Tampa Florida is the ideal location for a rejuvenating or fun vacation. Being the second largest metropolitan area in Florida, this vacation destination offers an abundance of nature, picture perfect weather, nightlife, cultural events, and adventurous amusement facilities. To learn more about what an exciting destination Tampa is, read our guide and see for yourself why this city is one of Florida’s premier spots for a vacation getaway.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Situated on over 35 acres the Grand Hyatt at Tampa Bay is renowned for being a Four Diamond luxury resort with 442 premium guest rooms. Relax in the natural surroundings of this hotel retreat nestled next to a wildlife preserve where egrets and herons run free. Featuring luxurious accommodations with an extensive list of amenities, every guest will feel pampered and relaxed. Located just minutes from the excitement of downtown and nearby beaches this resort is one of Tampa’s finest accommodations for travelers who plan to visit the area.
Gram’s Place Hostel/Bed and Breakfast
If you are travelling to the Tampa area and are seeking adventurous and unique lodging, Gram’s Place Hostel is the place for you. Inspired by the Dutch musician Gram Parsons, owner Mark Holland set out to create a place where all people could be brought together by music. This bed and breakfast is comprised of music-themed rooms in the main house along with two old Tampa cottages shaded by towering oak trees covered with Spanish moss.
To enhance the uniqueness of this dwelling is a replicated railroad depot with a sleeper car used as a coed dorm for its adventuresome visitors. Guests who stroll in the two courtyards embellished with flowers vines, palms, and flowing waterfalls will feel as though they have escaped to an island oasis. If you are looking for truly comfortable and affordable lodging while visiting Tampa you won’t be disappointed when you stay at this exceptional and distinctive bed and breakfast in the northern part of the city.
Things to do in Tampa Florida
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is a must see while visiting this west coast city. Exploring the aquarium is an exciting adventure. Enjoying the exhibits at this aquarium is just a small part of its appeal. Here visitors can swim with the fishes, dive with the sharks, and even shake hands with a penguin.
Take a wild dolphin cruise to view manatees, numerous species of birds, and some of the 500 plus bottlenose dolphins which call the Tampa waters their home. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the Explore a Shore water adventure area where they can have fun in the waves, slides, and geysers. General admission tickets for an adult are $21.95, children 12 and under $16.95 and under two are admitted for free.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is a memorable adventure for anyone who visits this fun-filled theme park complete with thrilling rides, live entertainment, safari tours, and a multitude of activities for children. It is also the home to one of America’s largest zoos. Busch Garden offers a variety of discount packages depending on the length of your stay, a hotel ticket combination, or a play & dine option. They also offer their customary single day ticket for those guests visiting the park for just one day.
Fishing Expeditions
Bueno Fishing specializes in custom fishing trips off the Tampa mainland to suit your needs and expectations. If you are a family of four, a small group of business men taking a break from meetings, or just want a day of solace with your fishing rod in hand, Captain Carlos Bueno can provide you with a chartered fishing trip that is certain to be memorable.
Fishing in Tampa Bay since the early age of 4, Captain Bueno is familiar with all the ‘hot spots’ for catching Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and Pompano. Yet, he will be the first to tell you, ‘some days God will touch the water, other days you’ll come back wanting to sell your fishing equipment’. Whichever day you have on a chartered fishing trip with Bueno at the helm, one thing is for certain, it is sure to be an adventure.
Great Tampa Restaurants
Tampa offers a wide selection of cuisines to choose from while visiting this lively city. Food critics and locals always know where the best places to dine are. Whether you are looking for an exotic locale or an eatery with local flair, Tampa has the restaurant to tantalize your taste buds.
Columbia Restaurant
A landmark restaurant in Tampa, the Columbia has been family owned for over a 100 years. Located in Tampa’s historic Ybor city, it is one of the oldest and largest Spanish restaurants in the world. In addition to winning prestigious dining awards for its Spanish/Cuban cuisine and Spanish wine collection, it also hosts authentic flamenco dance performances nightly to entertain its guests.
Fleming’s Prime Rib Steak House and Bar
If you are looking for a premium cut of beef this steak house will satisfy your appetite. This nationally acclaimed restaurant serves exceptional food at affordable prices. The atmosphere is elegantly comfortable and showcases an exhibition kitchen which is the center attraction in its dining area.
The Palm Restaurant
Known worldwide for its Prime Angus steaks and Jumbo lobsters that start at 3 pounds, this Tampa restaurant’s origins began in New York City over 75 years ago. The opening of its Tampa eatery in 2001 follows in the tradition of serving exceptional food, as well as adorning its walls with caricatures of area sports, political, business, radio, and TV personalities. A visit to this infamous establishment is truly memorable and delicious experience for any patron who enters the Palm’s doors.
Skipper’s Smokehouse
To genuinely experience the local flavor of the Tampa area, the Skipper’s Smokehouse is not to be missed. Its food is reminiscent of old Florida dedicated to seafood specialties with a dash of Louisiana and the Caribbean mixed in. Patrons can enjoy dancing under the moss-covered canopy dance floor known as the ‘skipperdome’ while listening to live entertainment nightly.
