Overview of Tampa
Tampa, on the Florida peninsula's west coast, is a thriving city where historic neighbourhoods co-exist with sleek skyscrapers, and where shrimp boats are docked next to cruise liners in the busy port. Vicente Martinez Ybor, a Cuban immigrant, put Tampa on the map when he introduced the cigar industry in the 1880s. This developed Ybor City, now fully restored to its Latin Quarter elegance.
Tampa earned the moniker "The Big Guava" in the 1970s, courtesy of Steve Otto, a renowned columnist for the Tampa Tribune and Tampa Times. Drawing inspiration from New York's "Big Apple" nickname, Otto merged it with a nod to businessman Gavino Gutierrez's fruitless pursuit of wild guava trees, which ironically played a pivotal role in Tampa's thriving development.
Many visitors to the Tampa area stay in the resorts of St Petersburg and Clearwater, across Tampa Bay from the city, but a part of the metropolitan area and tourist district. However, every visitor has ample reason to pay at least one visit to Tampa itself for the exciting attractions and museums on offer. Tampa is a firm family favorite due to the city's most popular attraction, the Busch Gardens entertainment park. Tampa is also within easy reach of Orlando, site of the world-famous Walt Disney World and numerous other theme parks. Tourists staying in Tampa can look forward to some thrilling excursions, and enjoy both urban attractions and the sun, sand, and sea of the resorts just outside the city.
Attractions in Tampa, Florida
The city of Tampa is one of the top spots in Florida. As a holiday destination, its main draws are the fantastic Busch Gardens amusement park and Ybor City, the historic downtown Spanish district, with its nightclubs, bars and shops, converted from Cuban cigar factories. The Henry B. Plant Museum offers visitors exotic exhibitions and architecture and tropical gardens to explore. The Tampa Museum of Art lures tourists with both ancient and contemporary treasures. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) will delight and educate young and old. The Tampa Bay History Center walks visitors through 12,000 years of the region's history.
Holidays in Tampa are designed for families with children. Apart from the impressive Busch Gardens, families will enjoy the enormous Florida Aquarium and the Big Cat Rescue.
St. Petersburg
A picturesque peninsula located on Florida's west coast, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, St Petersburg is the fourth largest city in the state of Florida and is commonly referred to as 'St Pete' by locals. It offers up 35 miles (56km) of beaches on eight major barrier islands and is home to some of America's award winning beaches, such as Caladesi Beach. With an average of 360 days of sunshine each year, it has earned the nickname 'The Sunshine City' and is a popular tourist and retirement destination. This area is diverse and comprises many communities, ranging from the Greek influence in Tarpon Springs to the Scottish heritage of Dunedin. St Petersburg's unique melting pot culture has resulted in some eclectic eateries, museums, galleries, and boutiques, all with their own unique charm. Some of the many attractions in St Petersburg include the Salvador Dali Museum and the mazes of the Sunken Gardens. The Pier offers a concentration of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars, a large food court and bayside observation deck.
Ybor City
Ybor City in central Tampa is a National Historic Landmark District that beckons visitors back to an era when this Latin Quarter was the cigar capital of the world. The historic enclave, founded in 1886, has been fully restored. The old cigar factories now house shops, restaurants, clubs, and art galleries drawing large numbers of visitors. It is still possible to watch locals demonstrate the ancient art of premium hand-rolled cigar making, or spend a wild night applauding Spanish
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is an extraordinary adventure park: a combination of massive zoo and theme park. It predates Florida's more famous Walt Disney World and offers an equally exciting and entertaining experience for visitors. The park is based on an overall African theme, divided into numerous different areas with thousands of animals living in naturalistic environments. At Busch Gardens it is possible to come face-to-face with some of the world's most endangered animals, including Bengal tigers and orangutans. The site also contains thrill rides, live entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants, all overseen from the Skyride cable car that crosses high above the park. In one day it is possible to visit Tutankhamen's Tomb in Egypt, cross the plains of the Serengeti, and watch snake charmers in a Moroccan sultan's tent. Popular rides include the Cheetah Hunt rollercoaster, that travels up to 60miles per hour (96 km per hour), and the Falcon's Fury drop tower. Opening times vary according to season, so visitors should be sure to check the official website when planning their trips. If they plan to visit any other theme parks in the region it is well worth investigating the combination tickets on offer for deals.
Museum of Science and Industry
The hands-on Tampa Museum of Science and Industry, affectionately known as MOSI, is designed to educate, amaze, and amuse both young and old with more than 450 interactive exhibits. Visitors can experience what it is like to be in a Gulf Hurricane with winds of up to 74 miles per hour (200km/h), or defy the laws of gravity in space. The biology section features a unique way to explore the human body, and visitors of all ages will enjoy strolling through the butterfly garden. Also at the museum is Florida's first IMAX dome theatre, and the museum building is set in a 47-acre nature reserve that features walking trails. The museum can easily occupy the whole family for at least half a day.
Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art's stunning facilities is located along Gasparilla Plaza. The 66,000-square-foot building houses a collection of 20th-century and contemporary art, as well as a renowned collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. There is also a changing special exhibitions programme. From the innovative translucent ceilings to walls covered with LED lighting, the seven interior galleries and one exterior sculpture gallery offer visitors a world-class experience. Visitors will appreciate the museum's setting and should take the opportunity to stroll along Hillsborough River while in the area
Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd.