Short Getaway Ideas for the Tampa Bay Area

Adventure Island - Tampa, FL

Key West Rapids

Exciting water rides are par for the course at Adventure Island.  ©2006 Busch Entertainment Corporation.  All rights reserved.

Tampa Bay is a popular spot for people looking to get away for a weekend or a quick retreat. If you're coming for a short visit, you'll want to make sure to make the most of the time you have, and knowing what to fill your itinerary with ahead of time can be a big help. The attractions below are some of the best and the brightest, and items you should definitely check out while in the area.

For the Water Enthusiast...

Adventure Island. Do 30 acres of slides, corkscrews, waterfalls, wave pools and a children's water playground sound like something you'd enjoy? Then Adventure Island is the place to be. This water park has everything needed to satisfy your craving for excitement and thrills. Adventure Island also offers caf's, an arcade, picnic areas and gift shop. With so much to do, you should allow for at least half a day when visiting this attraction.

Starlite Majesty. Taking a lunch or dinner cruise on the Starlite Majesty is a great way to spend a few hours of your day. The boat features a brass and mirrored interior and this 115-foot vessel offers three decks and ample room for observation. You can enjoy an exquisite meal at your specially reserved table. You will have your choice of entrees, and your meal will be prepared by an award-winning chef.

Starlite Princess. The Starlite Princess also offer lunch and dinner cruises. When you want to take a narrated cruise along the shores of Florida's inland waters, this cruise is exactly what you need. Nothing rivals the atmosphere this authentic paddleboat has to offer. Keep an eye out for the dolphins - it's not uncommon to see them frolicking in the water.

The Florida Aquarium. You will definitely enjoy spending the day discovering over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals that call the waters their home. You'll see animals like sharks, stingrays, otters, dolphins, jellyfish and more. For an additional cost, anyone over six years of age can even swim in the Coral Reefs Exhibit.

The Beaches. The area is also known for its abundance of outdoor beaches. Numerous beaches are scattered across the area, creating the perfect environment for sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, diving, sailing and more. Spend an hour or even a full day. A few beaches in the area are Davis Island Beach in Tampa, Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, and St. Pete Beach in St. Pete Beach.

For Everyone...

Busch Gardens. When visiting the Tampa Bay area, you absolutely have to stop by Busch Gardens or your vacation won't be complete. The theme park is based on encounters of the African continent and features thrill rides, a zoo with over 2,7000 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games. One of the most popular theme parks in Florida, you're sure to love this Tampa Bay attraction. Busch Gardens is definitely an all-day event, so plan accordingly.

University of South Florida Botanical Gardens. These gardens offer the perfect backdrop for an outdoors stroll. Take a walk for an hour or two and you'll see collections that include orchids, begonias, mallows, bromeliads, gingers, ferns, aroids, fruit trees, palms, cycads, carnivorous plants, herb and scent gardens and more. Plants aren't the only things that contribute to the atmosphere. You'll see a butterfly garden, gopher tortoises and over 60 species of birds.

For Adults...

Seminole Casino — Tampa. It made its home in Vegas and Atlantic City, now it's come to Tampa. See what all the rave is about at Seminole Casino. Spend a couple of hours trying your hand at cards or the slots.