visiting Tampa area

Hello from Delaware! I will be visiting the Tampa area in January. Are there any "must see" places that I should visit? Thanks! Deb

Busch Gardens

Bern's Steakhouse

The Columbia Restaurant. Be sure to eat some cuban bread and find some deviled crabs, both are unique to Tampa. You will find cuban bread other places but it is not like the cuban bread you get in Tampa.

hormossa state park... about 1 hour drive from TAmpa... incredible way to see manatees up close and personal. I've never enjoyed any manatee related activity like this before! ! ! On top of that, there is an incredible little zoo as part of the exhibits--complete with Florida panther! and a great exhibit of the special plants of Florida. Then...driving back down from there... go to TARPON SPRINGS - what used to be a Greek Fishing/Diving for Natural sponges community. There is still a lot of that--but it is JAM PACKED with all sorts of great little ethnic Greek shops, restaurants and you can take a great dolphin boat ride.

Visit Ybor City, in the daytime for a look at the old cigar factories, and at night on the weekend, if you like to party. If you like artsy things, visit Old Hyde Park village. The sponge docks at Tarpon Springs, is a nice place to visit for a slice of the greek life. There is definately plenty to see, come visit us. Steve