What is going on in Tampa, Florida?
Tampa, Florida is recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. It is a bustling port town that boasts multi-ethnic diversity and a revitalized downtown waterfront. Local attractions include the 300-acre Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which is ranked among the top four zoos in the country; the Florida Aquarium; beautiful beaches, and many other colorful destinations.. As for sports, the NFL’s Buccaneers and the NHL’s Lightning both call Tampa Bay home. Several major league baseball teams also come to Tampa for spring training.
Bush Gardens Africa (7 miles)
100% water 100% fun
This major attraction of Tampa offers a full day - or more - of activity for those of all ages. Adventurous ride SheiKra only for the fearless. Best known for its outstanding rides. Prepare yourself for even more heart-pounding adventure as America’s first dive coaster takes you 200 feet up and plummets 90 degrees straight down with 0% floor! It’s just one more way Busch Gardens Africa makes onece-in-a-lifetime happen all the time. Purchase your tickets in advance and receive a great discount!
Tampa International Plaza (9 miles)
International Plaza, adjacent to Tampa International Airport, is the most distinctive shopping and dining destination of Florida’s West Coast. Four fashionable department stores, over 200 specialty shops and Bay Street at the Plaza... an open-air village of fine restaurants and small boutiques.
Adventure Island (9 miles)
Great place to spend the day getting wet. One of Tampa’s best attractions. A 36-acre water theme park open from February-October features 17 water play areas, pools and slides including the new Key West Rapids, the "Aruba Tuba" inner tube flume, and the "Spike Zone" volleyball park.
Ben T. Davis Beach (10 miles)
Powdery white sand stretches along this beach between Tampa and Clearwater. This is the closest beach to downtown Tampa.
Sea Wings Aviation (10 miles)
Floatplane sightseeing tours around Tampa Bay; 20-minute tours. $54 for. one person, $94 for two, $139 for three; hour-long tours are $250; out island photo tours also available; call for reservations (813) 445-9464
Canoe Escape (12 miles)
Paddle down the Hillsborough River and discover Florida wilderness. You’ll see birds, turtles and gators along the beautiful river shores. Just minutes east from downtown Tampa.
Channelside Bay Plaza (13 miles)
Upscale outing or a down home good time, there’s a little something for anyone interested in a great entertainment destination.
Florida Aquarium (13 miles)
Discover the flora, fauna, aquatic creatures and wildlife of Florida as you journey through the various stages of the state’s water from underground springs to the Everglades, the beaches and the sea. Education and ecology combine in special programs and films. Highlights include a half-million gallon Coral Reefs Gallery. 701 Channelside Drive, in Tampa’s port district. Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $12.95, youth (13-18) and seniors $11.95, child (3-12) $7.95, Florida resident discounts. (813) 273-4020
Sunshine Speedway (22 miles)
Stock car racing every Saturday through mid-November. Fridays feature N.H.R.A. drag racing with pro, super pro, street and motorcycle divisions. Adults, $8-$10; children ages 6-12, $4; children under 6, free.
CLEARWATER MARINE CENTER (22 miles)
A nonprofit aquarium museum with guided tours, exhibits of marine environment, sea life including dolphins and sea turtles, feedings daily. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Adults, $7.75; children 3-11, $5.25; tour groups, $4.75 per person. (813) 441-1790
Bay Walk – St. Petersburg (25 miles)
BayWalk is one of Tampa Bay’s BEST places to enjoy the areas fine dining, shopping and entertainment located in the heart of beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. Enjoy the great shops and eateries located here which are some of the best in the area.
Clearwater Beach (27 miles)
A wide four mile stretch of white sandy beaches with an abundance of outdoor entertainment, with boats and water sports equipment available to rent. Two fishing piers are always an attraction to visitors and residents. Festivals and fairs held here throughout the year provide a buzz of activity. Clearwater Beach is the "Best City Beach On The Gulf Of Mexico", rated by a Florida International University professor who has been ranking America’s beaches for ten years.
Sand Key Park (28 miles)
Sand Key Park hosts great swimming and fishing. A rock barrier shields the beach and makes the waters just right for swimmers.
Caladesi Island (28 miles)
This peaceful beach can only be reached by ferry from Honeymoon Island or Clearwater Marina. This 2.5 mile beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and walking. Dolphins are often spotted offshore.
John’s Pass ( Madeira Beach) (31 miles)
Shopping ~ Dining ~ Fishing ~ Entertainment. Cut by a hurricane in 1848, the "Pass" separates Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. It is one of the area’s most noted attractions, with dozens of restaurants and shops. Power boats, Wave Runners and the jet-propelled rubber rafts, are available for rent on the Madeira Beach side.
St. Pete Beach (35 miles)
Pinellas County’s busiest beach. White sand to blue waters decorated with surfboards, sailboards, and sailboats makes a paradise for all. Lots of action is available with water-sports equipment available for rent. Charter boats are available for deep sea fishing expeditions.
Weeki Wachee Springs (42 miles)
``Pocahontas and the Little Mermaid’’ underwater theater, ``Birds of Prey Show,’’ Wilderness River Cruise, and petting zoo. Adults, $16.95; children 3-10, $12.95; younger than 3 are free.
Disney World – Magic Kingdom (78 miles)
Follow your Disney dreams to a place where storybook fantasy comes to life for children of all ages. Seek out adventures, create magical memories with beloved Characters and discover the fun where imagination reigns.
SeaWorld (82 miles)
Be a kid again – only at SeaWorld. Buy adult tickets at kid prices when you purchase at least 7 days in advance of your SeaWorld visit.
Universal Studios Theme Parks (85 miles)
Go beyond the screen and jump into the action of the movies at the number one movie and TV based theme park in the world.
Kennedy Space Center (140 miles)
Your Orlando vacation is not complete without a trip to Kennedy Space Center. Just 45 minutes from popular Orlando attractions and theme parks is NASA’s launch headquarters – the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.
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