When you think of a Florida getaway, what comes to mind? Is it the beautiful beaches and hot nightlife in Miami, Daytona, Panama City, Key West, or Cocoa Beach? Is it the family fun to be had in theme park center of the universe in the Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lake Buena Vista areas? Or is it the relaxing spa and golf resorts found in areas like West Palm Beach, Key Largo, or Boca Raton? It might very well be.
But more and more Florida travelers are discovering another bright spot in the Sunshine state that has it all – Tampa Bay! Located on Florida's West Coast and kissing the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay is a one-stop destination for all of the great things Florida has to offer.
Tampa's got it all. Amusement parks? Check. Tampa's home to the awesome
Busch Gardens, featuring a replica of an African safari adventure and lots of thrill rides for adventure seekers. If you're all about theme parks, you can even stay right on site at hotels like the
Quality Inn Tampa Busch Gardens.
Beautiful beaches? Check. Anyone staying in Tampa hotels is minutes away from enjoying water sports or just a dip in the beautiful Gulf Coast ocean. White sand, blue water, and some of the best sunsets you'll ever see – that's what Tampa beaches offer on a daily basis. Visitors can choose from the many public beaches to go sunning, swimming, and boating. And, Tampa hotels are often right on the ocean. After all, if you're vacationing all the way and want to enjoy tropical-inspired paradise, places like
Tampa's Sailport Resort provide waterfront relaxation with stunning views and family recreation.
Relaxation and business-friendly accommodations? That's two checks. Tampa Bay has world-class hotels in convenient locations that offer a pleasant home away from home, even if your main reason for visiting is for a business meeting or convention. When business dealings bring you to Tampa, you might want to choose
Tampa airport hotels like the
Howard Johnson – Tampa Airport or
Tampa Convention Center hotels like the
Comfort Inn Conference Center for their easy access and professional atmosphere.
Over the past decade, Tampa has become a major metropolitan hub, and the headquarters for many major corporations like the restaurant chain Outback Steakhouse Inc., and Syniverse Technologies Inc., a global wireless company.
While you may have surf and sand on the brain, Tampa Bay is also known for its culture. The Tampa Bay Museum of Art, the Salvador Dali Museum, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts are just a few cultural gems enjoyed by art lovers. If it's a night out at the opera, a concert, or play that you seek, the Tampa Theatre and Tampa Performing Arts Center always have exciting events and performance calendars.
Pro sports fans also have lots to cheer for at Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays games. Others choose to take a gamble at the Tampa Greyhound Track. If you'd rather play than watch, Tampa also offers an abundance of outdoor recreation from fishing and golfing to skydiving.
No matter what type of Florida visit you seek – from family fun to weekend partying to a healthy mix of business and pleasure – Tampa Bay will give you just what you need.