Q: I am planning a vacation to Tampa Bay. How can I get information?
A: You can simply e-mail us your request or you can call Tampa Bay & Company toll-free at 1-800-44-TAMPA or 813-223-2752 to speak to an information counselor. If you are in Tampa, you can pick up an Official Tampa Bay Destination Guide and map at our Visitor Information Center, located in the Channelside entertainment complex. The Center is open 7 days a week from 9:30-5:30 Monday through Saturday and 11:00-5:00 on Sundays. Or simply click here to email us your request.
Q: My family would like to buy a packaged vacation to Tampa Bay. How can we do that?
A: You can build your own Tampa Bay Getaway vacation package with accommodations and attraction tickets online. There are many different packages from which to choose, or you can just book your hotel from a number of accommodation choices. If you feel more comfortable booking your travel over the phone, call 1-800-44-TAMPA and select #3.
Q: What can I do with family and friends that are coming to visit?
A: There are lots of options in the Tampa Bay area for residents and guests of all ages and with many different interests. Take a look some of our suggested itineraries.
Q: Where is Busch Gardens and how much does it cost?
A: Busch Gardens is located just north of downtown Tampa, with easy access from the I-275 interstate. Ticket prices are subject to change, so please visit the Busch Gardens website.
Q: What is the weather like in Tampa Bay?
A: You can find the current conditions in Tampa Bay by clicking here. Tampa enjoys a temperate, semi-tropical climate marked by an average winter temperature of 62.5 degrees Farenheit and an average summer temperature of 81.4 degrees Farenheit.
Q: Where is the Tampa Convention Center and what hotels are nearby?
A: The Tampa Convention Center is located along downtown Tampa's waterfront. From I-275 you'd take exit 44 (Ashley St) and follow the signs on Ashley Street. For hotels in the downtown area, check out the Where to Stay section and search on downtown.
Q: How much is a cab from the airport to downtown?
A: An estimated $20 will get you from Tampa International Airport to the downtown area (7-8 miles).
Q: I am looking for relocation information on the Tampa area. Can you point me in the right direction?
A: The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is the official source for relocation information about Tampa Bay area. Call 813-228-7777 and for a fee, they will send you a relocation kit.
Q: Can you tell me about the beaches in Tampa Bay?
A: You can enjoy three public beach areas in Tampa - E.G. Simmons Park off I-75 South, Picnic Island in South Tampa or Ben T. Davis Beach on S.R. 60. You can also experience the white sand and crystal blue waters of the Gulf Beaches across the bay. Check out our beaches section.
Q: My friends told me about a pirate festival in Tampa Bay. When and what is it?
A: You've heard of the hundred-year-old tradition in Tampa Bay known as the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, a weekend long celebration each February that draws nearly 500,000 downtown and includes a pirate invasion, parade, arts festival and lots more fun. For other festivals and events, check out the events calendar on the site.
Q: I've heard from my friend that lives in Tampa that it's known as "The Big Guava." How did Tampa get that name?
A: Good question. Tampa received its nickname "The Big Guava" when Gavino Gutierrez, an early Tampa pioneer, tried to cultivate guavas commercially here but was unsuccessful due to the climate and rising land prices. However, a local newspaper columnist was more successful at planting the idea that, if New York is "The Big Apple," it would only be right to refer to Tampa as "The Big Guava." There is a Latin-style Halloween celebration called Guavaween held in Ybor City each October that is based on the nickname.
Q: I've heard there's a great area to run near downtown. Where is it?
A: According to Runner's World, Tampa's best downtown run is along Bayshore Boulevard on the world's longest continuous sidewalk, which parallels the west shore of Tampa Bay.
Every day from sunrise to sunset you'll find most of Tampa's running population trekking the 4.5-mile north-south stretch between Platt Street (start near the pirate ship and painted fish) and Gandy Boulevard. En route, you'll pass by some of Tampa's most prestigious homes, many on the National Historic Register, in Old Hyde Park.
Do it early, too. "Dawn is the best time to run the Bayshore," says Patricia Claytor of the Tampa Bay Runners. "The air's still cool, and the sun coming up over the bay is breathtaking."
Q: What is the building with the "funny shaped top" that is near downtown Tampa?
A: That would be the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a National Historic Landmark that is now part of the University of Tampa and houses the Henry B. Plant Museum. The hotel was built in 1891 by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant. His architect produced a building unrivaled in style in Florida or the nation at that time - a Turkish and Moorish fantasy of minarets (the funny shaped top), domes, cupolas, horseshoe arches and rambling verandahs.
Q: I will be taking a cruise out of Tampa and have several hours of free time. What can I do to see Tampa during that time?
A: You're in luck. Right next door to the terminal is The Florida Aquarium and Channelside Entertainment Complex. A short streetcar ride from the terminal is historic Ybor City, Tampa's Latin Quarter that features a mix of shops, restaurants, and a movie theatre.
Q: I've heard that Ybor is Tampa Bay's hot spot. Can you tell me about it?
A: Tampa Bay's Latin Quarter, Ybor City (it's pronounced E-bore), has been duly dubbed "The Nightlife Capital of Florida's West Coast." There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants to warrant the name, and Seventh Avenue is closed off to cars on weekend nights for pedestrian traffic. And there's a lot of history within the district as well. One of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, Ybor City was once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World." Take the afternoon to take a walking tour of the area.
Q: How can I find out what is coming up at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center?
A: You can search the events section for performing arts events, or you can check out their web site.
Q: My friend remembers taking a canoe trip on his visit to Tampa Bay several years ago. Can you tell me where and how?
A: More than likely, your friend is remembering a trip down the Hillsborough River. Canoe Escape is a locally-owned business that offers two-hour, four-hour and full-day canoe trips. You can travel just a few miles from downtown and take a canoe adventure through the heart of the 16,000-acre wilderness area on the Hillsborough River, where you are likely to see white ibis, alligators and turtles.
Q: We read in a magazine that you can take a safari in Tampa Bay and that you can also see the endangered manatees. Can you tell me where to find these?
A: Absolutely. Busch Gardens' Edge of Africa animal attraction features the most intense safari experience outside Africa where you can encounter species including hippos, lions, hyenas, meerkats and giraffes closer than ever before. For manatee viewing, head to Lowry Park Zoo that includes The Florida Manatee and Aquatic Center, where guests get the chance to see these gentle sea-cows up close. The zoo also runs a hospital that treats those rare and endangered manatees that are injured or become ill in the wild.
Q: Is public transportation available?
A: Yes. HART operates many bus routes including a free trolley service in the downtown area.
A map of the trolley route can be found here.
