Tampa Bay, a small metropolis on the West Central coast of Florida, offers something to do for everyone. From theme parks to beaches, sports teams to museums, Tampa Bay is certain to make anyone’s and everyone’s vacation perfect.

So, where you should go while staying in Tampa Bay? Check out some of these places to visit in Tampa Bay.

Busch Gardens 3000 East Busch Boulevard, Tampa

813-987-5000

Roller coasters, animal exhibits, restaurants, and shows can all be found in this lushly landscaped 300+ acre theme park. Jungala offers a children a place to meet tigers face-to-face and explore jungle tree houses. Shei’Kra plunges riders 20 stories straight down a 90-degree angle drop. Encounter gorillas and chimpanzees living in a simulated African jungle at Myombe Reserve. And don’t forget to enjoy a meal and take in a show at the Desert Grill! Busch Gardens’ general admission prices start at $69.95 for adults and $59.95 for children, though discounts are often available.

Lowry Park 1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa

(813) 935-8552

Rated the “Best Zoo in the U.S.” by Parents Magazine, Lowry Park Zoo is located in the heart of Tampa and convenient from many locations in the Bay area. Lowry Park Zoo offers a full and diverse range of exotic animals from all over the world. Lowry Park Zoo offers “Ecotours,” safari programs, and several lesson and education plans for children and families. General admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and $17.95 for seniors. .

Ybor City Tampa

Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin quarter, is where many Spanish, Cuban, and Italian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th century. Many of them lived lives as cigar rollers; Tampa’s cigars were rated among the best in the world during the early decades of the 20th century. Today, the cigar culture exists among the many clubs, restaurants, and museums which now thrive in Ybor City. Seventh Avenue near 21st and 22nd street is considered one of the main hubs of Ybor City and features the Columbia Restaurant, which opened in 1905.

The Salvadore Dali Museum 1000 Third Street South, St. Petersburg

(727) 823-3767

Salvador Dali, world known for his surrealist and impressionist 20th century art, is honored in a museum brimming with many of the defining works Dali created. The Dali Museum is also committed to preserving and teaching guests about Dali’s life, inspirations, and his impact on society and the art community. General admission is $17 for adults with various rates for children, students, and military personnel.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

(941) 359-5700

You may have heard of John Ringling – of “The Greatest Show on Earth” fame! Ringling’s 66-acre property is the site for one of the best museums in the whole Tampa Bay area. Tour the beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ringlings’ Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, the art museum, and be sure to stop by the large circus museum featuring collections of costumes, photographs, and Ringling circus railroad cars. General admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for children.

Clearwater Beach
South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater

If you have ever seen any photos or film of the Tampa Bay area, you have likely caught a glimpse of the beautiful sunsets featured along the powdery, soft, white sands of the Tampa Bay area’s Gulf coast beaches. One of the most-popular beaches in the Tampa Bay area is Clearwater Beach, located a short 30-minute drive over the bay from Tampa.

And these are just a few of the many places to visit in Tampa Bay! Traveling to and from each of these locations is convenient along Interstate-75, which runs north and south, east of the cities mentioned here; Interstate-275 travels directly through Tampa and St. Petersburg and easily links you to the places mentioned here. Traffic tends to peak in the morning and late-afternoons on weekdays. Traffic also can get thick during home games played by the local professional sports teams, which are active throughout the year.

As you can see, enjoying all that there is to see and do will take more than a single weekend, so be sure you plan accordingly. There are many places to visit in the Tampa Bay area, and you will likely find yourself wanting to plan a return vacation to the Bay area in the near future!