TAMPA
Area: Florida
Country: United States of America


Location:
In the SE United States, midway along Florida State's W (Gulf) coast. Orlando lies 84 mls NE. Tampa international airport is on the W side of the city, close to Old Tampa Bay, 7 mls from downtown.

Telephone code from UK:
1 813

Website:
http://www.gotampa.com

Position:
On generally flat land, sprawling around the N end of Tampa Bay, a large, indented inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. The long Hillsborough River winds its way through the city centre.

Description:
A fast-growing commercial centre with a cluster of gleaming downtown high-rises, Tampa is well known as an international airport city and a convenient base for Florida's tourist attractions. It is perhaps because of these neighbouring attractions (such as Walt Disney World etc) that Tampa's own tourist appeal is often overlooked. Nevertheless, this city (measuring 12 mls and 11 at its widest) provides plenty of diversions of its own, including a range of cultural events, museums, theme parks, major-league sports, nature reserves and aquariums. The city's historic Latin quarter (Ybor City) offers Cuban- and Spanish-influenced cuisine, architecture and lively nightlife. Those inclined to stroll should enjoy the attractively landscaped Bayshore Blvd, which claims the world's longest pavement, complete with shops, stately homes and sweeping views of the blue bay. Cruise ships with itineraries that include the Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula dock at the bustling port's 3 cruise terminals. Farther afield, the stunning beaches of the Gulf Coast beckon. Even with these, Mickey and friends are within reach if a visit to Orlando proves too irresistible.

Suitability:
Mainly for couples seeking a big choice of attractions within a driveable distance (without necessarily being on the beach). A far more pleasant point of arrival than the much larger Miami.

Accommodation:
A smaller choice than the nearby resorts, and mainly in the middle price range, with a few luxury properties and some B&Bs; all of them accessible from airport and downtown.

Shopping:
Plenty of malls (many with entertainments), such as Old Hyde Park Village; Centro Ybor; International Plaza; University Mall; Channelside; Tampa Bay Center; Citrus Park Town Center; and Franklin Street Mall. Eclectic choice of shops in Ybor City, Tampa's Latin Quarter. Choice of flea markets, including the huge Big Top Flea Market (weekends), also with a large farmers' market. Bay Area Outlet Mall (factory outlet) should keep bargain-hunters happy.

Beach:
Some narrow, sandy beaches facing Tampa Bay; 22 mls W to the nearest decent beach (at Clearwater), and a little farther to St Petersburg.

Entertainments:
Daytime: many around-town sightseeing tours. Busch Gardens, a 335-acre theme park, has a zoo with nearly 2,700 animals in naturalistic surroundings, hair-raising rides and varied entertainments. Adventure Island water park. Kid City Children's Museum, a miniaturised "city". Celebration Station, a family-orientated theme park. Florida Aquarium, a 3-storey aquarium showcasing Florida's marine life. Lowry Park Zoo, said to be one of N America's best. Tampa Museum of Art. The Museum of Science and Industry includes flight and space displays, a hurricane simulation exhibit, a planetarium and a 40-acre wilderness area. The old red-brick Cuban- and Spanish-American precinct of Ybor City. Spectator sports, such as home games of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (American football) and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (baseball), horse racing and greyhound racing. Hockey matches (winter); spring training grounds of the New York Yankees. Golf courses. Festivals and fairs throughout the year, the biggest of which is the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates (February). Nightlife: jazz and Latin music in Ybor City. Tampa Theatre has films and concerts. The huge Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Florida Orchestra Inc for symphonies. Broadway shows of the Tampa Bay Broadway Series. Comedy clubs, dance clubs, bars and pubs. Rock, blues and country.

Eating:
A wide variety, predominantly American, seafood and steak. Cuban and Spanish choices in Ybor City, the city's Latin quarter. Cajun, Mexican, Italian and French.

Public-transport:
The HARTline provides service between downtown and the suburbs, with routes covering most major malls and area attractions; some visitors may find a hire car more convenient. Taxis are plentiful. Long-distance coach and train service from stations in downtown.

Local-excursions:
Many around-town sightseeing tours. Canoe trips on the Hillsborough River. Balloon flights. Boat tours. Hiking and walking tours. Weeki Wachee Springs (50 mls) has River Cruises exploring the Florida ecosystem, flume rides and an underwater theatre production based on "The Little Mermaid". Cypress Gardens (55 mls, near Winter Haven), a 223-acre botanical garden, including a butterfly conservatory.