Tampa is more than just a beach paradise. A much-revered family vacation destination, Tampa is well-thronged by visitors from all around the world. Located on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State of Florida, on an inlet reaching far into the west coast, Tampa intrigues holidaymakers with a myriad of attractions (both free and paid), botanical gardens, cafes, restaurants, flea markets, and other top-rated famous places. A cultural as well as an economic hub of western Florida, the beach city never shies away from bringing a whole new experience for vacationers. If you are visiting the city for the first time, check out the best things to do in Tampa for first-timers -
Tampa is home to numerous places that don’t just keep travellers restrained to eating and shopping. From strolling along the popular Tampa Riverwalk past romantic parks to getting around the golden sandy beaches, the Tampa Museum of Art, historic old quarters, and Downtown Tampa.
How could you stop yourself from exploring the pristine beaches in Tampa while Florida’s striking attractions are the beaches? Thanks to its geographical setting of Tampa, i.e. along the Gulf Coast. Vacationers are blessed with miles of immaculate coastlines fringed with palm trees, oceanfront restaurants, and nightclubs for party animals. The waters of Tampa are warm and time on the soft sand beach is something everyone cherishes. Ben T. Davis Beach is the largest beach – perhaps the best public beaches in the city. It has plenty of sitting areas for families where they wouldn’t mind lazing around and watch the sun goes down. If you are more into active sports, beach volleyball may entice you. You may also wish to explore the nearest trail, Courtney Campbell. It is famous for biking and walking. Spend a couple of days here and let the fresh breeze of the ocean rejuvenate your body, heart, and soul. Stay at oceanfront Tampa vacation rentals and traverse around other popular beaches.
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If the beach is not your cup of tea, why not turn to steer towards the most popular attraction in Tampa? Busch Gardens! It is a 335-acre African-themed family entertainment and adventure park known for family-friendly activities, performances, live music, thrill rides, and more.
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Expand your knowledge at the Museum of Science and Industry! This is a perfect spot for budding scientists or for people who have immense interests in science and technology. Amongst other things, the museum features an IMAX theatre, a life-size model of the Mercury spacecraft, and a rope adventure course.
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In 1933, it turned into a museum and boasts a luxurious Victorian palace with distinctive Moorish features. Part of the former Tampa Bay Hotel, the museum traces the history of the hotel and has rooms, including the Garden Room, the Reading and Writing Room, and the Grand Hall featuring fine period furnishings.
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Feed an Indian rhino, swim with manatees, or get up close to other wild animals at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, including African Penguins, Elephants, the Bornean Orangutan, and Florida Panthers in natural habitats from Asia, Africa, and Australia. Excited travellers will also be intrigued by several programs and events throughout the year.
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Why not plan a day at Tampa’s Florida Aquarium? Just a few kilometers from your Florida vacation rentals, the aquarium houses an exciting variety of marine animals, activities, and exhibits to educate and entertain. Get a glimpse of ocean life and get hands-on with invertebrates like anemones and starfish. Also, you will experience the behind-the-scenes tours.
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To engage kids and to give them a learning experience, the museum, time and again, brings numerous kid-sized exhibits to life. Not only do kids learn about saving money, but also they will explore various grown-up jobs in oceanography, robotics, engineering, and world cultures.
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Located on 1280 East Street, Tampa, Big Cat Rescue is a popular wildlife sanctuary for abandoned and abused big cats. Currently, more than 60 animals are being nurtured at this non-profit organization. Amongst the most popular are tigers, bobcats, leopards, jaguar, lynx, and lions. For a guided tour, book tickets well in advance.
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When you book vacation rentals in Florida from Search Florida Rentals you are guaranteed for a relaxed and comfortable stay. SearchFloridaRentals’ Tampa villa rentals come complete with big flat-screen TVs along with other important amenities. If you want a bigger movie experience, the Tampa Theater is the answer. The movie palace was built in 1926, featuring a potpourri of architectural styles such as Greek revival, Byzantine, and Italian Renaissance.
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Ybor City is the center of Tampa’s Latino community and boasts cafes, restaurants, galleries, and many branded shops and stores. Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is the largest in the nation and the state’s oldest Spanish Restaurant.
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Discover the charming Ybor City and its rich cultural history as the “Cigar Capital of the World”! The state park is located in Florida’s Ybor City and occupies the former Ferlita Bakery building at 1818 9th Avenue in the Ybor City Historic District. The museum boasts self-guided exhibits with a video presentation and audio and written information. Guided tours can be taken from Wednesday through Sunday.
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Drawn here by the warm water produced by the power plant, the manatees are the main attractions at Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. The Manatees are widely prevalent in this manatee sanctuary when the water temperature is cold, dipping down 68 degrees F.
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The History Center traces the rich history of Tampa Bay dating back to 12,000 years ago. For history buffs, this is a perfect place to sink their teeth into Tampa Bay’s history.
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Soak in the water, take in the adventure activities, enjoy water slides, and tube race with friends at Riptide! Adventure Island is the spot to be wetter, tanner, and bursting with adrenaline.
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Abbreviated as FMoPA, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts collects, exhibits, and preserves history, and contemporary works by nationally and internationally renowned photographic artists. Located in the heart of the city’s vibrant Waterfront Arts District, the Museum is one of the most innovative interior spaces in the Sunshine State. Till date, it has hosted more than 60 major photographic exhibitions and houses a wide variety of temporary as well as permanent exhibitions.
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A 2.6-mile-long open space, Tampa Riverwalk is a well-maintained pedestrian pathway development that runs along the Hillsborough River and connects Downtown Tampa and the Tampa Arts District. On one side, it has a placid river shimmers and on the other, there are restaurants, museum, shops, and parks. Tampa Riverwalk is an ultimate haven for outdoor enthusiasts who would sink their teeth into walking, biking, eating, shopping, and more.
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If you wish to experience the real beauty of Tampa City in the best way, Magic Carpet Glide tours are the best options. The guided tours will take you through Harbor Island, Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa Riverwalk, and the University of Tampa.
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It is one of the largest performing arts complexes in Florida. The complex is located on the banks of the Hillsborough River and promises to keep visitors fully engaged with numerous artistic and musical events. Every season, the Straz Center flaunts more than 4,000 concerts, events, and performances, ranging from Broadway shows to grand opera.
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A family-friendly farm and petting zoo, HorsePower for Kids is an animal sanctuary in Tampa. It is a non-profit organization offering fun and educational opportunities for children and adults alike. Apart from indulging in activities like pony riding, horseback riding, etc. visitors will learn to interact with and care for these animals.
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Go on ranger-led guided tours and gain knowledge of the incredible surrounding ecosystems. Since set up in 1982, Lettuce Lake Regional Park has been one of the best family-friendly destinations featuring wooded picnic areas, children’s play area, walking areas, cycling paths, jogging trails, and a fitness course. The park covers an area of 140 acres and is nicely tucked away in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, encompassing a hardwood swamp forest.
As you head towards the northeast of Hillsborough Country, you will likely stumble upon a 2,990-acre Hillsborough River State Park. It offers a refuge from city life with 7 miles of brilliant nature trails. For water lovers, there are ample places to cool off in the water.
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Love tasting wine? The Tampa Bay Brewing Company is known for offering limitless seasonal tipples to boot. The Company created its in-house batches of craft ale in the year 1995.
A must-see attraction in Tampa, the University of South Florida is magnificently flourished with 160 buildings and is said to be one of the most revered research institutions in the state. College students will have learning experiences when they take up daily tours. Stroll around the sprawling campus, dotted with fountains between meandering water channels and racquetball courts.
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The Tampa Bay is a kaleidoscope of marine life and you get to catch a stunning sight of wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Numerous companies do offer dolphin tours along with catamarans that meander through coastal contours. When you stay at Florida vacation rentals by owners, you may avail some discounts.
Florida enjoys the most pleasant weather for outdoor adventure. And when it comes to playing golf at one of the oceanfront courses, you just cannot be happier. TPC Tampa Bay is a popular golf course that has hosted many events for two decades. It has an 18-hole course. Saddlebrook Resort is another well-known spot to play golf.
Whether you wish to save money on Tampa’s best attractions or vacation rentals, you need to act smart and book the trip in advance. To get around the top-rated places in the city, get a pass. And to book Tampa condo rentals, browse SearchFloridaRentals.com.
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