Situated on the shores of Tampa Bay in florida, Tampa is a mid sized city with a population of about 350 000 people. It provides the perfect combination of a rich and full history with a modern infrastructure, which has been endearing it to tourists for generations. The economic centre of Western Florida, Tampa experiences blustery hot summers and mild winters, meaning a holiday here is a good idea no matter what the time of year. Why not pick up a hire car and explore the diverse Tampa Bay shoreline? There are over 165 parks and beaches to take in, making it the perfect driving holiday destination. Here are a few ideas of things to see and do that will kick start your Tampa Bay holiday plans:
1. Busch Gardens
This is the perfect venue for a day out, no matter what the age demographics of your family are! Busch Gardens is a combination of a theme park and a world class zoo, all themed around a 19th Century Africa concept. A historical steam train will take you through aged landscapes from times when Africa was still very unexplored, providing a good overview of the zoo grounds. From there you can visit a Moroccan Palace, or take a python like rollercoaster ride through the jungles of the Congo! In the zoo you can see giant gorillas, cheeky chimpanzees and energetic lemurs in habitats similar to their natural homes. Antelopes, zebras and hippos also add to the excitement!
2. Garsparilla Pirate Festival
The end of January is normally marked by this two day festival that is loved by kids and adults alike, so try plan your vacation to coincide with it. It celebrates the legend of a pirate named Gasper who used to roam the waters of Tampa Bay. the festival starts when Gasper shows up on his long pirate ship, accompanied by a large staff of raggedy looking crew! 400 000 annual attendees are enthralled by the numerous parades and floats that mark the festival, which include the Garsparilla Children Parade and the Garsparilla Air Invasion, which features vintage aircraft from all over the world.
3. Walt Disney World
120 kilometres drive from Tampa Bay in your rental car is Walt Disney World, the largest and most establised recreational resort in the world. Hang out with favourite Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse and let the magic of the movies take you away on your visit to this amazing park. It is home to some of the most thrilling amusement rides in the world, and the range of activities on offer is mind blowing. Visit for a day or better still stay for a couple of nights in one of the many hotels in the park.
4. Museum of Science and Industry
One of Tampas largest museums, MOSI offers you the opportunity for a day out that is exciting and educational. Its range of exhibits include eight towering animatronic dinosaurs and five robotic Ice Age mammals, a wind generator that lets you experience Gulf Coast Hurricane strength winds and a planetarium that takes you deep inside the solar system. MOSI is also home to the IMAX dome, a 10500 square foot screen dome on which you can watch the latest movie hits and stunning documentaries.
5. Florida Aquarium
View over 20000 aquatic plants and animals from all over the world at this lively facility. The kids can take a 30 minute swim with the fishes in the Coral Reef Tanks, while experienced scuba divers can test their bravery and go for a dip with the sharks! Dont miss the cheeky penguin promenade, and another must-do is the dolphin ecotour that takes you through the whole of Tampa Bay. Its a great day out for the kids.
Gavin Wyatt
