Best of Tampa
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Tampa Article
Best of Tampa Bay
It would be extremely difficult to say what would be the ‘top ten’ things to do or see, but below is a list of some of the Tampa Bay area’s diverse sites, attractions and activities. Take a visit to any number of these and you are guaranteed a great time and experience. If you are a tourist you shouldn’t miss them, and if you are a local – well, what’s your excuse?
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is the most obvious first choice, being one of Tampa’s
most famous and long-standing attractions.
Henry B Plant Museum
One of Tampa’s most historic buildings, the Museum was once known as the Tampa
Bay Hotel which in its heyday was Tampa’s premier hotel. It is also the
cornerstone of the University of Tampa Campus. A tour of the museum will take
you back to the magical days when the wealthy lived lives beyond everyone’s
dreams. You can enjoy the opulent European furniture and art treasures of the
original railroad resort and the Gilded Age. You'll want to visit the permanent
exhibit on the Spanish American War as well.
Sunken Gardens
This is the real Florida. Sunken Gardens has been a popular 'roadside
attraction' since the 1930’s. The Florida-by-the-roadside that we and our
parents grew up with is what made this state the destination it is today.
Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 Fourth Street N in St Petersburg and has
recently been revived. You will see an incredible exotic collection of over
50,000 plants and flowers blooming all year round. Be sure not to miss the
Orchid Arbor. One of the most fascinating features here is the walk-through
aviary which is home to all types of birds and a phenomenal butterfly garden.
Ybor City
Also known as Tampa Bay’s party central, the Ybor City district is home to not
only entertaining (to say the least) nightlife, but numerous fine dining
establishments, museums, and galleries. Once known as the ‘Cigar Capital of the
World”, Ybor has a rich history, and its graceful old buildings, wrought-iron
balconies, and wide piazzas exude an atmosphere of romance and a quirky charm
found no where else. The district’s newest addition, Centro Ybor, includes a
20-screen cineplex with stadium seating, restaurants, a comedy club, retail
stores, and Steven Spielberg’s Game Works.
Adventure
Island
Probably another obvious choice, certainly a mainstream attraction, Adventure
Island is located directly across the street from the Busch Gardens entrance.
Unquestionably Tampa Bay’s premier water park, it features over 30 acres of
water-based attractions. In addition to children’s playgrounds and
picnic/bathing areas, the park also features an arcade, outdoor cafes, and a
volleyball complex. All this is in addition to the parks main attractions –
unbeatable water slides, a wave pool, and Wahoo Run, a tunnel river raft ride.
All of this is wrapped up in one of the most tropical settings in Florida.
Lowry Park Zoo
One of Florida’s top zoos, and ranked in the top three medium-sized zoos in the
U.S. Lowry park is a must visit attraction in Tampa Bay. The zoo features over
1500 animals in 25 acres of open-air habitats. Don’t miss the Manatee and
Aquatic center or the Lorikeet aviary. Lowry Park also boasts the world’s
largest lizard species – the Komodo dragons. The zoo is adding Wallaroo Station
in early 2001 which will allow visitors up-close-and-personal experiences with
Kangaroos and Wallabies. The zoo is also noted for its events, kid's nights,
Halloween and Holiday celebrations.
This aquarium is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine mammals and animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, otters and whales. Also featuring exhibits, you can see stingrays (a hands-on experience), sharks and other fish. Also of note – the Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational programs, such as Sea Life Safari, Marine Life Adventures, and Kayak Adventures. Join in and explore some natural habitats and get the hands-on experience of a lifetime.
Tampa Town Ferry
Truly a treat, seeing Tampa from it’s rivers is an entirely new perspective on
this beautiful city. Take the ferry along the Alaia River to Bird Island.
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and IMAX
The largest science center in the southeast, this playground of science and
imagination allows visitors to learn by participation. Over 450 hands-on
exhibits are available, several of which are truly unforgettable. Just venture
into the Gulf Coast Hurricane and you will have no doubts. If a hurricane is a
bit too extreme for you, try the Challenger Space Experience and snub the laws
of gravity. MOSI is also home to MOSIMAX, an IMAX theater. Here you can
experience deep space, Africa, powerful rivers and the depths of the earth.
Special exhibits and features are available at MOSIMAX as well.
Bay
Walk
As further proof that downtown Saint Petersburg is coming into an entire new
era of being one of Florida’s premier cities, Bay Walk has recently opened. Bay
Walk is a shopping / dining / entertainment complex which brings even more new
life into downtown St. Pete. Offering a 20-screen movieplex featuring stadium
seating, numerous restaurants, shopping, galleries, and boat loads of
atmosphere, Bay Walk has already been a major attraction to the downtown area
even though many of its shops are still opening and coming on line. It is sure
to be a destination for years to come.
Whatever you choose to do or see in Tampa Bay, you can't miss!