Whether you live in the Tampa Bay area or are visiting for business or pleasure, there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. This article will provide some ideas for planning an afternoon outing.

Visit Historic Ybor City

Located just northeast of downtown Tampa, Ybor City is one of the area’s true treasures. Ybor, as it’s called by locals, originally served as a hub for cigar manufacturers and was home to a large population of immigrants, primarily from Cuba and Spain. Today, Ybor houses an assortment of entertainment venues, offering something for just about everyone. You can catch a movie at the Centro Ybor complex and follow it up with an out-of-this-world meal from the Columbia Restaurant, one of Tampa’s pride and joys. The Columbia is the United States’ oldest Spanish restaurant and is so large that it takes up an entire city block! If you time your meal just right, you can even catch the Columbia’s flamenco dancers in action.

Go to Busch Gardens, Tampa’s Premier Theme Park

With roller coasters galore, stage shows, and nearly 3,000 animals on site, Busch Gardens truly has something for everyone. This African-themed amusement park was originally owned by Anheuser-Busch and was known for providing a free glass of beer in its hospitality center. The park was sold in 2009 and no longer provides free beer, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had throughout the vast park. While you’re in the area, stop by Mel’s Hotdogs, a Tampa institution that has served mouth-watering wieners for almost a half-century!

Soak up the Sun

An adventure in Tampa isn’t complete without soaking up some sun. Clearwater Beach (consistently named one of the nation’s best beaches) is just a short – and scenic! – drive away. You can take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico, play in the sand, work on your tan, or scour the shoreline for some seashells. There are also plenty of eateries within walking distance of the beach, including upscale seafood restaurants, ice cream parlors, sports bars, and pizza joints. Be sure to stick around at least long enough to watch a spectacular sunset!

Get Your Learn On

In addition to beaches and roller coasters, Tampa also houses several museums. Stop by the Tampa History Center in Downtown Tampa for a look at how Tampa got its start. The Henry B. Plant Museum, located on the University of Tampa campus, also provides a wealth of information for those interested in learning more about the city’s history. If you’re accompanied by children, then be sure to stop by the Glazer Children’s Museum in Downtown Tampa that provides an abundance of hand-on fun for kids of all ages. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) is just a short drive away from Busch Gardens and houses many popular exhibits and a state-of-the-art IMAX theater. The Dali Museum in Downtown St. Petersburg is right across the Gandy Bridge from Tampa and showcases one of the world’s largest private collections of Salvador Dali’s surrealist paintings.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to tourism in Tampa, FL.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications and is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including tourism in Tampa, FL. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34678-d217441-r94756810-DoubleTree_Suites_by_Hilton_Tampa_Bay-Tampa_Florida.html

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to tourism in Tampa, FL.

Category: Travel
Keywords: tourism in Tampa, FL