Tampa Bay Area Attractions
Welcome to Tampa Bay! While we realize that most skaters attending regionals will mostly be here to compete, we also recognize that some skaters and their families may be planning to combine a little vacation time while here in the Tampa Bay area.. In case you staying a few extra days or can fit some fun into your busy competition schedule, we invite you to look over the information on this page. This a small sampling of places of interest in the area. With an abundance of activities and places to go, there's more to do in Tampa Bay than lay on the beach (but, hey, that's not such a bad idea either!).
Busch Gardens, Tampa - 3605 E. Bougainvillea Ave,. Tampa 888-800-5447. Thrill to several wild rollercoasters, including the recently opened Sheikra, Florida's tallest rollercoaster that also has the distinction of being the tallest dive rollercoaster in the world. Since you'll be here the week before Halloween, Busch Gardens will be holding it's special annual event Howl-O-Scream - "For 17 select nights, Howl-O-Scream plays upon your darkest fears with a nightmarish mix of favorite frights and terrifying new twists. This year, your childhood fears don’t go away. They just get worse." And don't forget, there's plenty of African "wild life" to see with all the park's animals. For more information, visit the park's web site at: http://buschgardens.com/buschgardens/fla/default.aspx
Adventure Island Water Park - Adjacent to Busch Gardens. Prepare to get wet with 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun. With the ultimate combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings, there's something for everyone to have a full day of fun. Web site: http://buschgardens.com/adventure_island/fla/default.aspx
Honeymoon Island & Caladesi State Park - closest beach to the Tampa Bay Skating Club. Located at the extreme west end of State Road 586, north of Dunedin. (Head west on Tampa Rd and follow the signs to Dunedin beaches.) Swim & relax on the beach at Honeymoon Island or take a ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island to Caladesi's 3-mile beach that ranks as the 4th best in the nation. Kayak, swim or fish in the warm blue water of the Gulf of Mexico. For information about the Caladesi Connection Ferry Service please call 727-734-1501. www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland
Florida Aquarium - 701 Channelside Drive. Tampa 813-273-4000. View over 10,000 aquatic animals and plants from around the world. www.flaquarium.org
Ybor City - historic Latin Quarter of Tampa where Cuban immigrants moved to work in Tampa's cigar industry. Comes alive at night with over 60 restaurants, bars & nightclubs, located along 7th Avenue. During the day, one can take a walking tour of the area, visit the Ybor City State Museum, see cigars rolled by hand and shop in antique, vintage clothing & moderns shops. Location of the famed original Columbia Restaurant opened since 1905. Web sites: Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Ybor Times, Centro Ybor
Tarpon Springs - Largest Greek community in the U.S. See real sea sponges, enjoy delicious Greek cuisine, nature cruises & sponge diving cruises available. Located northwest of Oldsmar. Take Tampa Road west to US Hwy 19, turn right and go north to Keystone Rd (Tarpon Ave). turn left and follow signs to Sponge docks. http://www.tarponsprings.com/
Salvador Dali Museum - 1000 3rd St, Downtown St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767 www.salvadordalimuseum.org
Pat Buckley Moss Gallery - 1001 4th St N, St Petersburg (artist who has painted Amish skater prints)
Lowry Park Zoo - 1101 W Sligh Avenue, Tampa (Take exit 42 off I-275). http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/
International Plaza & Bay Street - Upscale mall anchored by Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus. Bay Street restaurant complex includes Cheesecake Factory, Bamboo Club Asian Bistro, Gallery Eclectic Bistro, Toojays and many more restaurants and bars. Located east of the Tampa International Airport at Lois & Boyscout Roads. http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/index.html
Channelside - Restaurant & entertainment complex located next to the St. Pete Times Forum, on Channelside Dr, Tampa. Stumps Supper Club, Splitsville Bowling, Tina's Tapas, Banana Joe's Island Party, Channelside Cinemas & more. http://www.channelside.com/
BayWalk - Dining, shopping & entertainment complex. Located at the corner of 2nd Ave N. & 2nd Street N., Downtown St. Petersburg. http://www.baywalkstpete.com/
International Plaza & Bay Street - Upscale mall anchored by Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus. Bay Street restaurant complex includes Cheesecake Factory, Bamboo Club Asian Bistro, Gallery Eclectic Bistro, Toojays and many more restaurants and bars. Located east of the Tampa International Airport at Lois & Boyscout Roads. http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/index.html
Fort DeSoto Park - 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. Tierra Verde 727-582-2267 - Ranked #2in the country by "Dr. Beach," Fort DeSoto is a barrier island and 900-acre park. Directions: From Interstate 275, take Exit 17(Pinellas Bayway) west to S.R.679. Turn left on S.R.679 and the road ends in the park. Bridge tolls are $.85. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
Visit Tampa Bay.com - collection of information to plan your visit to the Tampa Bay area.
For a local's perspective on Tampa Bay with more listings of places of interest, visit the IGOUGO travel web site and search for travels journals by jmatlock.
(not available yet)