Car Hire Tampa - Mini guide to Tampa
Nestled on the Gulf coast of Florida is the flourishing city of Tampa, with its varied range of inhabitants forming distinct communities. The city is lively and stimulating, and here you'll find first-class museums, fine cultural events, amazing theme parks and, of course, beautiful sun-soaked beaches and shimmering waterways.
Spanning the scenic Hillsborough River and lovely coastline of Tampa Bay, Tampa is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, or partaking in the many water sports available, including scuba diving. Another way to see some underwater life is to visit the Florida Aquarium. Located to the east of the downtown area, it houses themed exhibits ranging from a wetlands display to a coral reef vibrant with colour. It is even possible to pet a baby shark at the aquarium, or swim with bigger sharks.
Just five kilometres north of Tampa, Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park featuring a few heart-stopping rollercoasters and a myriad of other rides. It is also one of the largest zoos in the country, with several thousand animals roaming in natural landscapes, reminiscent of the grassy African plains.
The Museum of Science and Industry will keep kids busy with an array of hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theatre. Alternatively, the Tampa Museum of Art is located in the centre of the downtown area and houses an impressive collection of artwork, Roman and Greek antiques, plusand a wide selection of sculptures and photography.
Ybor City, where party-goers from around the region gather for fun-filled nights, was once the Cuban cigar-making capital of America. Some cigar factories still operate here today, while others have been converted into restaurants, bars, shopping malls and breweries.
The Ybor City State Museum is housed in a converted bakery building and displays numerous photographs of factory interiors and century-old streetscapes. Ybor City's famous energetic nightlife is concentrated around Ybor Square and 7th Avenue East, with good food and a great variety of music dominating the scene.
The major suburbs in Tampa are: Brandon, Davis Islands, Del Rio, Gary, Harney, Orient Park, Seffner, Temple Terrace, West Park and Ybor City.
