Tampa: City of the Sun

Want to experience the best of Florida's Gulf Coast? Then Tampa is your perfect destination! Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation under the palm trees or exciting nightlife, Tampa will be an unforgettable experience!

Tampa facts

Here are some useful, quick facts about Tampa:

Skyline of Tampa

Things to do in Tampa

Book your flight and don't miss the following attractions when visiting Tampa:

Ybor City

Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in the Tampa Bay area. Here you'll find Cuban-inspired architecture, vibrant nightlife, arts and crafts shops, and the world-famous Columbia Restaurant. It is the perfect place to explore the city's vibrant culture and history. Tourists can take guided tours of Ybor City to learn more about the city's unique history and culture.

Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is a long pedestrian walkway along the Hillsborough River. It is great for walking, jogging, biking, or just enjoying the view from the waterfront. Visitors can explore various attractions, including the Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium. The Riverwalk is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as public parks and gardens.

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Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is an amusement park in the Tampa Bay area. It is a great place to experience the thrill of the world's greatest roller coasters. From Cheetah Hunt to Cobra's Curse, there is something for everyone. The park also offers a variety of water rides, such as Stanley Falls Flume and Congo River Rapids. Visitors can also enjoy various shows and live performances, including Serengeti Safari and Bird Gardens.

Das Tampa Bay Times Forum

The Tampa Bay Times Forum is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Tampa. It is home to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the city's professional ice hockey team. The arena also hosts many other events, including concerts, shows, and sporting events. It is a great place to experience the city's vibrant culture and entertainment.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a public research university in the Tampa Bay area. It is home to many museums and galleries, including the USF Contemporary Art Museum and the USF Graphicstudio. It also hosts many cultural events, such as the Latino Cultural Festival and the African Heritage Festival. Visitors can tour the campus to learn more about the university's history and its many attractions.

Lowry Park Zoo

Lowry Park Zoo is a popular attraction in the Tampa Bay area. It is home to various animals and plants, from elephants to tigers. Visitors can explore the zoo's exhibits, such as the Asian Area, the African Savannah, and the Florida Manatee Encounter.

The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and interactive experiences. The Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and interactive experiences, such as the Animal Encounter and Zoo Rangers programs. There are also many rides, such as the Safari Bus and the Endangered Species Carousel.

Tampa Museum of Art

Welcome to the vibrant world of the Tampa Museum of Art! This place is an art and culture lover's dream.

Discover timeless works that have stood the test of time in the Old Art Gallery. For those who want to experience modern art, the Contemporary Art Gallery is a must. Be captivated by thought-provoking installations, avant-garde sculptures, and paintings that stretch the imagination.

Photography lovers will love the Photo Gallery. From landscapes to intimate portraits, each image tells a unique story and invites you to see the world through a different lens.

Take a guided tour to get a closer look at the artwork on display!

Glazer Children's Museum

The Glazer Children's Museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and experiments, from the Spark Lab to the Invention Convention. It also offers a variety of educational programs, such as Sunday Funday and the Art Lab. Younger visitors can also use the museum's interactive areas, such as the Imagination Playground and Arcade.

Tampa Bay beaches

Tampa Bay has many beautiful beaches. Clearwater Beach is the most popular beach in the area and is known for its white sand and crystal-clear water. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. St. Pete Beach is another popular spot known for its vibrant nightlife and beachfront restaurants. Visitors can also explore other beaches, such as Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island.

Nightlife in Tampa

Tampa, Florida: climate and best time to go

Located in the middle of the Florida peninsula, Tampa is known for its humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. There are two seasons in Tampa, the rainy season and the dry season.

The best time to visit Tampa is generally during the winter months (November through April). Temperatures are cooler, and there is less rain. It is also a good time for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, golfing, and more.

Getting around Tampa

Driving is a quick and easy way to get to Tampa's attractions, beaches, and restaurants. There are numerous routes, including the Veteran's Expressway, I-275, and State Road 60.

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The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) operates an extensive bus system in Tampa. It covers most of the city and is a convenient way to get around. Buses are wheelchair accessible and offer free Wi-Fi. Tickets can be purchased online or through the HART mobile app.

The TECO Line Streetcar system offers a convenient and affordable way to get around downtown Tampa by train. The system runs from downtown to Ybor City and Tampa Heights, with stops at the University of Tampa and the Florida Aquarium. Boaters can take advantage of the city's many waterways, including the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. There are many marinas and boat launches in the city, so plan ahead and check availability.

Boaters should also be aware of speed limits and parking restrictions.

History of Tampa

Tampa began as a small fishing village in the late 18th century when Spanish explorers settled in the area. Originally, the town was called Tanpa, which means "fire sticks" in the Calusa language. After the Second Seminole War, Tampa was incorporated as a city in 1849.

Tampa was the site of several important events in United States history, including the signing of the first treaty between the United States and the Seminoles. During the Civil War, Tampa was an important port for Confederate blockade runners, and the city's cigar industry boomed in the late 19th century.

By the early 20th century, Tampa was a major port city, with the construction of the Port of Tampa, the Ybor City neighborhood, and the U.S. military's MacDill Air Force Base. The city also became a major tourist destination with the opening of Busch Gardens in 1959.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Tampa faced numerous challenges, including the decline of the cigar industry, a rising crime rate, and a decline in tourism. However, the city experienced a resurgence in the 1990s with the opening of the Tampa Convention Center, the University of South Florida, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Today, Tampa is a vibrant and diverse city with a strong economy and a reputation as a great place to live and work. The city offers a variety of attractions and is also home to a thriving technology and healthcare industry, with several major companies in the city.

Your trip to Tampa

Tampa gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Bring plenty of sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself. Don't forget to try the local cuisine. From Cuban to seafood, Tampa has something for everyone.

Tampa has fantastic nightlife, with numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants to explore. From street performers to live music, explore the nightlife and enjoy the city's energy.

Book your flight to Tampa here!

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