Tampa

Tampa has a variety of attractions to suit all interests. Busch Gardens is a popular theme park with roller coasters and animal exhibits. The Florida Aquarium is another great destination featuring exhibits on local marine life. The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic walkway along the Hillsborough River that passes by several museums and parks. For sports fans, Raymond James Stadium is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Yankee's spring training facility is located in nearby Tampa.

Tampa has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can take a stroll through the beautiful Riverwalk, rent a bike and explore the city's many parks, or rent a paddleboard and explore the Hillsborough River. You can also take a day trip to one of the many beaches in the area like Clearwater Beach, which has plenty of activities like parasailing and jet skiing.

If you're looking for indoor activities, Tampa has a lot to offer. The Tampa Museum of Art showcases contemporary and classical art and the Museum of Science and Industry has interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows and other performances. The Glazer Children's Museum is also a great option for families, with interactive exhibits and activities.

Tampa has a diverse culinary scene with many excellent restaurants. For seafood, try Ulele, which specializes in fresh Florida cuisine. For Cuban food, head to Columbia Restaurant, which has been a Tampa institution for over 100 years. For barbecue, check out Holy Hog BBQ, which has several locations throughout the city. For pizza, try Eddie & Sam's, which has been named one of the best pizza places in the country.

Tampa is known for its craft beer scene, with many excellent breweries to choose from. Cigar City Brewing is perhaps the most famous, with a wide range of beers including their popular Jai Alai IPA. Other great options include Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Coppertail Brewing Company, and 7venth Sun Brewery.

Tampa has a variety of hotels to suit all budgets. The Tampa Marriott Water Street is a luxurious option right on the Riverwalk. The Hilton Tampa Downtown is another great option with modern amenities and a great location. For a more budget-friendly option, try the La Quinta Inn & Suites Tampa Bay Airport or the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore.

Tampa is located near many great day trip destinations. Clearwater Beach is a popular destination with its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. St. Petersburg is another great option with its many museums and galleries. For nature lovers, the Hillsborough River State Park has hiking trails, canoeing, and camping. You can also take a trip to Orlando to visit theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.

Tampa has a variety of transportation options. The TECO Line Streetcar System is a historic streetcar that runs through downtown Tampa and the Ybor City neighborhood. The HART buses are another option for getting around the city. If you're staying in the downtown area, walking or biking is also a great option. If you're traveling outside of Tampa, renting a car is recommended.

The best time to visit Tampa is between September and December when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. If you're looking for warm weather and sunshine, the summer months can be very hot and humid. Winter is also a popular time to visit, but the city can be crowded with snowbirds escaping the cold up north.

The local currency in Tampa is the US dollar.