Travel in Tampa Bay, Florida

From early Native American settlements, to arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, to pioneering citrus farmers, railroad barons and entrepreneurial land developers, Florida's Gulf coast has always attracted people in search of opportunity and adventure. Not only did they help build this thriving region, they left a rich and fascinating legacy.

On the West Coast of Florida just 90 minutes from Orlando is Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg. From serene white Gulf beaches to the velvety green golf courses sprinkled throughout the region. The lure of sunny weather, Busch Garden's amazing rides and professional sports 12 months a year offer much to the visitor to Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg.

In 1886 cigarmakers Vicente Martinez-Ybor and Ignacio Haya moved their cigar factories from Key West to Tampa which is now the site of one of three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Ybor city delights the visitor with historical brick architecture, a brewery, street fairs, diversity and nightlife.

Downtown St. Petersburg boasts many attractions as well. Bay Walk is an entertainment complex with a Muvico movie theatre, restaurants and bars that recently opened. Museums are located throughout downtown, plus over two dozen galleries, a thriving restaurant district and excellent antiques shops. Downtown is also home to Florida Craftsman Gallery, the Arts Center. American Stage, Tampa Bay's only resident professional acting troupe. The Bayfront Center, Mahaffey Theater and the Palladium also provide venues for performing arts.

There is so much art in downtown St. Petersburg that the local merchants association promotes the downtown as the QuARTer. Lovely waterfront parks abound with The Pier, a festival marketplace, at its center. The Pier features restaurants, shops, fishing, water sports, and miniature golf.

All the museums in Downtown St. Petersburg are connected via a trolley service called the Looper. These include the Salvador Dali Museum, the Florida International Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Pier Aquarium, Great Explorations - The Hands on Museum and the Florida Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

The areas communities are full of diverse culture and history. There's never a shortage of things to do or see!

Travel in Tampa Bay, Florida Attractions

GeoPassage tours offers multitudes of travel opportunities, Tampa Bay, Florida is just one of the many cities we offer day tours and individual attractions to, be sure to check out our entire catalog.