The USA and particularly Florida remains high on any bucket list and Tampa Bay puts the full Florida experience into a single package. Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay boasts a young, multicultural, and creative population that makes it Florida’s Most diverse destination combining rich history and culture, amazing food, cocktail culture, water activities, luxurious hotels, and fun for all ages.
But what to do to have the most fun in the sun:
There are plenty of ways to get out and bask in the Florida sunshine with outdoor adventures, open-air experiences, and water activities. Hit the ground running with Go! Running Tours Tampa to explore popular parts of the city or see the downtown cityscape from the water with a kayak or paddleboard tour from Urban Kai. You can captain your own adventure when you rent an eBoat from the Tampa Bay Riverboat Company or let someone else take charge with the popular Pirate Water Taxi which run up and down the Hillsborough River.
The historic heart of Tampa Bay lies among the brick streets of Ybor City, built in the 1880s by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants drawn to the booming cigar industry. Today you can enjoy live music while sipping a café con leche, watch as tabaqueros roll cigars by hand or sample the official sandwich of Tampa Bay, an original Cuban Sandwich, invented for cigar rollers. Ybor City Walking Tours or the new Museum at the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory bring the history of Ybor City to life.
Ride, walk, or run on the 2.6-mile-long pathway that links together some of downtown Tampa’s most popular attractions, hotels, museums, and parks like gems on a string. The new Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass is a terrific way to discover the endless adventure, culture, and history at eight unique attractions including the Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Museum of Art, and Glazer Children’s Museum amongst others.
No visit would be complete without experiencing the wide range of thrilling attractions perfect for all age groups. You can save over 50% on admission to Tampa Bay’s top attractions with CityPASS. At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, experience the just opened Iron Gwazi – the tallest, steepest, and fastest hybrid roller coaster in North America. Or why not visit the waterpark, Adventure Island or cool down at The Florida Aquarium’s Splash Pad. There’s even a water ride at ZooTampa at Lowry Park where you’ll also come face to face with Florida manatees as these majestic animals are treated for illness or injury before being returned to the wild.
After a busy day what’s better than savouring your favourite tipple as the sun goes down. Sweeping downtown views can be enjoyed at the new Sal Y Mar rooftop at the Aloft/Element Midtown and the new Six rooftop lounge at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Local favourites also include Ulele or M. Bird with views across downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River.
From the two food halls that bookend the Tampa Riverwalk, the beautiful alfresco Sparkman Wharf, and reimagined Armature Works, to the oldest Spanish restaurant the Columbia in Ybor City, to renowned favourites such as Rooster and the Till, edison: food+drink lab or Bern’s Steak House, Tampa’s food scene will blow your mind. Don’t just take our word for it, it has been recognized with the forthcoming Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
More?
Yep, from the retail therapy found at the luxurious International Plaza & Bay Street to the open-air shopping neighbourhood of Hyde Park Village to the weekend markets, there is something to suit your tastes and your budget. Plus, you’ll need somewhere to stay and so check out the range of hotel options including Tampa Bay’s first five-star hotel, the Tampa EDITION or the luxurious JW Marriott Tampa Water Street with its incredible rooftop views of Tampa Bay’s waterfront. For foodies, the iconic Epicurean Hotel is a must or why not stay in the new boutique Hotel Haya in Ybor City.
To find out more go to www.visittampabay.com