Guide To Tampa Bay Events and Activities
Aside from the many things to see and do
year-round, Tampa Bay's annual hometown events are among
the most memorable ways to see Tampa Bay. The Gasparilla
irate Fest, a tradition since 1904, is one of the country's
largest and most unique outdoor celebrations. Every
January, the mayor of Tampa gives up the key to the city to
friendly pirate invaders as the celebration continues down
Tampa's famed Bayshore Boulevard on festive parade floats.
Each February, the Florida State Fair
arrives, a century-old annual showcase of the region's
fascinating agricultural industry, presenting music, exhibits,
rides and games to entertain those of all ages. Another
taste of the area's history is the Florida Strawberry Festival,
a March celebration filled with gala events and competitions,
music and midway rides, and abundance of strawberry delicacies
dating back to 1930.
For thrilling sports action, get wrapped
up in the big hits of Tampa Bay Buccaneers football, or get
thunderstruck by Tamp Bay's own Lightning for excitement on the
ice. Get up close with the Yankees during spring training, or
get in some playtime of your own on one of Tampa Bay's
acclaimed golf courses.
There area variety of spirited or
relaxing pursuits to create your ideal vacation getaway.
Get out on Tampa Bay for boating, fishing and water sports.
Experience the sate-of-the-art exhibits at MOSI. Hold on
tight for the thrilling theme park rides of Busch Gardens, or
explore the wild at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo.
Tampa Trio Pass - Florida Aquarium, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and MOSI
General admission to The Florida Aquarium, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo and the Museum of Science and Information (MOSI). Visit viator.com for details.
By evening, experience the character of
the historic Latin Quarter. Take the streetcar to
Channelside for delectable waterfront dining and specialty
retailers, then relax on a moonlit dinner cruise. To find
out more about where to stay, dine, unwind and have fun on your
Tampa Bay vacation , as well as comprehensive information about
the area, local events and attractions, see below:
Mapping Your Activities While Vacationing in the
Tampa Bay area:
Caladesi Island Adventure
This boat departs from the Honeymoon Island
Recreation Area at the west end of the Dunedin Causeway, State Road 586,
(727) 734-5263. Here you can enjoy three miles of uncrowded white
sandy beach with good shelling, tree-shaded picnic areas, a three-mile nature
trail and many other amenities. Escorted island tours are available.
The boat departs every half hour beginning at 10am (seasonally adjusted).
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, (727)441-1790. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to
the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals, as well as the environmental
education of the public. They offer "see,
touch and learn" classes and exhibits, in addition to marine biology summer camps. The stingray, beach and mangrove sea grass
exhibits are open daily.
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813)273-4000.
The area's largest aquarium with sections focusing focusing on
wetlands, bays and beaches, invertebrates, coral reefs and general ocean
life plus Explore A Shore water play area.
Pier Aquarium
800 Second Ave., downtown St. Petersburg. A
not-for-profit marine education center located on the second floor of the The
Pier, the Aquarium provides exciting exhibits, guided tours, educational
activities and information relating to the marine environment. It is
staffed by marine scientists from University of South Florida (USF), Eckerd
College and St. Petersburg College.
Sunken Gardens
1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg. The
four-acre tropical garden features cascading waterfalls, flowing ponds, lush
tropical displays and exotic birds. They also have a great gift shop for
purchasing unique gifts.
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