Cruises from Tampa

Tampa is located on the western Florida coast, on the Tampa Bay and is home to 303,447 people. Besides being a costal city, the Tampa Bay Area is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, which covers four-counties and includes several small islands, with a total population of over 3 million residents. Tampa is known for its Gasparilla Pirate Fest and the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Tampa has a semi-tropical climate that allows people to vacation all year. The summer months are hot and humid and the winter months are dry and warm. However, snow has fallen a few times in the area and a winter frost comes every 2-3 years. In summer, the average temperature is 80 degree Fahrenheit while the average winter temperature is mid-60 degree Fahrenheit. Rain mainly falls in the summer and thunderstorms are common. It is for this reason that the Tampa Bay Area is also known as the “Lightening Capitol.”

The Tampa Bay Area has over 160 parks and beaches that cover over 70,000 acres. The beaches are mainly on 10 barrier islands that are connected together by the Gulf Boulevard. St. Pete Beach has sun, historical sites, shops and great restaurants. Clearwater Beach is on a barrier island, faces the Gulf of Mexico and is part of the City of Clearwater. In addition to these two examples, there are many more to discover along the boulevard.

Busch Gardens, in Tampa, focuses on the African continent and safaris. There are exciting rides, a zoo where over 2,500 animals are showcased, restaurants and shops that offer something for every age group. In addition, there is Lowry Park Zoo, where visitors can see Florida Manatee in the Aquatic Center.

Many theatres, museums, parks and performing arts centres are supported by Tampa. American Style Magazine awarded the “Top Arts Destination” to the area and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is one of the oldest in the United States, offering Broadway series, grand opera, plays and concerts. Then there is the Tampa Bay History Center, which brings the region’s history to life with hands-on activities.

Tampa has four major sports, football, baseball, basketball and hockey. Cheer the Buccaneer football team at the Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Lightening hockey team hits the ice at the St. Pete Times Forum and the Tampa Bay Ray basketball team plays at Tropicana Field. Every January, the Outback Bowl football game is played and many out-of-town fans flood Tampa to experience the excitement.

Sports enthusiasts can rent a variety of water sport equipment, ranging from wave runners to parasailing boats and surfboards to kayaks. Also, Tampa features golf courses for all ability levels.
Tampa showcases the original flavours of Florida in many of its restaurants and the Spanish/Cuban cooking is spicy and the bread is long and crusty. However, Mexican and Italian restaurants can also be easily found, along with fresh seafood restaurants and even steakhouses. For gambling and eating, check out The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Tampa Bay Downs is a thoroughbred racetrack that is another exciting sport and gaming venue.

Shopping in Tampa can range from Old Hyde Park Village, which is an open-air shopping centre, to the high-end retail of International Plaza and the typical malls and shops that abound all over the Tampa Bay area.

The many beaches are not the only place to have fun in Tampa. The casinos, museums and entertainment venues will all help ensure you take home many wonderful memories of your stay in Tampa.