Things to do in Tampa

Bush Gardens

If you want to enjoy the fun of a theme park without the mind-numbing drive to Orlando, Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay is where you want to be.

Busch Gardens offers something for everyone. If you’re an adrenaline-junkie who loves roller coasters, you’re in luck, because Busch Gardens offers an assortment of them, along with the new Shekria, which takes you on a wild ride with twists, turns and a 90 degree drop! And for those who want a bit of a break from Florida’s scorching summers, be sure to hop on one of their many water rides to cool down.

If rides aren’t your thing, check out some of the shows that Busch Gardens has to offer. Wild animals are abundant throughout the park, with a bird aviary, zebras, hippos, giraffes, lions, monkeys and more; you may even feel as though you’re right in the heart of Africa.

Food and beverages are reasonably priced within the park, and multi-day discounts are available, which is a great things since you can’t possibly squeeze everything the park has to offer into just one day.

Tampa Lowry Park Zoo

Voted the “#1 Zoo in the U.S.” by Parents Magazine (2009) and Child Magazine (2004), Tampa’s very own Lowry Park Zoo is the home to more than 2,000 animals in 56 acres of exotic natural habitats.

The Zoo is made up of seven exhibit areas: Asian Gardens, Primate World, Manatee and Aquatic Center, Florida Wildlife Center, Free-Flight Aviary, Wallaroo Station Children’s Zoo and Safari Africa .

Asian Gardens: Malayan tapirs, tigers, komodo dragons, Lorikeet Free Flight Aviary (feeding allowed), Indian rhino, sloth bears, babirusa pigs, Asian python, anoa, the Sulawesi Aviary and clouded leopard. Safari Africa: African elephants, giraffe (feeding allowed), Grant’s zebra, Grevy’s Zebras, African penguins, white rhinos, flamingos. The “Ituri Forest” area in Safari Africa opened in 2007 and is named after a deep jungle in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This area features cheetahs, striped hyenas, red river hogs, pygmy hippos, shoebill storks, ring-tailed lemurs, greater African flamingos, great white pelicans and okapis.

Florida Wildlife Center: Bald eagles, whooping cranes, deer, black bear, red wolves, skunks, Florida panther, crocodiles, alligators, flamingos, and river otters. The zoo is the only wildlife center in the world where you can find the most comprehensive collection of Florida’s endangered native species.

Manatee & Aquatic Center: Has the famous manatee & aquatic center with manatees, aquariums, reptiles and sting rays. The zoo’s David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital is the only non-profit manatee hospital in the world specifically dedicated to the treatment of sick, injured and orphaned manatees.

Free Flight Aviary: A sub-tropic rainforest with over 200 species of birds from around the world.

Primate World: Habitats include chimpanzees, siamangs, orangutans, colobus monkeys, marmosets, lemurs, mandrills and Guenon.

Wallaroo Station: The zoo’s four-and-a-half acre Australian themed children’s zoo features Eastern gray kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies, ponies (Pony Trek ride), llamas, goats (petting area), New Guinea singing dogs, flying fox bats, emus, laughing kookaburra and koala.

Families can get hands-on at interactive exhibits like giraffe and white rhino feeding, Stingray Bay, the Kangaroo Walkabout, Lorikeet Landing and a petting zoo.

There are also a variety of rides for everyone, like The Safari Ride, Treetop Skyfari Skyride, Jungle Carousel, Camel Safari and Gator Falls water flume ride, and the kids will love cooling off in the zoo’s many water play areas.

Bayshore Boulevard

Bayshore Boulevard is located in South Tampa right next to Tampa General Hospital, connecting to downtown Tampa. It is a long, scenic and winding sidewalk along the bay. Many locals Rollerblade, bike, walk, run and jog the trail, in fact, it’s been rated as one of the nation’s top running paths. It’s great for anyone who wants to get a good workout or just take time to enjoy the water and spectacular homes along Bayshore Boulevard.

Hyde Park

This quaint and historic community is tucked away just south of downtown, deep in the heart of old Tampa. As one of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods, Hyde Park showcases beautiful pre-1940′s architecture in styles such as Queen Anne, Tudor, Classical, Colonial and other revival styles. The homes themselves are a shining example of old Tampa’s classic charm. In fact, Walt Disney Co. executives toured Hyde Park in the hopes of duplicating the unique designs when the company was planning its first housing development. Many of the homes in Hyde Park have been carefully restored and renovated and the Hyde Park Village offers more than 50 upscale shops, restaurants, and movie theaters. The Village resembles a European promenade, with tree-lined streets, colorful awnings, patio restaurants, and lush parks. The community dates back to 1879, and picturesque street lamps further add to its vintage charm.