Sightseeing in Tampa - what to see. Complete travel guide

The third largest city in Florida, Tampa is located on the coast of Tampa Bay Gulf. Tampa was added to the territory of the United States in the middle of the 19th century. Even at that time this was a promising and a rapidly developing industrial area. In the end of the 19th century the city became very famous due to the tobacco company that had produced best cigars in the region. Later here were founded large factories targeted at extraction and processing of phosphates. The tourism sector started developing only in the second half of the 20th century.

During several decades hundreds of modern skyscrapers, beautiful restaurants and hotels were built in the city. Today Tampa is considered one of the best resort cities of the United States. Many people call Tampa "the city of entertainments". Busch Gardens Park has become a favorite place of rest for both locals and tourists. This park is adjacent to a water park named "The Island". Here you will find numerous water rides, pools and water slides. Little visitors can play in children's play rooms of enjoy tasty dishes in the local cafe.

In order to get acquainted with the culture of local residents tourists are always recommended to visit several museums. Visitors are recommended to see the collection of Museum of Art, the formation of which started more than 150 years ago. Plays and musical performances in Main Theatre and Concert Hall take place simply every evening, so everyone is free to choose a cultural program to fit own taste. Busch Gardens Africa Garden is also the place you cannot forget about. The garden was created according to a unique design of contemporary architects. Each part of this natural complex is designed in slightest details. Shoppers are recommended to visit Channelside shopping center - one of the largest ones in the city. Sports fans will never get bored here as the beaches of the city provide a great choice of entertainments, and every hotel is equipped with gym and a fitness center. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Ybor City district, which looks pretty contemporary nowadays, is actually the oldest district in the city. It was here that numerous cigar factories used to locate once. Many historical buildings have been destroyed over recent years. Stylish skyscrapers grew in their place. Today, only Cigar Museum reminds of the historical past of the area. The museum occupies one of the old buildings. Lovely old trams provide shuttle service around the block.

The Scientific and Industrial Museum enjoys great popularity among the guests of the city. It is one-of-a-kind in the United States. The museum is especially loved by tourists with children, who always become participants in exciting experiments, learn a lot of new and important information about the surrounding world. The museum contains a wonderful garden full of butterflies, various interactive exhibits, and a special hall where everyone can experience the intensity of a hurricane's force. The museum presents more than 450 different thematic expositions as a whole. You'll need hours to study all of them.

There is an excellent theater in Tampa, which will be of interest to absolutely everyone. They hold performances of various genres. The repertoire of the theater will appeal to both admirers of the classics and fans of bright theatrical novelties. They often organize special events for children, as well.

The Tampa Zoo is a popular tourist destination, as well. It has become home to 2000 species of animals. The zoo has a very beautiful design. It is equipped with special animal pens, maximum close to the environmental conditions. Visitors are allowed to pat and feed the animals. You can make excellent memorable photos during your tour. There is also a terrarium and a special reptile exhibition on the territory of the zoo.

In a beautiful building made of metal and glass is located the Aquarium of Florida. It keeps a collection of more than 20000 aquatic plants and animals. For the convenience of visitors, the collection is divided into four zones. You can see not only colorful exotic fish but rare species of sharks, sea turtles, rays and other deep-sea habitats.