Tampa and surrounding areas offer many visitor attractions. To find out more about each place, admission fees and hours (if applicable) click on the
words like this OR pictures to go to the linked home pages.
The following
icons are places that are an easy drive from the Resorts. For a complete listing of things to do click here.
You may want to visit Busch Gardens, Epcot Center, Disney World,
Universal Studios, Sea World, National Manatee Preserve, Beautiful
Gulf Beaches, Cape Kennedy, and much more. Visit some of these
web sites and see what you can explore!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Soar at 60 mph on the world's two tallest inverted roller coasters,
then trek the plains of Africa, escape from fiery volcanoes, or
cool off on unforgettable white-water adventure rides! To learn
more, visit their Web
site! A 335 acre African themed family entertainment park featuring an
unparalleled combination of world class animal habitats, thrilling rides, live entertainment,
shopping and dining. Open 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Historic Ybor City Once the cigar capital of the world, its factories abandoned in 1950, Ybor City
has been reborn with cobblestone streets, old street lamps, quaint stores and
is now "the place to go" in Tampa. Famous old restaurant in Ybor City is the
Columbia Restaurant serving Spanish cuisine such as paella, Cuban food and seafood. Flamenco dancers perform on certain nights.
Tarpon Springs Quaint Greek sponge fishing village known as the sponge capital of the world. Shops along the water sell all kinds of sponges and loofas, shells, and native
art. Greek restaurants abound, the most famous is Louis Pappas but there
are many good ones and prices are reasonable. Also visit the historic district
with its antique shops.
The Florida Aquarium A 152,000 square foot world class facility featuring over 10,000 plants and animals
throughout four galleries: Wetlands, Bays & Beaches, Coral Reefs and Offshore. Highlights are behind the scene tours, dive shows, animal encounters and
touch tank. Visit the new Dragons Down Under exhibit featuring Australian sea dragons. Plan to spend 3 hours.
Big Red Balloon For a breathtaking view of Tampa take flight in a hot air balloon! Sunrise
flights daily including a catered champagne brunch served lakeside. Plan on 3 1/2 hours and you must make reservations.
Skydiving Skydiving takes place in Zephyrhills which is not far (30 min. or less) from
Paradise Lakes. Check out their home page for details and make reservations.
Experience polar bears and penguins in Florida? You bet! You'll
also see manatees, otters, walrus, whales...you'll be amazed at
all the animals! To learn more, visit their Web
site!
Universal Orlando offers an unforgettable vacation for every member
of your family. You can ride the movies at Universal Studios Theme
Park. To learn more, visit their Web
site!
Opened in 2000, Adventure Island's Wahoo Run, the ultimate family
ride, plunges up to five riders more than 15 feet per second as
the half-enclosed tunnel corkscrews more than 600 feet to a waiting
splash pool. To learn more, visit their Web
site!
On January 1, 2001, our celebration comes to an end. So, don’t
miss your one chance in a lifetime to mark this milestone year
with memories you will treasure forever! To learn more, visit
their Web
site!
The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for endangered
West Indian manatees that have been orphaned or injured in the
wild and also for manatees that have been born in captivity. To
learn more, visit their Web
site!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides an exhilarating
and educational experience of the space program. You can tour
the Rocket Garden, or board a full-scale replica of the Space
Shuttle Explorer. To learn more, visit their Web
site!