The city of Tampa (in Hillsborough County) is part of a four county metropolitan area referred to as Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay area has three nationally recognized cities: Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. All three are fantastic vacation destinations. Tampa, Florida has become the business hub of Florida‘s west coast but the non-business visitor [...]
The city of Tampa (in Hillsborough County) is part of a four county metropolitan area referred to as Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay area has three nationally recognized cities: Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. All three are fantastic vacation destinations.
Tampa, Florida has become the business hub of Florida‘s west coast but the non-business visitor is guaranteed a steady diet of entertainment and culture. In addition to major museums, there is Ybor City (the city that earned Tampa one of it’s several colorful nicknames), Busch Gardens and a great many other attractions.
Museums
African Art Gallery and Museum, 1711 W. Kennedy Boulevard, (813) 272-2466
Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 4:30 until 6:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 until 6:00 PM
Children’s Museum of Tampa, 7550 North Boulevard, (813) 935-8441
Hours: Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM; Saturday: opens at 10:00 AM; Sunday: Opens at Noon
Admission: Adults and children 1-year old and older: $5.00
Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, (813) 987-6100
Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM until 5:00 p.m; Saturday & Sunday: closes at 7:00 PM
Admission: General Admission (includes one IMAX Dome Theatre film), Adults: $15.95; Seniors (60+ y/o): $13.95; Children (2 – 12 y/o): $11.95; Children under 2 y/o: Free
Tampa Museum of Art, 225 S. Franklin Street, (813) 274-8130
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM; Third Thursday of each month open until 9:00 PM; Sunday: opens at 11:00 AM
Admission: Adults: $8.00; Seniors (62 +): $6; Military, students and Children over 6 y/o: $3.00.
Ybor City– (pronounced EE-bore), a city within the city of Tampa, is a National Historic Landmark District, one of only three in Florida.
Ybor City is known as Florida’s Latin Quarter and is one of the most culturally eclectic cities on Florida’s West Coast. It’s a trip back in time: wrought iron balconies, globe streetlights, brick-lined walkways and majestic architecture. This is a shopping, dining, entertainment and cigar aficionado heaven.
Busch Gardens–Busch Gardens, with it’s wild animals and even wilder rides, is one of the most popular theme parks in Florida. Two thrill packed roller coasters; a Broadway style, musical celebration of animal folklore; a children’s area packed with activities and friendly dragons are just a few of the many things that make Busch Gardens THE place to go in Tampa.
Hours and Special Events: Busch Gardens’ hours change almost daily and there are frequent special events
Admission: Call (813) 984-4043 or (813) 984-4073
Clearwater is clearly the place to play in Tampa bay. Clearwater’s world renowned island beaches and its extensive recreational opportunities, restaurants, shops and attractions all within walking distance, together with the largest recreational fishing fleet on the West Coast of Florida, all combine to make Clearwater one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots. Clearwater Beach, [...]
Clearwater Beach Florida
Clearwater is clearly the place to play in Tampa bay.
Clearwater’s world renowned island beaches and its extensive recreational opportunities, restaurants, shops and attractions all within walking distance, together with the largest recreational fishing fleet on the West Coast of Florida, all combine to make Clearwater one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots.
Clearwater Beach, as well as Caladesi Island State Park beach, have been rated the “Best Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico“ and have both been designated “Blue Wave“ beaches. This shows that they are among the nation’s cleanest and safest beaches.
Some must-see attractions are:
Clearwater Marina
The Marina is home to the largest recreational fishing fleet on the West Coast of Florida. The marina has boats waiting there that offer the visitor fishing, sightseeing, sailing, speed, hands on marine life adventure, dining and dancing, parasailing, Dolphin watching and more.
Sunsets at Pier 60, Clearwater Beach
Pier 60, in the heart of Clearwater Beach, is the place to be every evening for a celebration of the setting of the sun. It’s a Clearwater tradition. For two hours before sunset and two hours after, artisans, street performers, musicians and more take over the Pier 60 activity center.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Toll Free: (888) 239-9414
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an aquarium that is a little different from other aquariums. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium specializes in the rescue, therapy, rehabilitation and release of injured or sick whales, dolphins, otters and sea turtles. The aquarium makes every attempt to entertain their guests but, at the same time, give them a better understanding and appreciation for the marine environment and the preservation and conservation of marine animals and habitats. Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM; Saturday: 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM Admission: Adults: $9.00; Children (3-12 y/o): $6.50
Caladesi Island State Park, #1 Causeway Boulevard, (727) 469-5918
Caladesi Island sits on the northern most point of Clearwater Beach. Caladesi Island State Park’s beach is ranked the sixth best beach in the United States, primarily for its water quality, rustic charm, clean beaches, on-site amenities and its emphasis on wildlife. The Island’s State Park features three miles of nature trails and a 108 slip marina.
The park is only accessible by ferry, private boat or, at low tide, by foot. Hours: 8:00 AM until sunset, every day of the year. Admission: Private Boat: $4.00 for up to 8 people Kayak: $1.00
Ferry from Honeymoon Island: At Honeymoon Island there is a $5.00 entrance fee for up to 8 people in a car or $1.00 for an individual. The fee for a ferry to Caladesi Island, for a 4-hour stay, is $8.00 per adult and $4.50 for children (4 to 12 years old).