Experience the Sunshine State at its Finest: Tampa

Florida's west coast is home to the vibrant city of Tampa. It is well known for its warm temperatures and stunning beaches, but it also has a thriving cultural scene with festivals, museums, and theaters. Tampa offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking. Come experience Tampa's magic for yourself!

On the Gulf Coast of Florida, Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay. It is a significant business hub and renowned for its cultural attractions, including museums. There are thrill rides and animal viewing areas at Busch Gardens, an amusement park with an African theme. A popular destination for dining and nightlife, the historic Ybor City neighborhood was built by Cuban and Spanish cigar factory workers at the turn of the 20th century. Tampa is known as the Cigar Capital of the World because this has played a significant role in the history of the city. Along with a zoo, an aquarium, a big cat rescue center, and public wildlife viewing areas, Tampa is a center for animal appreciation.

Like the majority of Florida destinations, it is practically impossible to visit Tampa's attractions and eat at its top restaurants without a car. In that case, CARWIZ, whose office is located at Tampa International Airport, can help you rent a car.

Tampa, though, is recognized for a lot more things. Numerous museums offer opportunities to learn about local history or art, and there are also outdoor attractions like Bayshore Boulevard. Whatever Tampa attractions you choose to visit, you'll get a taste of what makes the city so special.

Tampa Bay History Center

This is a fantastic museum to check out if you like history and learning about the area. It is Tampa's top cultural attraction and features outstanding interactive exhibits that engage visitors and make learning enjoyable, as well as first-rate rotating galleries. You could easily spend a few hours here learning about the Native Americans, pirates, and European settlers who explored Florida's coast and the history of Tampa and how it developed into a modern-day city. 

Tampa Riverwalk

On your first day in Tampa, you can explore the attractions on foot, by bicycle, or by taking the Pirate Water Taxi. There will be many of them, and you'll be spending a lot of time having fun. You should head to the riverwalk to start your day in Tampa. In the heart of Tampa Bay, 2.6 miles of a pedestrian and bicycle path follow the Hillsborough River. There are lots of parks, museums, and open areas to explore, and the Tampa Riverwalk is the ideal place to watch the sunrise or sunset. The Tampa Riverwalk extends all the way to Tampa Bay's shores, where the well-known Bayshore Boulevard borders it. You can bike or stroll along this 4.5-mile-long pedestrian path in South Tampa at dusk or dawn. It is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors to Tampa Bay.

Ybor City

As we've already mentioned, Tampa is known for its vibrant Ybor City neighborhood, which is known for its fun boutiques and place in the hand-rolled cigar industry. Ybor City was the center of the cigar industry in Tampa when it first began to grow. Visit the Ybor City State Museum if you want to learn more about the area's history. You can hop from store to store in Ybor City these days because there are so many hip restaurants and little boutiques. The bars and clubs, which draw both locals and visitors, are worth checking out if you visit in the evening. 

ZooTampa

Animal preservation, protection, and (when necessary) rehabilitation are the goals of ZooTampa, a renowned zoo with Lowry Park as its home. There is a good reason why this is one of Florida's most well-known landmarks. Currently, over 1,000 animals are living in the zoo, each with a unique habitat that draws inspiration from and is modeled after a different region of the world. Along with the animal habitats, the museum hosts special events all year long and provides encounters, tours, keeper talks, and encounters. The keeper talks are particularly appreciated since they allow viewers to learn more about the animals and ask specific questions. This is a wonderful Tampa activity if you have kids visiting.

Gastronomy

You will definitely want to return for more meals thanks to the delicious menu choices offered by Ybor City's restaurants. There is always a new flavor to savor and another favorite dish to be discovered, whether you prefer traditional dining or eclectic eateries. No matter what you're craving, fill up on everything Ybor City has to offer. Many restaurants in Ybor City feature their own rendition of the Cuban sandwich. While the original recipe is subject to much debate, what is known is that it was a signature dish for the original residents who worked in Tampa’s cigar factories. Each year, restaurants from all over Florida congregate in Ybor City for the Cuban Sandwich Festival to compete for the title of "king of Cuban sandwiches."