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Visitors Guide To Tampa, FloridaSituated on the Gulf Of Mexico side of the Florida peninsula and located across from St. Petersburg and within easy reach of Orlando, Tampa has much to offer visitors, including many historic sites, family attractions and major sporting venues. The city has a thriving commercial seaport and several waterfront areas and is close to some of Florida's premier beaches such as Clearwater and St. Pete. Tampa's population is approximately 310,000 and the city covers a area of more than 110 square miles. Tampa is a prosperous city and features numerous shopping centers, restaurants, bars and a thriving nightlife. The downtown area is centered around the Port of Tampa and the Waterfront district. There are two universities, numerous entertainment venues and an outstanding Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The city lays claim to being Florida's cultural center. Tampa boasts some impressive tourist attractions such as the theme park at Busch Gardens, imposing landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries. Must-see sights and attractions, cultural displays and activities, park and gardens all combine with superb nearby beaches to make Tampa a perfect holiday destination. During January of each year, Tampa hosts the popular Gasparilla Pirate Festival and throughout the year the city regularly features many exciting and entertaining festivals and events. Some of the recommended places to visit in Tampa are the Dinosaur World, the Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida Aquarium, the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and professional football games. Tampa Transport Choices: Tampa is easy to reach by air, rail and road, with Florida highways and interstate routes connecting to the city. Public transport operates throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas. Greyhound buses connect Tampa to a number of Florida cities such as Orlando and Miami. Inner-city streetcars and taxis (advance bookings recommended) provide transport throughout the city areas. Tampa International Airport (TPA), regarded as one of America's most efficient airports, is an important transport hub and is located 7 miles from the city center. Transfers to and from the airport is available in shuttle buses, taxis plus car rental options. Tampa Accommodation Choices: Being a popular, coastal vacation destination, Tampa offers a diverse mix of hotels ranging from backpacker budget through to 5 star luxury. Boutique hotels, motels, condos, bed and breakfasts are all part of the Tampa accommodation mix. Some of the most popular hotels in the city are in the center of the downtown district, close to shops and restaurants. Many of the waterfront hotels in Tampa provide panoramic coastal views and advance bookings are essential. Although these hotels are often charged at a premium rate, particularly during the January to April high season, weekend and summer rates are often reduced and this is a good time to find discounts. Using a good Tampa hotel price comparisons tool is the best way to find the cheapest available rates throughout the year. Tampa Restaurant Choices: Tampa has an abundance of restaurants that provide multi-national cuisines in tempting and innovative menus, available and suit every palate. In recent years, the numbers of restaurants, bistros, coffee shops and bars have expanded rapidly to keep pace with the rapidly expanding tourism trade and cruise ship passenger numbers. The restaurant precincts are mainly concentrated in the Hyde Park neighborhood along South Howard Avenue, throughout the cosmopolitan Ybor district and the waterfront. Traditional Hispanic eateries are popular throughout the city and exclusive seafood restaurants are plentiful along the coastline. Tampa Shopping Choices: Tampa offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities and has a large and varied selection of retail shops and discount outlets. The city has many designer outlets, brand name department stores, elite boutiques and shopping malls. Shopping areas include historic and cultural areas, the Ybor Historic District and Old Hyde Park Village district where there is a mixture of modern stores, specialty shops and art galleries all set in a scenic setting. Tampa Weather: Tampa enjoys pleasant breezes from the ocean and the city's proximity to the ocean helps maintain the very liveable winter climate which is typically warm and sunny. June through August is the hottest period and temperatures can reach a daytime maximum of around 90°C. Winter and spring are warm and the reason why many people choose to stay in the Tampa area at this time of the year. The coldest months are December and January but daytime temperatures seldom drop below 70-72°F, although occasional lows of 60°F may be experienced.
Tampa Vacations - a visitors guide from the people at Wikitravel |
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