Ahhh… Tampa! That city on the west coast of Florida is a haven for the outdoors. Known for its white sand beaches and ever busy waterfronts, Tampa is within a distance- about half an hour from Orlando and is one of the top vacation destinations in the USA.
Hold on
Are you looking to get away from the hassles and demands of the modern life?
Then Tampa has got you covered- whether it is historic sites, sport arenas, events and cozy getaways with just about the perfect attraction for every member of the family.
Here are some top picks that makes Tampa, FL, stand out tall in the Gulf of Mexico:
1. Sports
Being home to three major sport teams, a sports day out in Tampa is all action packed. Football, Baseball, and Hockey fans will feel at home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning respectively. So grab your jersey and unchain your passion when next in Tampa- it is allowed here.
2. Shoppers delight
With West shore, University Mall, Centro Ybor Mall, Brandon Town Center Mall and the International Mall, you have yourself great shopping malls to meet all your shopping needs in Tampa. With incredible stores stocked with the finest offerings from top brands across the world, you have no excuse to look and have the best while in Tampa.
That’s not all
Take advantage of your stay and visit the best flea market in Tampa- the Big Top Flea market. With over a thousand booths, take in the whiff and meet your needs, whether it is clothing, consumer goods or electronics you won’t go amiss.
The biggest draw about shopping in Tampa is the diversity in terms of shops, stores and options be it designer outlets, popular department stores, top boutiques and shopping malls.
3. Restaurants
Meet the yearnings of your palate with the servings from incredible Tampa based Restaurants. All set in beautiful and hygienic environments, these restaurants offers a great time out for you and your buddies. And if you’re thinking for the two, then why not; spoil your boo to the delight of great cooking.
If you’re brand conscious, then be assured that virtually every major restaurant chain is located in Tampa to satisfy the rumblings in your stomach.
Visit the central areas of Tampa like the Hyde Park neighborhood- South Howard Avenue, the waterfront and the Ybor district and be met with top quality restaurants and cafes that have most types of cuisines on their menu.
4. Casino like Vegas
Feeling lucky? You don’t have to go to Vegas to have the incredible Casino experience.
Why?
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will do justice to that which you desire. As one of the top ten biggest casinos on earth, it boasts tip top slot machines, card tables and attendants- the Hard Rock casino has just about something for everyone.
5. Outdoor activities
Tampa has been ranked as the 5th best city for the outdoors. And this is for great reasons- from the lovely white sandy beaches, gardens, theme parks to zoos; you are spoilt for choices in this city. For fun and pleasure, spice up your vacation or visit to Tampa with any of these popular destinations: Hillsborough River State Park, The Adventure Island, The Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and The Lowry Park Zoo. With over 2000 species of animals, you can get that exhilarating safari experience like you’re in Africa.
6. Awesome accommodation choices
The accommodation options available in Tampa will perfectly suit every need and budget.
Hotels, motels, beach resorts and inns, will cater for your short term stay or vacations. And if you plan to stay longer, then Tampa has numerous accommodation options to provide for you such as apartments, condominiums, cottages and villas. With these choices you will feel at home effortlessly.
Most of these accommodations are conveniently located in the heart of town, within reach of shops, restaurants and other essential facilities. Plus, with the waterfront hotels, you can wake up to breathtaking view of the coast.
7. Smooth transport
Move around in Tampa with impeccable public transport services. Well organized and efficient, it makes it easy to get to by road. Buses service the city and also travel to other cities in Florida.
Other popular modes of transport include Amtrak trains, inner-city streetcars and taxis, to ensure you’re never late or stranded. And with the Tampa International Airport, you can get to Tampa by air and immediately find your way to town with shuttle buses, taxis or a rented car.
8. Tampa weather
Warm, sunny and pleasant ocean breezes, that’s what Tampa is about. With temperatures during winter and spring also warm, Tampa is one of the top destination for people during these seasons. Typically, December and January are the coldest, temperature ranges from around 22°C / 72°F to 15°C / 59°F.
Final thoughts
Tampa allows you to have dinner by the sea, dive below the water, get some sand in between your toes and catch some sun at the beaches and so much more. So what are you waiting for? Enjoy incredible Tampa!