When you think about visiting the west coast of Florida, chances are that your mind’s eye shows you beaches. With over a thousand miles of coastline in all of Florida, it’s certainly a huge attraction, particularly when temperatures are less-than-balmy in the majority of the country! Still, if you’re planning to visit the Tampa area, there are a lot of things to do that don’t involve sand and surf. Here are a few of them:
- Visit Ybor City. Otherwise known as Tampa’s Latin District, Ybor City is the historic district of Tampa. This section of the city is often bustling, and there’s always something to see or do. Dine on Mediterranean and Latin fare, visit the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, or browse in the many quirky and interesting shops. Once you park in one of the Ybor parking garages or lots, you can take the yellow streetcar into downtown Tampa for a few hours; this allows you to access the downtown area without having to find or pay for parking.
- Visit the Florida Aquarium. This is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Tampa. Located in the downtown area, the aquarium features marine life such as sharks, moray eels, turtles, otters, dolphins and much more. If you are traveling with children, they’ll enjoy the splash park, called Explore-a-Shore. While you’re at the Aquarium, sign up for the Wild Dolphin Cruise, where you can view some of these mystical beauties in the Tampa Bay.
- Stroll through Lowry Park Zoo. Rated the best zoo in America by Parents Magazine, the Lowry Park Zoo has something for everyone, not just the kids. Go on an African safari, coo at the koala bears “down under,” catch a glimpse of tiny marmosets, watch majestic tigers in Asia, see a variety of exotic birds, and much more.
- Enjoy thrill rides at Busch Gardens. So much more than “just another zoo,” Busch Gardens offers thrills for those who love roller coasters. Little ones will enjoy the Sesame Street safari and Abby Cadabby’s Treasure Hunt. See King Tut’s tomb, get wet on Stanley Falls, and interact with all sorts of furry and feathered friends. If you’re daring enough, try out the high drops and loops of SheiKra and Scorpion, two of the wildest coasters in the park!
As you can see Tampa has much to offer. Don’t forget to spend a day or two hitting the white-sand beaches, and you’ll be able to look back on your vacation as an incredible time enjoying the west coast of the Sunshine State.
