Things to Do in Tampa

In February be on the lookout for rowdy pirates invading the town. Hillsborough Bay is filled with pirates and pleasure vessels. Pirates parade down the streets tossing beads and coins to the onlookers. Musical performances are at various locations throughout the city. The Gasparilla Pirate Festival attracts thousands of people every year.

Spring Training in Tampa

Play ball - and that�s what they do because February also brings the New Tampa Windsurfing

York Yankees into town for spring training. Many other teams descend upon the area for training including, the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Toronto Blue Jays. The new Yankee complex, Legends Field is the largest training facility in Florida. The NHL�s Tampa Bay Lighting can be seen at the Ice Palace.

Tampa Sports Attractions

The Tampa Greyhound Track features 13 daily races. The Tampa Bay Downs features 10 races a day. For a faster pace try a Jai-Alai game at Tampa Jai-Alai Frontoon. Watch the ball Small Tampa Bird

as it travels over 180 miles an hour. Tampa has several tennis complexes. The Harry Hopman Tennis Academy has 45 courts and caters to beginners and skilled players. The City of Tampa Bay Tennis Complex is the largest public facility in Tampa. Marjorie Park overlooks Harbor Island and reservations are required.

Outdoor Activities in Tampa

Blades and Bikes offer free in-line skating classes; they also rent in-line skates. Bayshore Boulevard is said to be the world�s longest sidewalk, a great place to try out those in-line skates or take a quiet stroll. It�s also a favorite spot for joggers and runners. Tampa Outdoor Adventures has a wealth of information on sports Tampa Boats

and recreational activities in the area.

Travel 12 miles north of Tampa and visit the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy World Headquarters. Programs are available for any age group. Several other courses are in the area and most have equipment rentals, lessons, driving ranges and putting greens.

Historic Tampa

The downtown area in Tampa is a special place. Historical buildings are parked right next door to towering corporations. Harbor Island has cobblestone streets with exquisite hotels and charming shops and an indoor fantasy mall. Travel around the island on the PeopleMover monorail.

Shopping in Tampa

The Franklin Street Mall is an outdoor shopping arena with quaint boutiques Tampa Pelican

and lots of pedestrian traffic. The Tampa Theatre was built around 1926 and has been restored to its original glamour. The Sacred Heart Catholic Church sits between modern highrises and features Romanesque architecture.

The Florida Aquarium contains 4,300 native plants and animals. Hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and environmental display are ready to excite your fantasy. The Museum of Science and Industry also offers hands-on fun. This is proclaimed to be the largest science center in the southeast. Experience a hurricane without the fear.

Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum and touch base with Teddy Roosevelt and his RoughRiders. A former Cuban bread bakery is now the Ybor City State Museum. Bobby�s Seminole Indian Village is a community of thatched roof structures.

The number one attraction in the Tampa area is Busch Gardens. A tropical paradise with rollercoasters, exotic foods and wild animals and hours of fun awaits you.