Florida's west coast provides
an array of outdoor activities in a beautiful, natural setting. There are
rolling, pine covered plains as well as white sand beaches and barrier
islands. Camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and snorkeling are always
available. The Gulf Coast has calm, warm waters and endless white sand
beaches with memorable sunsets. The crystal clear springs further inland
have drawn visitors for many years. The resort towns to the south, including
Sarasota, are equally popular with seasonal visitors and permanent
residents.
The city of Tampa is a
well developed metropolis, with attractions for visitors of all ages. The
area has recently seen the addition of a world-class art museum dedicated to
the work of the surrealist painter Salvador Dali. The Tampa Museum of Art
boasts its own collection from around the world. Nearly 7,000 objects of art
are displayed in its many galleries. The $84 million Florida Aquarium is a
dazzling landmark which is drawing an increasing number of visitors to
Tampa. In addition to cultural and educational offerings, Tampa has a
vibrsnt nightlife with many restaurants and clubs from which to choose.
The Ybor District is
Tampa's own Little Havana. The wrought iron gates and cobblestone streets
lend charm to the area. Of course, no visit to Tampa would be complete
without a visit to Busch Gardens, the amusement park and zoo built by the
famous brewery. It is a popular family attraction to which visitors return
year after year.
Tampa has many more
museums and attractions that await those who visit the Florida Gulf Coast.
Here, a day's itinerary might include breakfast at a waterside cafe, time at
Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium, a streetcar ride to Channelside for
shopping, and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devil Rays, or Lightning game. The
Tampa Bay area is a vacation paradise where life is sunny and warm, with a
distinct (though temperate) change of seasons and hours of enjoyment for the
whole family!
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