What to do in Tampa?

[nickiefriend]

We are thinking about flying into Tampa to stay an extra 3 days prior to our cruise. We are staying at Chase Suites in Rocky Point. What is there to do in Tampa? We can rent a car, but I would rather not spend a boat load of money there considering we are going to be on the cruise later.

 

DH is not interested in Busch Gardens, so that is not an option.

 

Thanks

[van buren girl]

there is a zoo and an aquarium havent been yet but they look great online:rolleyes:

[andrzej5914]

Historic Ybor City for a night out. Bunch of restaurants and nightclubs.

 

Expensive but well worth every penny, Bern's Steakhouse. One of the best in the country.

 

Tampa Museum of Art

Salvador Dali Museum

Museum of Science and Industry

Big Cat Rescue

Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa Aquarium

 

etc, etc.....

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Hop on I-275 and take it over the Howard Franklin bridge into St.Pete. Follow the interstate to the Pinellas Bayway exit and visit Ft.Desoto Park. Beautiful beaches, the fort, kayak, canoe and bike rentals, snack bar and gift shops plus some of the best shelling around. There are many out of the way beach areas so it is not overcrowded like many of the other public beaches in the area; especially if you go during the week. There is a $5 per car admission. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm There is a Subway and a 7-11 on the entrance way to the park. If you have a small cooler, you could pack a few drinks and a sandwich or two.

 

 

The St.Pete Pier is also another great place to visit. Take the same directions as above but exit at downtown St.Pete and follow the signs to the Pier. There is an aquarium, restaurants, a food court, shops, Dolphin watch boat tours, fishing, bike rentals etc...... Parking $3 The aquarium $5 Pier entrance is free. http://www.stpetepier.com/ Also located near the pier are a few museums, The Dali and the Chihouly. Discount tickets are available at the Pier guest services desk.

 

 

Another really cool place is the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. It is located on the Pinellas beaches and is free but they do ask for a small donation to help out the birds. It is a great place to visit. Here is a link for more info. Just take the same directions over the bridge and exit at the Redington Beach exit and follow Ulmerton Rd all the way out to Redington Beach.

http://www.seabirdsanctuary.com/

 

 

If you want shopping, restaurants and boardwalk type entertainment, visit John's Pass Village. Right off of Treasure Island-Maderia Beach. They also offer afternoon and evening Dolphin watch or sunset beach cruises. They are pretty resonably priced too.

http://www.johnspass.com/

 

 

The above is just a small sampling of some unique things to do in the Tampa Bay area that will not cost you a fistfull of cash.

 

 

Have a great time and a great cruise.

[tampabrat22]

At the port aka Channelside, there are shops, restaurants, bars and for some fun there is Splitsville. There is the trolley that can take you from the downtown area to Ybor city. Lots of shops, bars & restaurants there too and there is an Improv if you are into comedy shows.

 

If you are more into nature and are looking for something like that, we have a lot of beautiful parks, beaches and scenic areas. You will be in a nice area and there is a lot to do out there as well, sorry don't know to much about it because I'm on the east side of Tampa.

[jayslilprnces]

These are great ideas, I love the one about the comedy club!

[fi'fi]

there is a zoo and an aquarium havent been yet but they look

 

 

 

Things to Do Before or After Your Cruise

 

There are a wide array of things to do and see before you embark on your cruise (or after you disembark). Adjacent to the port is Channelside which has it all — cinemas, IMAX theater, restaurants and unique shopping.

Anchoring the Port and Channelside is The Florida Aquarium. The waterfront Aquarium stands out as an architectural marvel, but it is what is inside that will keep you entertained and cool before or after you set sail.

 

If you still have extra time on your hands, hop aboard one of Tampa's electric streetcars. The streetcars offer a step back in time for a charming bit of nostalgia and the short round trip to Ybor City, one of Tampa's most historic areas, is memorable as well. There you will find additional shopping and dining experiences.

 

If you want to plan more than a day to stay and play, the Tampa Bay area offers plenty of other adventures as well. Tampa is home to Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo and the Museum of Science and Industry. Of course, just a few miles away are some of Florida's best Gulf beaches.

[Capt_BJ]

staying for a few days - I'd say you want a car

 

and at least one day you want a road trip and I'd second the recommendation to head south to the entrance to Tampa Bay at Ft Desoto .... and on the way back slide over to Pass a Grill Beach and have a grouper samich at the Hurricane ....

 

http://www.thehurricane.com/index.php

[nautica34]

I recommend Tarpon Springs which is about 40 minutes from Tampa. Tarpon is known for the sponge docks Greek food. of links www.spongedocks.net http://ctsfl.us/.

 

For something closer, Honeymoon Island is beautiful with beaches and nature trails. From there you could also take a ferry to Caledesi Island. Honeymoon has some great shelling. http://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland/default.cfmhttp://www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland/