It has been said that the Tampa Bay Area is a large metropolitan area with charming community ambiance.

Originally named for the body of water, Tampa Bay, the area represents a region of many diverse areas and faces. It is a unique blend of urban excitement in a natural setting with a dash of tropical flair. The most populous area of Florida, this vibrant waterfront area on the beautiful central west coast of Florida also affords easy access to the rest of the state.


Heritage Highlights

In the heart of downtown Tampa, the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., will transport you back to 1891. The former Tampa Bay Hotel, now part of the University of Tampa (look for the dramatic minarets and Moorish revival architecture), was home base to Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt and the Rough Riders in the 1898 Spanish American War with Cuba. The museum illustrates the opulent lifestyle of early Florida tourists, local history and the tropical setting of the area, conducive to the legend of the famous pirate, Jose Gaspar. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tues. - Sat.; Noon - 4 p.m., Sun. Call (813) 254-1891.

A good place to take in the colorful overview of the area is at the Tampa Bay History Center, 225 S. Franklin St. (in the Convention Center Annex), a regional history museum of the area's rich culture and diverse heritage. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tues. - Sat.; closed Sun., Mon. and holidays. Call (813) 228-0097.

Leave your car and hop on the TECO Streetcar to ride an electric streetcar from downtown to Ybor City. Call (813) 254-4278 for station locations and hours. Pick up an Ybor City walking tour brochure at The Centro Ybor Museum and Visitor Information Center, 1600 E. 8th Avenue, and plan to spend all afternoon enjoying the National Historic Landmark District. Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Sat.; Noon - 5 p.m., Sun. Call (813) 241-8838.

A good place to take in the colorful overview of the area is at the Tampa Bay History Center, a regional history museum of the area's rich culture and diverse heritage.

Nature Trek

The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., world-class attraction, offers breath-taking galleries and showcases Florida habitats of diverse plants and animals. There are lots of opportunities to touch at the kid-friendly interactive exhibit "No Bone Zone". If time permits, take a DolphinQuest eco-tour aboard the 64-foot, 49-passenger catamaran. The Aquarium is open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily. Call (813) 273-4000 for general information or details about the DolphinQuest schedule.

If you'd like a human-powered water adventure, the Canoe Escape, 9335 E. Fowler Ave., on the nature-rich Hillsborough River, is just a few minutes from downtown on I-75. From their convenient location you can rent a canoe or kayak or schedule a guided trip and paddle through this cypress swamp full of Florida's unique flora and fauna. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri.; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. and Sun. Last canoe out at 2 p.m. Call (813) 986-2067 for reservations (suggested).


Culture Quest

History is often reflected in art. As such, the Tampa Museum of Art, 600 N. Ashley Dr., tells the story of the ages through its incredible collection of contemporary art, photography and renowned collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tue. - Sat.; 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. Call (813) 274-8130. Or plan to attend one the Broadway shows, fabulous productions and special events held year-round at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl. Call (813) 229-7827 for their current schedule.