Vacation In Tampa
Rob McBurnett is the Social Media Influencer behind Tampa Travel Guide, a travel blog that delves into all there is to do on vacation in Tampa. His blog aims to make things easier for future vacationers visiting Tampa, by providing tips and recommendations on attractions, hotels, food, nightlife and more.
We planned our vacation to Tampa around the Hemingway Festival. I had never been there before. It was pretty cool. My wife thought it was a little odd, but you know…
After years of traveling, I have finally decided to settle down in Tampa. The best part about this city is that the name itself has a magical ring to it. For all we know, Tampa might be having some paranormal points (at least Tampa Bay has plenty of that). But I am not here to discuss ghost stories. I am here to let you know why people like me think Tampa is the best place to live and visit. In fact, let me introduce you to the beautiful city of Tampa.
Tampa Florida is close to Miami at only 90 miles south in a straight line. The 3 hour drive is through breathtaking scenery from the heart of the state. Tampa’s top attractions include beautiful beaches, family fun and the superb facilities offered by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium .
Pack your bags and your sunscreen, it’s time to head to Tampa! Tampa, the gateway city of Florida, sits in the sunshine state. Travelers can vacation at several beaches, explore culture at historical landmarks, shop for special treats, travel on various waterway cruises, and scuba dive. Just outside of downtown you will find several areas reserved for public beach access. These shorelines provide an ideal location to spend a family day or afternoon while visiting this beautiful city.
Vacation In Tampa
Regionally, Tampa Bay encompasses four cities—Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Brandon. All border the largest open-water estuary on Florida’s west coast (covering nearly 400 square miles). The outdoor recreational opportunities alone provide reason enough to visit the region, but if aquatic activities aren’t your thing, the Tampa Bay area is packed with loads of other exciting experiences to be had. So, no matter if you’re the adrenaline junkie, shopaholic, art aficionado, or bar hopper, this area has got something for everyone.
See Manatees in Their Natural Habitat
VIEW MAP
ADDRESS6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572-2241, USA
PHONE +1 813-228-4289
WEB Visit website
Even though there are high-quality zoo and aquarium options in Tampa, they can get pricey if you’re visiting with the whole family. Thankfully, the Manatee Viewing Center is a unique place to see these majestic sea cows without paying a dime. Seawater used by the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach is pumped back out into the Bay after being warmed (it’s clean water, so there’s no water pollution happening). In the winter when temperatures drop, the local manatees gather around the power plant to swim around in the warmer water.
Today, this area is a protected sanctuary and run by the Manatee Viewing Center. It’s free to visit but only open when the manatees are around, usually from November to April. In addition to the sea animals, this habitat is home to other wildlife as well. There are butterfly gardens, a stingray touch tank, and a trekking route through the estuary for more animal sightings.
02of 17
Grab a Bite With Friends at Armature Works
VIEW MAP
ADDRESS1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602-2014, USA
PHONE +1 813-250-3725
WEB Visit website
For a little taste of Brooklyn in Central Florida, visit Armature Works, a once-dilapidated warehouse that’s been repurposed into a trendy food market and cultural center. Located in the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood on the shore of the Hillsborough River, this fun gathering place is one of the hippest spots in the city. The highlight is the Heights Public Market, a food hub of different restaurant stalls serving everything from vegetarian comfort food to artisan ice cream sandwiches. Indoor dining is available, but the market is best enjoyed on a sunny day when you can eat and drink outside overlooking the river.
If you happen to be in town on the second Wednesday of the month, head over in the evening for the monthly Heights Night Market. In addition to even more food trucks, you can also peruse and purchase locally made handicrafts.
03of 17
Spend the Afternoon With Dolphins
Get out of Tampa Bay and head out into the Gulf of Mexico on a dolphin sightseeing tour for a chance to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Unlike an aquarium or a tank experience to touch dolphins, these porpoises are all free, so the tours are considered ecologically responsible. Boats travel out into Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf where pods of dolphins are usually plentiful, so spotting them is usually guaranteed (just in case, be sure to seek out a company that returns your money if no animals are seen). You’re also likely to see at least some other wildlife on your excursion, such as seabirds, manatees, and even sea turtles.
Several companies offer dolphin tours in the Tampa area, but some highly-rated options include Dolphin Quest and A Boat Day.
04of 17
Visit a Theme Park
Located about fifteen minutes from the city center, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a must for any thrill seeker visiting the area. The adventure park is not only packed with rush-inducing coasters, but it’s also home to Tampa’s largest zoo. With over 12,000 animals from 300 different species, Busch Gardens will not disappoint. It’s world-class thrill rides, heart-pounding excitement, and family-friendly entertainment all rolled up into one.
For a wet ‘n wild time, check out Tampa’s only water park, Adventure Island. Immerse yourself in 30 acres of high-speed thrills and sunny tropical surroundings. Start your day at one of the park’s ten tube slides, then head to the 17,000 square-foot wave pool and enjoy the surf. Oh, and don’t forget to ride the park’s newest slide, Vanish Point. This 70-foot drop slide will leave you craving more.
Continue to 5 of 17 below.
05of 17
Explore the City’s Zoo or Aquarium
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is recognized as the #1 family-friendly zoo in the nation by Child and Parents magazines. Over 2,000 animals in natural habitats populate seven main exhibit areas—Asian Gardens, Primate World, Manatee and Aquatic Center, Florida Wildlife Center, Free-Flight Aviary, Wallaroo Station, and Safari Africa.
If marine life is more your speed, visit The Florida Aquarium. See sharks, alligators, otters, and penguins, or you can even touch a stingray, bamboo shark, or starfish. For an even more hands-on experience, the aquarium offers Swim & Dive tours where visitors can actually suit up in scuba gear and swim with the fish and sharks.
06of 17
Discover Something New at MOSI
VIEW MAP
ADDRESS4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617, USA
PHONE +1 813-987-6000
WEB Visit website
You can easily fill up an afternoon exploring Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI). It’s the largest science center in the southeastern United States, featuring 400,000 square feet of interactive activities and exhibits. MOSI also includes a planetarium and Florida’s only IMAX Dome Theatre, projecting images on a five-story, dome-shaped screen for a truly immersive experience.
07of 17
Wander Among Dinosaurs
VIEW MAP
ADDRESS5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565, USA
PHONE +1 813-717-9865
WEB Visit website
They’re back and they’re life-size! Walk among 150 dinosaurs at Dinosaur World, located in Plant City, about a 20-minute drive from central Tampa. Search for authentic fossils and unearth a life-size dinosaur skeleton in the park’s boneyard. Even though it may sound a bit gimmicky, Dinosaur World is consistently selected as one of the top destinations in Florida. Interactive activities are fun for both young children and older kids with an interest in paleontology (or “Jurassic Park”). Let yourself be surprised at this endearing Tampa-area park.
08of 17
Head to the Beach
The St. Petersburg-Clearwater barrier islands boast approximately 35 miles of white sand beaches and pristine Gulf of Mexico waters. The area’s beaches are some of the finest in the nation—winning awards for everything from sand quality to environmental management. Famous ecologist Stephen Leatherman, more commonly known as “Dr. Beach,” has repeatedly ranked two of the beaches—Caladesi Island and Fort DeSoto Park—on his annual top ten list and another—Clearwater Beach—as the best city beach in the Gulf region. This area is one of the few untouched beaches in all of Florida—you’ll absolutely feel like you’re on a deserted island.