Tampa

Tampa, along its neighboring communities of St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Clearwater, is a national favorite when it comes to good weather and family fun. With its wide variety of theme parks, beaches, shopping, and restaurants, it's no surprise that Tampa tourism has been a powerhouse in Florida for years.

Whether you’re planning a holiday in Tampa itself or just passing through to catch a departing cruise, you’ll probably arrive at Tampa International Airport. Frankly, renting a car is your best bet for getting to your destination (plus, it gives you the freedom to fully visit Tampa and the surrounding area), but there are HART buses that head for downtown every half hour.

One of the main reasons so many people travel to Tampa are its theme parks. Busch Gardens is the most popular park in the area and makes for a great family activity since it combines rides and rollercoaster with interactive animal activities. The Adventure Island waterpark is a summertime favorite and let’s not forget that Disney World is only an hour away!

All the family fun doesn’t mean adults can’t also have a blast during their trip to Tampa. You can visit International Plaza, an upscale mall featuring designer stores and great restaurants or sample local craft-beer at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. How about a dinner-and-a-movie date at Cinebistro or a show at the Tampa Improv, one of the nation’s best comedy clubs?

Whether you’re planning a vacation in Tampa with kids, friends, or as a couple, the Tampa Bay Area has tons of great activities and places to visit so your Tampa vacation is sure to be a hit.