| Tampa Bay is ideally located on Florida's West Coast, and features miles of glistening waterways and sandy shorelines. Its central location provides easy access to the nearby Gulf beaches and surrounding areas. Tampa's waterfront consists of Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay, as well as the beautiful Hillsborough and Alafia rivers and several area lakes.
With Tampa as your primary destination, you can easily reach other cities for day-trips and planned excursions. Clearwater and St. Petersburg are a short 23 miles to the west, Sarasota is 61 miles southwest, and Orlando is 82 miles to the east. Tampa is Florida's third most populous city with more than 300,000 residents.
In Tampa Bay you don't have to look too far for adventure. Packed with excitement, the Bay area offers visitors an explosion of educational, entertaining and cultural attractions. With family venues such as zoos, aquariums and theme parks and a climate that allows for outdoor activities like beach-going and canoeing year-round, it's no wonder families love Tampa Bay. The area is home to such favorites as Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Museum of Science & Industry and Lowry Park Zoo.
Arts, Culture, History
 The abundance of natural beaches, lakes and rivers greatly adds to the Tampa Bay area's overall appeal. Crowded cities and busy roads seem miles away when you paddle down the scenic Hillsborough River. Snorkeling, diving, sailing, fresh or saltwater fishing, kayaking, chartering a sunset cruise or simply spreading out a towel and unpacking a picnic lunch can be enjoyed almost every day of the year.
Climate
Tampa Bay's weather is a combination of bright sunny days tempered by gentle bay breezes. In the spring and fall, the days are pleasantly warm, while the evenings can be a bit cooler. Warmer temperatures and quick afternoon showers characterize the summer months. The average annual temperature in Tampa is a comfortable 72 degrees.
Major Attractions
| Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |
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| Historic Ybor City |
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| St. Pete Times Forum |
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| Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center |
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| Lowry Park Zoo |
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| Museum of Science & Industry |
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| The Florida Aquarium |
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| Adventure Island |
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| Salvador Dali Museum |
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| Florida International Museum |
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| Historic Bok Sanctuary |
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| Fantasy of Flight |
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| Tampa Museum of Art |
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| Henry B. Plant Museum |
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| Hillsborough River State Park |
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| Centro Ybor |
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| Channelside |
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| International Plaza and Bay Street |
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The month I spent in Easton, Massachusetts, at the Stonehill College was cool! I made friends from all over the world and went to many places with them. I liked specially our soccer games and the trips to Boston. I also enjoyed the weekend in New York City!
gatesix