Tampa has become one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. for tourism. In fact in the past few years it has been giving Orlando a run for its money. Imagine soaring hundreds of feet in the air and then racing downward to be swooped back up again. Busch Gardens ( 3605 E. Bougainvillea Ave. ) , Tampa Bay can give you that feeling with its five roller coasters each with its own unique theme. There are also thousands of foreign animals from all over the world within reach of your fingertips. Walking through Busch Gardens you feel as if you have been swept away to perhaps Africa . With every turn of your head you can see a lion running through a plain or a giraffe looking through the treetops. Busch Gardens was recently rated one of Florida 's top theme parks. This is the ultimate adventure for anyone of any age.
A hop, skip and jump away is Adventure Island (4500 Bougainvillea Ave.) , a thirty acre water park with a combination of some of the most outrageous rides from a lazy river set in a tropical paradise to hundred foot slides it accommodates guests of all ages. There are corkscrews, waterfalls, a children's water playground and eating facilities. Spend a whole day there or just an afternoon because with a Busch Gardens Adventure Island Value Ticket you can move freely between the two parks for two to three days. If you don't want to have to pay for transportation for these two amusement parks several hotels such as the Quality Inn Busch Gardens and Comfort Inn Busch Gardens are just down the block.
For the art enthusiast or the novice who want to educate themselves more on the mysterious and wonderful works of Salvador Dali, the largest collection in the world is located right in Tampa at the Salvador Dali Museum ( 1000 3rd St S ) . The exhibits are ever changing so if this is not your first time here there will certainly be new exhibits to see. After your surreal experience, you can pick up a memento of your visit with a Salvador Dali replica.
A visit to the “ Ice Palace ” as it is called in Tampa is a must if you want the ultimate Tampa experience. The St. Pete Times Forum ( 401 Channelside Drive ) is home to the Tampa Bay Lightening professional hockey team. For an exciting fun filled time go down to the state of the art arena and watch the division champs take on their challenger. There are also various concerts and other venues such as the circus that pass through the forum. Be sure to check out the latest information on who's appearing at the forum before you make your way to Tampa so you can be sure to pick up tickets.
Ybor City is definitely an attraction that cannot be missed. Once a historical landmark that was the cigar capital of the world, now all of those old cigar warehouses have been transformed into trendy boutiques, larger than life clubs and world-renowned restaurants. Stroll past 7 th Avenue and browse the exclusive shopping or stop into the Columbia Restaurant for a bite to eat. Step into the past at the Centennial Park , ( 8th Avenue and 18 th Street ) which recreates a period streetscape and has a fresh market. There is also a twenty-screen movie theatre and an interactive playground developed by Steven Spielberg, called Game Works (1600 E 8 th Avenue). Hotels close to Ybor City include Hyatt Regency Tampa and Amerisuites Sabel Park .
For some great fun and air conditioning explore the Florida Aquarium (701 Channelside Drive). There are over 10,000 aquatic animals and plants from tremendous sharks to the playful penguins. It is impossible not to be intrigued by the world down under. There are hands on tanks where you can touch starfish and other live friendly fish of the sea. The aquarium boasts a brand new discovery zone for children encompassing over two acres with an outdoor pirate ship and waterslide as well.
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