Missing the sun these days? If you’re looking to escape our cold New England winters, Florida’s west coast offers a chance to enjoy warmer climates, and Tampa is a great hub for your visit. Located on the Hillsborough River, Tampa provides historical, cultural, and recreational opportunities for everyone.
Tampa was originally settled by indigenous peoples, before Spanish explorers and American military troops arrived and set up outposts. Once Florida entered the United States, development grew, and Tampa quickly emerged as a tourist destination and major mining and shipping hub in the 19th century.
Today, Tampa is home to the University of Southern Florida, a thriving business community, and plenty of palmettos.
Downtown Tampa is ringed by the 2.6-mile Riverwalk, linking major points of interest with a paved, expansive footpath that opened in 2020. The Riverwalk lets visitors get up close to the river and provides easy access to some of the city’s top destinations, including the Tampa Bay History Center, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Tampa Theater, a 100-year-old atmospheric movie palace.
The Riverwalk is well-lit, safe, and frequently traveled, making it easy to move between destinations.
Another way to get around is Tampa’s heritage streetcar system. The adorable yellow streetcars are free and shuttle passengers between downtown and the city’s historic district, hitting several destinations along the way, including Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Service runs every 15 minutes, and runs late hours for visitors enjoying the city’s nightlife.
Speaking of nightlife, some of the best is found in Ybor City. By day, this historic neighborhood proudly tells the story of how Tampa became known as the Cigar City; Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants flocked to the city in the late 19th century, producing half a billion cigars per year and shaping a unique culture and cuisine.
You can’t leave Florida without enjoying a Cubano sandwich and some strong Cuban coffee. Keep an eye out for the neighborhood’s famous residents — free roaming chickens descended from livestock of the city’s original immigrant farmers that are now protected by city statute.
Be sure to stop by the Florida Aquarium for a look at the creatures that call Florida home. The 250,000 square foot aquarium provides an immersive look at diverse local fauna through interactive exhibits. The coral reef habitat features magnificent sea turtles, lurking sand tiger sharks, and thousands of brilliant fish. A stingray touch tank and tidal pool lets visitors have a hands-on encounter with curious creatures.
A highlight is the Wetlands Trail, enclosed in an 80-foot glass biodome. Conservation takes a center stage as visitors get up close and personal with native ducks, otters, alligators, fish, and more.
Tampa is a vibrant city with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If your travels take you to Florida’s west coast, be sure to see what this riverside city has to offer.