The city of Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and the largest city in West Central Florida.
Tampa is situated on the north shore of Tampa Bay in West Central Florida. Saint Petersburg lies west of the bay, while Bradenton is on the southern shore. The downtown business center of the city is on the north shore of Hillsborough Bay (a small bay within Tampa Bay which is bordered by the eastern shore of Tampa Bay and the small peninsula of South Tampa) and Ybor City lies just to the east. MacDill Air Force Base is on the southern tip of South Tampa, while the city also extends to the north all the way to the newly incorporated area of New Tampa.
Tampa was ranked as the 5th best outdoor city by Forbes. A 2004 survey by the NYU newspaper Washington Square News ranked Tampa as a top city for "twenty-somethings." Tampa is ranked as a "high sufficiency" world city by Loughborough University and is one category away from becoming a Gamma world city.
PLACE TO VISIT
Channelside - Entertainment complex in the revitalized Channelside district near the Port of Tampa. Numerous upscale restaurants, several mid-range chain restaurants and bars, an IMAX movie theater and a trendy (if you can believe it) bowling alley.
Florida Aquarium - 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. Adults $17.95, ages 3-12 $12.95.
Tampa Museum of Art - An extensive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as contemporary and traveling exhibitions. Check the website for monthly "Art After Dark" exhibitions. Adults $8, Children under 6 Free. Free admission on Saturdays 10AM-Noon. As of August 2008 a new larger museum is under construction and most of the permanent collection is not on display.
Busch Gardens - More than just an amusement park -- also a top-notch zoo. Expensive, but a very enjoyable day -- rides, shows, and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales! 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, dolphins and other performances can be found all around the corners of Busch Gardens.
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. Adults $15, ages 3-11 $10.50.
Museum of Science and Industry - Hands-on children's science museum, including an IMAX dome and stellar revolving exhibits. Great way to spend a day with the family. Adults $23.95, ages 2-12 $19.95.
Ybor City State Museum - 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). Open daily 9AM-5PM, except major holidays. Visitors must park at metered spots on 9th/nearby streets.
Ybor City ArtWalk — The first Saturday of every month, this event brings out the best area arts and crafts, from business owners to professionals to studio-dwelling amateurs showing off their goods.
Lettuce Lake Park - between I-75 and the University of South Florida has boardwalks that go through a nearly pristine area with 700 year old cypress trees, alligators, egrets and herons. One end of the boardwalk overlooks the Hillsborough River in its original state, a far cry from what it looks like in the downtown area.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival - is 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.
Adventure Island - is an American water park located northeast of Tampa, Florida across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park features 30 acres (120,000 m2) of water rides, dining, and other attractions. The park opened on June 7, 1980, and is part of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a division of The Blackstone Group.
Florida Aquarium - is a aquarium located in the Channel District of Tampa. It hosts over 20,000 species of aquatic plants and animals. It is known for its unique glass architecture. Just adjacent to the Aquarium is the SS American Victory, a World War II Victory ship preserved as a museum ship.
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo - features over 2,000 animals, interactive exhibits, rides, educational shows and more. The zoo serves as an economic, cultural, environmental and educational anchor in Tampa.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Tampa International Airport, located near the waters of Tampa Bay along I-275. Saint Petersburg Airport (IATA: PIE)[3] is an alternative only fifteen miles away, generally serving smaller routes and discount airlines. A bit further away is Sarasota International, offering proximity to beautiful Gulf beaches to the south of Tampa.
By train - Tampa's Amtrak station is located at 601 Nebraska Avenue in downtown Tampa. Amtrak's Silver Service runs daily from New York City or Miami to Tampa. The train journey through Florida offers great views, but be aware that the schedules are often more of a suggestion than a reality.
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. However, be prepared for frequent traffic jams particularly when it rains; nearly all of Downtown and the airport area are under constant and complete construction. Also be ready to deal with terrible drivers, as this is the retirement state.
By bus - Tampa's Greyhound station is at 610 Polk Street in downtown Tampa. Funtime Coaches toll free 1-888-952-LIMO.
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.
