Tampa
North Gulf Coast of Florida

Located on Florida’s largest inlet, Tampa has a varied history, and with its colorful, cultural mix it makes an ideal vacation destination.

A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE…
There is a strong Cuban influence from the days when the cigar industry was situated in the Ybor City district. The factories employed not only Cubans but immigrant workers from Italy, Germany and Spain. These factories closed down long ago but the multi cultural traditions still persist in the district and you can have a fabulous dining and shopping experience here in Tampa’s oldest cigar factory.

SPECIALTY SHOPPING…
Visitors to Tampa are spoiled for choice when it comes to shopping. Historic Hyde Park Village is in the renovated old area of town and has a great variety of specialty shops and eating places. Art galleries and more specialty shops can be found in Carrollwood Commons while University Mall is Tampa’s largest family shopping destination, with five major department stores, 150 specialty stores and a 16 screen theater complex. For art ranging from antique to contemporary abstracts in a Bohemian warehouse setting, go to Hoffman Porges Gallery.

PEACEFUL GARDENS AND TERRIFYING ROLLER COASTERS…
There are numerous family attractions in Tampa and in Busch Gardens there is truly something for everyone. Botanical enthusiasts will love the beautiful gardens and there are also wild animals, live entertainment and restaurants, but the park is best known for its outstanding fast-paced thrill-a-minute rides - especially the ‘Montu’ - the world’s tallest and longest inverted steel rollercoaster.

RIDE THE RAPIDS…
Adventure Island is a 36 acre water theme park and is open from February to October. There are 17 water play areas and plenty of pools and slides, including the new Key West Rapids, the Aruba Tuba inner tube flume and the Spike Zone volleyball park. Celebration Station is just a few minutes from downtown Tampa and there are go-karts here, play- land rides and miniature golf. You can have lunch in the pizza restaurant and there is also a video arcade and interactive video wall.

WILD ANIMALS IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT…
The aim of Lowry Park State Zoo is to provide natural habitat settings for its animals and you can see exotic birds, a Sumatran tiger and a rare Indian rhino. There is also a children’s petting zoo and a Manatee and Aquatic Center. Plant City has the popular Dinosaur World attraction and the annual Strawberry Festival here is a celebration of the area’s delicious crop.

LEARN ABOUT FLORIDA’S SEA LIFE…
For a memorable day out go to the Florida Aquarium where you will see sharks, rays and other sea life native to the Gulf of Mexico. Here you will be able to learn about Florida’s aquatic wildlife as you travel through the State’s waters from underground springs to the Everglades, the beaches and the sea. One of the highlights is the half-million gallon Coral Reefs Gallery which is a fascinating educational experience where you’ll find out how important water is and the living creatures in it. Next door to the Aquarium you will find the SS American Victory - an innovative maritime attraction housed in a World War ll merchant ship.

A BEAUTIFUL HAVEN AND PLENTY OF HISTORY…
Lovers of the outdoors will not be disappointed - the Hillsborough River is rich in history dating back thousands of years. There were encampments here 10000 years ago with Native Americans, Paleo Indians, the Timuca, Seminoles and many others inhabiting the sites. Today the area is a haven for canoeists and cyclists and along this river’s beautiful shores you will see birds, turtles and alligators. The river is the centerpiece of Hillsborough River State Park which is one of the oldest in Florida. If you want to know more about the area’s history you will enjoy Fort Foster. This is a reconstructed Seminole War historic site and the park has campgrounds, a swimming pool and nature trails.

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