Labor Day Weekend Getaways and Staycations in the East Tampa, Florida Area

Not everyone can afford to actually get away for Labor Day, so I included opportunities that have special rates or combined offers, good value for your money and time and for the most part they include most of what you would need, such as meals or close availability of meals and transportation or proximity to the area you plan to be in, and in the case of getaways, shuttle transportation to and from the airport and in some cases to attractions and or shopping.

I chose a wide spectrum of activities so that there really is a variety of activities to choose from. I also included venues with a wide choice of costs depending upon what you can afford, as in actually getting away for the weekend to going out during the day and returning home at night.

The Getaways:

The first choices are two different opportunities for camping.The last three choices are all different types of hotels with a variety of packages at special rates.

Bay Bayou RV Resort:
12622 Memorial Highway-Tampa, Florida 33635
813-855-1000-Toll Free: 888-mybayou (692-2968)-Fax: 813-925-0815
info@baybayou.com

Pay for Two Days & get the Third Day FREE!Now thru October 31st
http://www.baybayou.com/BayBayou_SpecialsB.html

Located in the center of Tampa. Large, oak shaded lots with cement patios and picnic tables. Bath facilities, swimming pool with Jacuzzi, viewing and fishing docks on the river. High-speed Internet access in clubhouse and Wi-Fi throughout the park. Within minutes from shopping, restaurants, golf, Tampa Downs, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bucs and the New York Yankees Spring Training.
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1272/taggroup./filtergroup.

06/01/09 thru 10/31/09

Deluxe Premium
Daily Rates $39 $42
Weekly Rates $230 $240
Monthly Rates $530* $550*

Hillsborough River State Park:
15402 U.S. 301 N. Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Phone: 813-987-677 Fax: 813-987-6773

Available amenities:
Eight miles of nature trails along the Hillsborough River. Fort Foster State Historic Site offering a living history program on weekends and holidays.
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.48/taggroup./filtergroup

They offer 112 campsites, picnic areas, pavilions and pool side café and gift shop. The pool may still be closed.
The gift shop is open 9am-5pm seven days a week. The concession is open for breakfast and lunch daily from 9am-4pm. Canoes and bikes can be rented from 9am -3pm and all rental equipment must be returned by 4pm.

The park is available for afternoon picnics to overnight camping or a corporate gatherings.

Admission Fee:

$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Camping Fees:

$24.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

Organized Youth or Adult Group Camping:
Youth: $1.00 - Adult(s): $5.00

PrimitiveCamping:
Per person/per night:$5.00

Canoes:
$10.00/hour plus tax:
$ 25.00/4 hours plus tax:

Bikes:
$4.00/ hour plus tax
$10.00/4 hours plus tax.

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
http://floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/default.cfm

Sailport Resort Waterfront Suites
2506 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-281-9599 Toll-free: 800-255-9599 Fax: 813-281-9510

This is an all-waterfront, all-suite hotel. All suites have a separate bedroom with a queen-size bed, separate living room with a queen-size sofa sleeper, kitchen and a private balcony overlooking Tampa Bay. Two-bedroom, two-bath suites are also available. All suites have TVs, telephones, CD stereo and VCR/DVD combo.

Grounds feature a heated swimming pool, lighted tennis court, fishing pier, beach and patio,
24-hour laundry facilities and sundry store on site. They offer complimentary: breakfast,daily
local newspaper, airport/area shuttle, covered parking and high-speed wireless and internet access.
There are restaurants nearby.

$67.67/night from their website
http://www.sailport.com/

$59/night from this website
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1560/taggroup./filtergroup

Tahitian Inn Hotel, Cafe & Spa
601 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33609 sales@tahitianinn.com
Phone: 813-877-6721 Toll-free: 800-876-1397 Fax: 813-877-6218

Located in South Tampa, Tahitian Inn Hotel Café & Spa has a 24-hour fitness facility with saunas, the Serenity Spa, heated pool with double hammocks,meeting/banquet rooms, 80 rooms & suites featuring kitchenettes, jacuzzi's and balconies. Children and pets are welcome. Each room has microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. The 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath Villas, have a living and dining area, kitchen, sunroom, Master Bedroom with bath,jacuzzi tub and shower,
two guestrooms with connecting bath, private elevator and two car garage. The Tahitian Café (now a full service restaurant and lounge), is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

They offer free shuttle service, and are 4 miles from Tampa International Airport and the Cruise Ships sailing from the Port of Tampa. Raymond James Stadium is only 3 miles and they are within 6 miles of downtown Tampa, The University of Tampa and the Channel side District.

$89 from this website
http://www.tahitianinn.com/

07/01/09-09/30/09
Summer Sizzler
Rates from $69 per night

Summer Sizzling rates; rates starting at $69 for up to 4 people per room. Rates are subject to availability. 15% off Serenity Spa services,2 for $20 Dinner Specials in Tahitian Cafe PROMO CODE: SUMMER
Disclaimer: Room Rates- based on availability; Serenity Spa - 15% discount valid one offer per guest, per day Tahitian Cafe - 2 for $20 Dinner Menu; includes appetizer. Limited one per day.
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.2274/taggroup./filtergroup.

GRAND HYATT TAMPA BAY
2900 Bayport Drive,Tampa, Florida, USA 33607
Tel: +1 813 874 1234 Fax: +1 813 207 6790

Grand Shopping Getaway
May 14, 2009 through December 31, 2009 - $159 per night
Package amenities include:
-One night deluxe accommodations in Bay View Room or Casita and breakfast for two
-Passport to Savings shopping discount card
-International Plaza Gift
-Exclusive "Gift with Purchase" offers
-Complimentary valet parking at the hotel and International Plaza
-Complimentary scheduled shuttle to International Plaza

For reservation call 813-207-6740 and ask for the International Plaza Shopping Rate. Applicable sales tax NOT included. Single or double occupancy only.
http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/scc/221.html

They provide 24-Hour business center/Wi-Fi/Fast BoardTM Concierge/Hyatt E-Concierge/Gift shop/florist/hair salon and massage services.
They offer complimentary shuttle to airport and to International Plaza and Bayside.

They have a lobby Bar/pool Bars, Award-Winning Armani's and Petey Browns restaurants.
They have an outdoor lap pool/free-form pool/whirlpool/24-hour Stay Fit gym/Fitness Concierge YogaAwayTM/two tennis courts/nature trail/Wildlife Estuary and shopping nearby.

They are near:Championship Golf/Legends Field/Ybor City/Raymond James Stadium/Gulf Beaches/Performing Arts Center/Busch Gardens/The Florida Aquarium.

The Staycations:

The first three have special package deals. All but one of these venues have meal availability on the premises. They all have gift shops and a variety of activities to suit different preferences.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
3000 E. Busch Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612
Toll-free: 888-800-5447

Thrilling rides, a natural habitat zoo featuring more than 2,000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games.

06/01/09-12/31/09
Buy a SeaWorld Orlando ticket; visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Aquatica for free!
Packages starting at $74.95 per person

Florida and Georgia resident exclusive offer: Buy a single-day general admission ticket to SeaWorld Orlando, get your choice of either a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Aquatica single-day visit free. Enjoy two parks, any two days! Ticket
prints as one ticket, scannable at SeaWorld Orlando and either Busch Gardens Tampa or Aquatica. Print at home available for same day entry. SeaWorld Orlando general admission: $74.95+tax adults, $64.95 + tax children ages 3-9

Guests will not have to select their free park visit choice at time of purchase, as ticket will scan the second free visit at their park of choice.

Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.641
http://worldsofdiscoverygetaways.com/

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Rd. Plant City, FL 33565
Phone: 813-717-9865 Fax: 813-707-9776

150 life-sized dinosaurs in an outdoor museum setting. Search for fossils to take home at the Fossil Dig. Visit an indoor dinosaur museum. Uncover bones at the Boneyard and the Skeleton Garden,watch films on dinosaurs or enjoy a picnic with dinosaurs. Pets welcome.

01/02/09-12/31/09
Free Dinosaur! Free dinosaur with purchase of admission

Free dinosaur for children 3 to 12 with full paid admission when accompanied by a paying adult. To redeem this deal, print this offer and present at front counter. Adult admission: $12.75; Children ages 3-12: $9.75. PROMO CODE: 50910 Must present printed deal at counter to redeem
dinosaurworld@netscape.com

Florida Resident Backyard Card Deal
Free child admission with purchase of adult admission

This deal is for one free child admission with each paid adult admission - only 1 free child admitted per paying adult.
florida@dinoworld.net
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1386

Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
$12.75 for adults - $9.75 for children ages 3 to 12 - $10.75 for seniors over 60- friendly pets on leashes - free!
Bring your own food and drink.There is a Gift Shop.

Adventure Island
10001 N. McKinley Dr. Tampa, FL 33612
Toll-free: 888-800-5447

Located across the street from Busch Gardens, with 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun this park features a combination of high-speed thrills and tropical surroundings for guests of all ages. In a Key West atmosphere there is a blend of slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, a wave pool, children's water playground and other family attractions. As Tampa's only waterpark, Adventure Island also features outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops and a championship sand volleyball area for hours of fun in the sun.

04/28/09-12/31/09
Worlds of Discovery Pick Two
Packages starting at $79.95 per person

Florida & Georgia Residents can pick 2 parks for only $79.95! Pick 2 parks from SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, and Adventure Island. Ticket allows two admissions (one park per day) to any combination of these parks.

E-Ticket allows you to print at home and go straight to the turnstiles.Tickets are Non-Transferable.
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.600

Hours:9:30am-6pm

The Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-273-4000

Florida Aquarium is one of the "top 5 kid-friendly aquariums in the country"!

Inside, have a virtual encounter with a dolphin in Ocean Commotion, see more than 30,000 aquatic plants and animals, from sharks to river otters, enjoy daily penguin promenades,behind-the-scenes tours, dive shows, close-up animal encounters and two touch-tanks for hands-on experiences. Certified SCUBA divers can Dive with the Sharks and the rest of us can Swim with the Fishes in the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef and come nose-to-nose with a green sea turtle while checking out the other 2,300 fish in clear waters.

Outside,splash the day away in the 2-acre outdoor children's play area, Explore a Shore, climb aboard a 24-foot pirate ship, fire water canons or just play in the water spouts with parents watching from the cool comfort of the full-service Cantina Bar and Grill. Gift Shop also available.
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1300/taggroup.Tampa/filtergroup.

General Admission
Adults $19.95 Seniors 60+ $16.95 Children under 12 $14.95 Children 2 & under Free
Ecotours
Adults $21.95 Seniors 60+ $19.95 Children under 12 $17.95 Children 2 & under Free
Aquarium/Ecotour Combo
Adults $35.95 Seniors 60+ $31.95 Children under 12 $27.95 Children 2 & under Free

Regular hours
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MOSI - Museum of Science & Industry
4801 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa, FL 33617
Phone: 813-987-6100 Toll-free: 800-995-MOSI Fax: 813-987-6310

"MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern U.S. and home of the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in Florida." Get blown away in the Gulf Coast Hurricane. Cruise the galaxy in the the Saunders Planetarium. Walk through the BioWorks Butterfly Garden or pedal a high wire bike three stories high above the MOSI grand lobby. Don't miss Kids In
Charge!, the" largest children's science center in the nation."
http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.603/taggroup./filtergroup

Adult-$23.95-Senior-60+-$21.9-Child-2-12-$19.95
There is a Cafe and Gift Shop.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Sources:

http://www.baybayou.com/

http://www.baybayou.com/BayBayou_SpecialsB.html

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1272/taggroup./filtergroup.

http://floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/default.cfm

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.48/taggroup./filtergroup

http://www.sailport.com/

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1560/taggroup./filtergroup

http://www.tahitianinn.com/

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.2274/taggroup./filtergroup.

http://www.grandtampabay.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/scc/221.html

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.641

http://worldsofdiscoverygetaways.com/

http://www.dinoworld.net/

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1386

http://www.adventureisland.com/ai2/

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.600

http://www.flaquarium.org/

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.1300/taggroup.Tampa/filtergroup.

http://www.mosi.org/

http://www.visitflorida.com/modules/listings/profile_page.php/listing.603/taggroup./filtergroup