Tour & Group Outing Suggestions
There are many unique, fun, and exciting places to explore in Tampa Bay! Our fantastic destination offers something for everyone! Here are a few ideas to get you started!
A day in the Park ... Hyde Park
Morning, noon, or night Hyde Park Village is a great way to enjoy shopping, a bite to eat, and relaxation in a charming turn-of-the-century style shopping village and neighborhood. Located in the heart of a National Register Historic Neighborhood, you can explore the history and architecture of homes built around the turn of the century with self guided walking guide booklets provided by Tampa Preservation. With 50 shops and the historic neighborhood there is something for everyone, so your group can enjoy shopping or just kick back and relax!
Bayshore Sailing
Exclusive, luxury yacht charters available for sunset cruises, corporate meetings, and special events on Tampa Bay. Yachts located downtown Tampa on the Riverwalk between Tampa Convention Center & Marriott Waterside Hotel. Let Bayshore Sailing show you the real treasure of Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class thrill rides, Broadway-style live entertainment and one of North America's largest zoos in an unforgettable African adventure for the whole family. Busch Gardens' newest coaster, SheiKra, is now floorless. Already a legend with thrill-seekers worldwide, America's first dive coaster is 200 feet up and 90 degrees straight down, now with 100%thrill, 0% floor! Busch Gardens offers a wide variety of venues, entertainment options and appetizing catering selections. Our professional staff will accommodate all your needs whether it's a breakfast for 100 or a private night function for 10,000. We can also create memorable wedding receptions, corporate retreats or upscale banquets.
Cigar Rolling Expeditions
Explore the past and experience the future in historic Ybor City! Once hailed as the "Cigar Capital of the World," embark on a tour of Tampa Bay's thriving cigar industry. Have your pick of the Ybor City State Museum, Rodriguez & Menendez Cigar Factory & Store, or simply stop by the Columbia Restaurant Gift Shop to experience the hand rolling of the finest cigars. Plan your trip in November and join thousands of cigar aficionados as they descend upon Ybor City Museum Park for the area's Annual Cigar Heritage Festival. Join us for cigar rolling demonstations, live musical enteratainment, and making the of the world's longest cigar at over 100 feet!
Canoe Escape
Explore Canoe Escape, Tampa's premiere attraction for birdwatching, photography, canoeing, kayaking, and family fun. Escape to nature on a self-guided, 2-hour to full day, downstream, quiet water, paddling adventure through a 16,000-acre wildlife preserve. There is a guided interpretive nature trip offered on Wednesdays at 11:30am. Escorted moonlight trips offered October through April (reservations required). Perhaps paddling close to a sunning 'gator, or a threatened limpkin, or congregation of turtles on a log will be the most prized memory of your trip to Tampa!
The Florida Aquarium
Experience The Florida Aquarium and see why it's among the top aquariums in the world. There are over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals, including sharks, otters, gators, free-flying birds, exotic sea dragons, & more. Come aboard our 64-foot, 49 passenger catamaran and enjoy a picturesque tour and journey out into Tampa Bay to see dolphins, numerous species of birds and fish, manatees and more! Experience Tampa Bay's spectacular wildlife in its natural habitats! The DolphinQuest Eco-Tour can be purchased alone or as an ideal complement to your indoor Aquarium experience. It's a Cool Way to Sea Life!
Gallery Hop
Tampa Bay is home to many fine galleries and a great way to experience them is by creating a Gallery Hop Tour! One of our Destination Management Companies can put together a tour, which will enable you to visit galleries that can display the many different art styles that are indicative of the Bay area. While hopping around town, why not add a bit of local cuisine as a stop. Not only can you enjoy pieces of our original artwork, but enjoy tastes of original flavor as well!
H.B. Plant Museum
A National Historic Landmark, the H.B. Plant Museum showcases original furnishings and recreates the lifestyle of Henry B. Plant's, 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel and the early Florida tourist industry. The design of the hotel was in the Moorish revival style by architect John A. Wood and was the first completely electrified large scale building in Tampa. The University of Tampa now occupies what was once this grand hotel, but the wing that has been set aside as the H.B. Plant Museum displays artifacts and historic furnishings from the hotel's past.
International Plaza and Bay Street
International Plaza and Bay Street - shopping and dining in a whole new way! Nearly 200 stores - 100 new to the Tampa Bay area. Featuring 12 full service restaurants and shopping benefits and incentives for groups. International Plaza is a great "Dine Around" location. Stores include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Dillards among many others.
Lowry Park Zoo
Want to have up close encounters with manatees and other amazing animals? Lowry Park Zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours and other exciting adventures you're sure to go wild for! Group rates available. Located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48). Parking is free. Call (813) 935-8552 for more information.
MOSI
MOSI is the largest science center in the Southern US and home of the only IMAX Dome Theatre in Florida. With more than 450 hands-on activities for all ages, it makes a great get away for spouses and families during conventions. Private lunches can be arranged on property from MOSI's award-winning catering department, or we can create a special overnight Camp-In for groups of kids while parents enjoy their evening out. Special group rates are available and there is ample free parking, as well as coach parking. Located one mile north of Busch Gardens.
Ringling Museum of Art
The 66-acre estate is the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), one of the great business tycoons of his day. The Ringling Museum of Art, recognized as the state art museum of Florida, includes 21 galleries of internationally recognized European and American art with paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin and other baroque masters. Additionally, the estate encompasses the recently restored 32-room Ringling mansion; the Circus Museum; the Original Asolo theater; the Rose Garden and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay. Finish the museum tour off with a bite to eat or some shopping in St. Armand's Circle.
Salvador Dali Museum
Visit the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist. Come see why the Michelin Guide gave the Salvador Dali Museum the only three star rating on Florida's west coast! Since its doors opened to the general public on March 7, 1982, the museum has expanded to currently consist of 2,140 total pieces, to include oil paintings, watercolors, and works from visiting exhibitions, all nestled in a 66,000+ square foot facility! This unique museum also houses the most comprehensive and exciting gift store on Florida's west coast.
Tampa City Tour
Tampa Bay will come to life with a city tour to highlight the area. Our local Destination Management Companies can customize a tour to meet your needs. Experience the rich history in Ybor City, a Historic Landmark District where you can see a time and place where diverse immigrants lived amidst a thriving cigar industry. Drive along Bayshore Boulevard and discover magnificent homes along a waterfront perfect for jogging, biking, rollerblading and walking. Get a feel of the 1900's at the old Tampa Bay Hotel. Founder Henry B. Plant a railroad tycoon created the grand hotel, the first for Tampa. These are just a few highlights of the city that can be seen on a tour.
WestShore Plaza
WestShore Plaza's one-million-square-feet of shopping excitement is set amongst a backdrop of charming Mediterranean beauty. Macy's, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, Maggiano's Little Italy, and PALM - plus 100 specialty shops including Ann Taylor, Bebe, Old Navy, and a 14-screen AMC Theatre, make it the perfect mix of shopping, dining and cinema. Just minutes from Tampa International Airport.
Yacht Starship
Set sail on an unforgettable cruise aboard the StarShip! This 180-foot dining super yacht is the only one of its kind in Tampa Bay! When you cruise aboard the StarShip you'll be treated to a stellar sightseeing journey and experience four-star cuisine. The promise is stunning service - the kind you would expect aboard a luxury super yacht.
