What to Do when You Visit Tampa Bay, Florida

When visiting the western coast of Florida, there is a variety of memorable attractions to see, both man-made and natural. Here are some of the most popular sites to see in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties:

Hillsborough County/ Tampa area attractions

Ybor City

This is a quaint old village that started by an enterprising Cuban immigrant in 1885, as the home of cigar manufacturing factories and its workers. It is a National Historic Landmark District, and is the hub of a national park, museum, restaurants, night clubs and many other interesting venues for the whole family. The Columbia Restaurant there is a place offering great Spanish food and Flamenco dancers. If you're there around Halloween, go to the Latin-influenced Guavaween celebration. It is a popular area event, a huge street party for everyone who loves to have fun.

Busch Gardens

For those who love amusement parks, this one is a wonderful way to spend a day. A colorful and large place, full of fun for everyone. There are rides, a zoo, daily shows, shopping, restaurants and much more.

Pinellas County attractions:

John's Pass

This lovely area is a hub of things to do on the waterfront, between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. Here, you can shop till you drop, take a tour on a pirate ship, go deep sea fishing or parasailing, board a gambling boat or charter a sailboat. There are wonderful seafood restaurants in the area, too.

Clearwater Beach

If you love a big beach with gorgeous white sand, sunshine and a great pier to walk on, this is the place to go. Tourists come here from all over the world to have fun in the sun, from boating, parasailing to swimming in the beautiful water.

Fort DeSoto Park

This beach has a laid-back, peaceful feel to it, and has previously been voted the best beach in the United States in 2005. There is a campground, boat launching facilities and much more. If you like watching sunsets, this is the place to do it. This is a very beautiful, natural place.

Sunken Gardens

This century-old botanical garden is a nature lover's paradise, yet is very close to downtown St. Petersburg. Here you can walk in an enclosed butterfly garden, tour the lovely grounds and take photos of big, sprawling Live Oaks, orchids and other exotic plants and attend different public events. This is a memorable place that is fun for anyone who likes a peaceful walk in nature. Just outside the park are a variety of excellent restaurants and coffeehouses, when you want to re-join civilization.

The Tampa Bay region of Florida is full of fun for everyone, young or old. For more ideas, go to www.tbo.com or visit the American Automobile Club (AAA) in downtown St. Petersburg to get free brochures of these and other area attractions. People here are hospitable, and the list of things to do grows daily. Enjoy the variety of events, attractions and sports. You'll go home tan, refreshed and happy, guaranteed.