Tampa & me

That was my first flight journey to Tampa, Sunshine State on

September 2007. I still feel fresh when I think about my journey. It’s a very nice place to live and had loads of fun. I have lots of good memories connected to this place. This place has got some of the country’s most stunning amusement parks, Zoo, Muesium, Aquarium  and some wonderful beaches. Here is some info that I believe useful for those who travel here. The best mode of transportation in Tampa is by your own vehicle. If you don’t have one, you can also rent it from the car rental place like Alamo, Enterprise, etc.,. The first thing that will come to your mind will be the Busch Gardens, which has some of the best rides, exotic animals, exhilarating shows and beautiful landscaping seamlessly integrated into one great getaway of theme park. Ticket reservations can be done online.

If you are done with the theme park, want to sit and relax, watch a sunrise or sunset, the best place is The Cleanwater Beach, which is 20 minutes drive from Tampa, which has a beautiful sunset pier to enjoy. Its one of the best beaches with ongoing activities like painting, tattooing, crafting, magic shows happening all thru the weekends. One of the best things not to miss is some of the finest display by caricaturists and jugglers. Adventure lovers can have lots of fun with the range of water sports available there.

Ybor City,  In the middle of the busy downtown you can find this historical place. It’s a very unique experience to see the new age buses and the old world trams running on the same road. If you are there in Tampa by October, then Guavaween Festival in Ybor City, one of Tampa Bay's largest annual festivals, is a must to watch.
 
Lowry park Zoo, was voted the NO.1 Family Friendly Zoo in the US by Child Magazine, and is recognized by the State of Florida as the center for Florida wildlife conservation. This zoo has many rides  children's, including a merry go round, "Flying Bananas", pony and camel rides, a mini-roller coaster, and a sky ride.There are more than 2,000 animals, housed in lush natural habitats, representing 330 species on 41 acres, including manatees, an aviary and a children's zoo.These are the animalyou can watch in the zoo Clouded Leopards, Tigers, Bears, Tapirs, Sloth Bears, Palm cockatoos, Kookaburra, Goats, Wallabies and Kangaroos, Elephants, Zebras, Warthogs, Antelope, Crowned Cranes, Cheetahs, Pygmy Hippos.

The Florida Aquarium, It is a large scale aquarium and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The facility is home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world. The facility is located in the Channel District of Downtown Tampa.

Special programs are available for those adventuresome types:

• Swim with the Fishes, Kids and adults six and up can swim in the 500,000 gallon coral reef tank with special scuba gear.
• Dive with Shark, The new shark experience features the chance for certified divers to dive in the shark tank. It's a great adventure and the program is designed to dispel many of the shark myths and to replace their fears with fascination and respect.
• Dolphin Quest Eco-Tours, Aquarium visitors can complement their indoor experience with a venture out on the water to explore Tampa Bay on a 64-foot catamaran. While touring visitors may encounter wildlife — birds, manatees, dolphins and native fish in their natural settings.

MOSI(Museum Of Science & Industry ),   is located in north Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., across from the USF Sun Dome, and just one mile from Busch Gardens.

Check-in:

Being a tourist centric city, Tampa has abundant hotel to have a comfort stay. Find below some of the best that I know of. 

Marriot, Hilton, Choice hotel International, La Quinta Suites, Hamilton inn and suites, Doubletree hotel

Food and Wine:

We can find all type of food and restaurants in Tampa. The most famous Indian food restaurants are Cilantro Indian Cuisine, Taj Indian Cuisine and Mayuri. We can also find some of the best American food in Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesday, Wings Spot, Red Lobster etc.,. Italian food in Olive gardens tastes good and Greek in Acropolis.

If you are done with the food and want to enjoy the friday nights in the casino, this is the best place to check in. The Hard Rock Casino,Channelside Bay plaza.

Movie Theaters:

We can find lot of theaters like AMC Theaters, Channel side cinemas IMAX and Muvico Theaters. 

Shopping News:

After all the fun and relaxed boardwalk on the beaches, I think its time for some shopping. There are some of the great shopping spots in Tampa, like the University mall, Prime Outlet Ellenton, Westfield Brandon, International Plaza and Bay Street.






 
Attraction:

Orlando is a major city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the 27th largest metropolitan area in the United States. A vital part of the Orlando area economy is involved in the tourist industry. It is home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Sea World Orlando. 

Universal Orlando Resort:

Universal Orlando is located south of the International Drive resort area, on a piece of land framed by Interstate 4 to the south, Kirkman Road to the east, and Vineland Road to the north, and Turkey Lake Road to the west. The resort is directly accessible from I-4 via Exit 74B, which empties eastbound onto Universal Boulevard and westbound onto Hollywood Way.

If you think you want to have some more fun in theme park, this is the right place to be. This place got one of the best theme parks and the most famous Resort, largest property owned by Universal Studios Theme Parks .Universal studios is more than a theme park. It's an entire universe of action and thrills featuring two spectacular theme parks,

• Universal Studios Florida Theme Park
• Universal's Islands of Adventure Theme Park 

The universal studio has more than 25 amazing rides. The Incredible Hulk, The Revenge of the Mummy are the most famous rides. You can experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure .They do have many shows for kids and live music shows at both their  parks. At both theme parks everybody can share unforgettable experiences. You can have the ultimate adventure with your kids. You also have place to dine in and relax by the pool in a beautiful Florida setting. Red Coconut Club, Jimmy Buffett and the groove are some of the most famous bar and Nightclub in the theme park.You can also get benefit buying the ticket one line.

Each spring Universal Studios throws the biggest Mardi Gras celebration outside of the Big Easy with live concerts, parades, beads, and authentic Cajun food. The Summer Concert Series brings some of the biggest names in music to Universal's Music Plaza. In the autumn, you can enjoy Rock the Universe, a two-day festival of Christian Rock. October brings Halloween Horror Nights, the nation's scariest annual Halloween event. And in the winter Universal Orlando's holiday festivities include Grinchmas and the Macy's Holiday Parade

Sea World Orlando:

SeaWorld Orlando , is the world’s premiere marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Sea World is located in the Intersection of Interstate 4 and FL 528 (the Bee Line Expressway), 10 minutes south of downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport. 

The parks feature captive orca, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various marine animals. SeaWorld parks also feature a variety of thrill rides like Wild Arctic, including roller coasters like Journey to Atlantis, Kraken and Manta. One of the biggest attractions is the Shark Encounter, in which guests are carried through a submerged acrylic tube into the sharks' tank. Another attraction is the Penguin Encounter, showcasing a variety of penguins. In addition, an attraction features endangered Florida manatees. The most famous Shamus’s show performed by Orca is mind blowing. It’s one of the most recommended for watching and having fun. There are 9 restaurants in the theme park, which do all day dining with wide range of food.

Do remember to check their website before you visit, as they plan for special Events of Spring, winter and summer quiet often.

Animals in Sea world:

Following are the animals that live in SeaWorld Orlando. Penguin, Shark, Sea lions, seals, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sea turtles, Florida manatees, stingrays, Flamingos.

Walt Disney World Resort:

Disney World, is the world's largest and most visited recreational resort, covering a 30,000-acre area just southwest of Orlando, Florida, encompassing four theme parks and  two water parks. Disney land resort has wide range of Villas, Resorts where you can plan and have a comfortable vacation. Downtown Disney provide you with huge range of   Disney merchandise. Check out the largest Disney character store in the world. Transportation to and from the Downtown Disney area is available via bus throughout Walt Disney World Resort and is complimentary for Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests. Annual and Seasonal Events organized round the year at the Walt Disney World are New Year's Day, Walt Disney World Marathon, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

 Walt Disney World Resort features four theme parks. Each park is represented by an iconic structure

• Magic Kingdom – Cinderella Castle, is one of four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. The first park built at the resort. Cinderella Castle is the icon of the Magic Kingdom. Mickey Mouse House, Main Street, Liberty Square Riverboat, Pirate of Caribbean, Snow White Scary Adventure. There are many tours available to see the all the activities and attraction in this Fairyland

• Epcot – Spaceship Earth, the second park built in the resort. The park is dedicated to international culture and technological innovation. The park has two layouts one is the Future World which has pavilion built in the park each one has a unique circular logo which was featured on park signage and the attractions .The Second one is World Showcase containing pavilion for 11 countries. This park also organizes special events in the annual year.

• Disney's Hollywood Studios – The Sorcerer's Hat, the park is constructed on the theme of the Hollywood in 1930 – 1940.This Park has more than 20 attractions. In this park you can see many characters of Walt Disney, where guests of all ages can meet, greet, receive autographs and snap pictures.

• Disney's Animal Kingdom – The Tree of Life, the Park leads the way in animal care, education and research. This Theme park is the home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species and sprawling across 500 acres of lush landscape, Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is the largest animal-themed park in the world. Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is divided into 7 areas, here you can encounter real and Fantastic animal. You can also spend time with some of the pet animals.

Dining and Reservation:

Walt Disney has a wide range of restaurants with all types of world cuisine. Some of the famous dine in the Disneyworld are Californian Grill, Chef’s Monkey, Cinderella's Royal Table, Ohana, Yachtsman Steakhouse

Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Deals with unusual ans strange item and events. Its located in the busy International Drive tourist corridor.

Discovery cove, the main attraction of this place is people can swim with the bottleneck dolphin, can interact with exotic birds, tropical fish, rays, and land mammals.This park is maintained by Sea World Orlando

NASA Florida:

 

On July 29, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA. In July 1962, the agency established its Launch Operations Center on Florida's east coast, and renamed it in late 1963 to honor the president who put America on the path to the moon. I will say it one of our best visit to NASA which will take almost two hours drive from Tampa where you can view show, IMAX  films, Space shuttle launch. 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open year round, except December 25 and certain launch days.Current operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Tours begin at 10 a.m. and depart continuously every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at 2:45 p.m. Each bus tour runs approximately 2 hours.

Paradise Island :

 

Anna Maria Island, I personally recommend you to visit this paradise on earth. Anna Maria Island is located 40 miles south of Tampa and seven miles west of Bradenton. U.S. State Road 64 can access. Anna Maria Island is the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. 

Anna Maria is a city in Manatee County. The city occupies the northern part of Anna Maria Island and is one of three municipalities on the island. The others are Holmes Beach in the center and Bradenton Beach in the south. All three cities have wonderful restaurants, shopping, and both gulf and bay front beaches. The Island has 3 fishing piers, Rod and Reel, Anna Maria City Pier and the Bradenton Beach City Pier. All three offer a unique dining experience watching the anglers and the pelicans competing for the fish. If you are a resident or traveling guest there is always something to do in this island. If you prefer to spend quiet time alone all you need is a beach chair and a good book. Some folks just enjoy a long walk along the aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The unique thing about this islands is that it has both gulf beaches and sea front beaches. If you want to enjoy the  quiet breeze and a smooth waves, you can always enjoy those in the gulf beaches.

Activities:

Anna Maria Island offers its share of water adventures, from fishing charters and island marine ecology tours to parasailing, boat rentals and marine research. There are several places offering shelling and snorkeling tours, fishing charters, dinner cruises, bird watching tours, historical trips to Ft. Dade on Egmont Key. There are many rental shops along the gulf and intercostals where one can rent a wave runner or small sailboat for a day of fun in the sun.

Wildlife:

From May through October in Florida, sea turtles come ashore to nest. Anna Maria Island is one of the many places in Florida that sea turtles nest on the beaches. Protection of the sea turtles is an important aspect of the island culture. Manatees are also frequent summer visitors at Anna Maria Island. The entire island is a bird sanctuary, and pelicans, multiple types of cranes and herons, wild parrots, sand pipers, hawks, vultures, seagulls, and crows share the island with humans. Bottlenose dolphins can be observed both in the Intercostals Waterway and the Gulf. You can watch them from boats, piers, and even from the shore.

Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island:

Honeymoon island is one of the beaches in the vicinity of Clear water beach but with breadth taking views and a quieter and less crowdier beach. Honeymoon Island and neighboring Caladesi Island were originally part of a large barrier island that split in half during a major hurricane in 1921. The waterway between the islands is known as Hurricane Pass. Honeymoon Island, lies at the western end of Causeway Boulevard. The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today we can enjoy the beautiful white sand beach stretching the entire length of the island, including the only "pet beach" in the state. Swimming, sunbathing, and shelling are popular activities, as well as fishing for snapper, whiting, snook and redfish in the surf and adjacent bay.

Activities:

Kayaking, Picnicking, Pets and Natural trial are some of the activities we are allowed to do in this Island.

Wildlife:

Home to nesting birds including ospreys and terns, many species of wildlife frequent the island, including roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets and blue herons. Gopher tortoises and armadillos also can be found along the nature trail.

Caladesi Island, voted No 1 beach in 2008, located three miles offshore from Dunedin. It is reachable by boat and ferry from a dock on Honeymoon Island. Your imagination can get a vigorous work-out at Caladesi Island. While walking the three miles of undeveloped beaches, The Park has such amenities as birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, snorkeling, swimming and wildlife viewing. Boaters can enjoy overnight docking with electric and water hook-ups is permitted in the bayside marina, but boaters must register before sundown

Beaches:

Tampa Bay is home to some of the world's top-rated beaches. These are the place where you can find all these activities happening build sandcastles beneath blue skies, scan the sands for shells or sharks’ teeth, cast a line out in the surf and complete the day with a romantic Evening stroll while watching the sun sink beneath the Gulf of Mexico.

The Tampa Bay area provides two contrasting Snorkeling Opportunities--Gulf-front beaches and the freshwater bay. Some of the more notable beaches to explore are Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin and Egmont Key. Conveniently, all of these locations can be reached within half an hour if you're staying anywhere in the Tampa-St. Pete area. These are some of the popular activities in the Beaches like Camping, Boating, Cycling, Fishing, Kayaking, Parasailing, Scuba diving, snorkeling.

These are some list of top rated beaches,

Bradenton Along the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and into Tampa Bay are over 20 miles of fine Florida beaches - many which are shaded by tall Australian Pines.

Clearwater, Clear water Beach is the centerpiece of a number of equally beautiful beaches to its north and south. One can find active, popular beaches or quiet, relaxing beaches.

 Daytona Beach   Miles of hard-packed sand make this beach ideal for driving cars, four-wheelers, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. In the summer and during spring break this beach is absolutely bustling with activity. During the winter months Daytona Beach takes on a more leisurely pace.

Fort Lauderdale  Continuing north from Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a pleasant strip of sand accentuated with palms and numerous parks.

 Fort Myers   A world of tropical beauty and wildlife, white sandy beaches with dozens of islands to explore. The area is a playground of beaches. Fort Myers beach, Bonita Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva are just a few excellent places to enjoy the sand, sea and sun.

Jacksonville has twenty miles of wide, beautiful beaches along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and sunning are popular at several beaches in the coastal communities of Mayport, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach. Jacksonville Beach has a 1,000 foot long fishing pier that accommodates fishermen and sightseers. It has a restaurant and gift shop on premises.

Miami  Miami Beach is a strip of miles of fine golden sand with emerald waters. People flock to Miami for business, sun, sand, beaches, and entertainment - this place really rocks!

Naples   Naples originally established itself with its spectacular beaches.  It has now become an upscale community known for its golfing, shopping, and of course, its beaches.

Panama City Beach   The beaches are among the best in Florida with nearly 20 miles of fine sugar-white sand, relatively warm and generally calm seas. In the summer the water is often crystal clear with a beautiful emerald-green hue.

Pensacola Located at the west end of the Florida panhandle, the area is best known for its many miles of pristine snow-white beaches. Sand dunes decorated with delicate sea oats accent the coast. With so many miles of beach it is easy to find a secluded spot away from it all.

St. Augustine has several miles of hard-packed sand beaches which are bordered with beautiful natural dunes. Driving is permitted on the hard sand in some areas. Swimming, surfing, sunning and fishing are popular at this beach.

St. Petersburg   St. Pete Beach is a seven mile beach of fine white sand that so typifies the west-central coast.

Fort De Soto beach is a natural beauty with magnificent beaches and recreational facilities.  It was name North America's best beach by "Dr. Beach" in 2005.

Florida Beach Sand - Pictorial samples of beach sand from selected beaches. Each beach has its own distinctive texture and color.