional live music weekends.

Tarpon Springs Greek heritage runs strong in the former sponge capital of Tarpon Springs. Head for the old dock where sponge divers still man a few boats, buy genuine sea sponges, visit Spongeorama's historic exhibits, and eat at authentic Greek restaurants.

Ybor City Known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for over a century, Ybor City is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds.  From the scent of roasting Cuban coffee early in the morning to the rhythms of Latin music late into the night, Ybor is a feast for the senses. Choose from a variety of cuisine - Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French - just by strolling down La Setima, the main street of the Historic District.  Share authentic tapas and a pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean village. Browse eclectic shops and art galleries or visit one of the museums.  See a “hand-rolled cigar” being made or just relax and “people watch” with a cup of Ybor’s famous cafe con leche. Listen to the music of the night - jazz, blues, salsa, reggae and even hip-hop emanate from a selection of pubs, patio bars and nightclubs.  Ybor is alive with a variety of entertainment that makes it one of Florida’s top-ranked nightspots.

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