Additional Coverage:
- I’ve lived in Tampa for 19 years. Here are 6 of the best things to do when visiting this part of Florida. (businessinsider.com)
Tampa Bay: A Local’s Guide to Unique Florida Adventures
After 19 years of calling Tampa home, I’ve discovered that the Gulf Coast offers much more than just beaches. The Tampa Bay area is brimming with opportunities to connect with nature and experience the local culture.
Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin quarter, once held the title of “Cigar Capital of the World.” Today, visitors can tour the J.C.
Newman Cigar Company’s El Reloj factory, the last remaining cigar factory operating in the US. Ybor City is also known for its vibrant nightlife, Cuban heritage, and delicious cuisine.
Be sure to try an authentic Cuban sandwich at La Segunda Bakery or the Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant.
Every January, Tampa hosts the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, a lively celebration featuring a parade of over 100 floats and a fully-rigged pirate ship, all in honor of the mythical pirate José Gaspar.
Just an hour north of Tampa, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers a unique experience. Visitors can watch captivating mermaid shows in an underwater theater fed by natural springs. Kayaking down the Weeki Wachee River is another highlight, with opportunities for manatee sightings.
During the winter months, manatees seek refuge in the warm waters discharged by the Tampa Electric power station in Apollo Beach. The Manatee Viewing Center provides boardwalk trails for observing these gentle giants from November through mid-April, free of charge.
Experiencing Tampa from the water offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. Options include the Pirate Water Taxi, a dining cruise, or even a pirate ship adventure aboard The Lost Pearl.
Across the bay in St. Petersburg, art enthusiasts can explore the immersive FloridaRAMA museum. This interactive wonderland celebrates local folklore with playful exhibits centered around the retro-futuristic Mermaid Star Motel.