Tampa Bay

Situated on Florida's West Coast, Tampa Bay is a large natural port and a water passage where the tide meets a river current. The Bay features two significant cities along its shores, Tampa and Saint Petersburg. The mouth of Tampa Bay is crossed by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The complete municipal region surrounding Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Clearwater and several other smaller towns are collectively referred to as “Tampa Bay.” The Tampa Bay area was initially inhabited by the natives of Spain. The area has miles and miles of radiating waterways and grimy coastal areas. The area central location has an advantage that it provides an uncomplicated access to the Gulf beaches that lie in close proximity. Tampa’s coastal areas have both Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay. The Hillsborough and Alafia rivers and numerous lakes also surround the area. Numerous significant highways and interstates converge in Tampa and are easily accessible from any area in the state.

The eastern direction features Interstate 4 and Highway 60 including Plant City, Lakeland, and Orlando. The northern and southern direction is linked by Interstate 75 and Highway 301 including Gainesville, Ocala, Bradenton and Sarasota. There are also two 15-mile toll bound roads viz. the Veterans Expressway (State Road 589) and the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (State Road 618). Tampa Bay is also an abode of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando provinces. The region is densely populated with prosperous metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The region also has the largest television market. Tampa ranks third in Florida in terms of population with more than 300,000 residents inhabiting the area. Tampa is also the largest city of Florida and serves as the provincial seat. The Native Americans who are settled here are known as Seminoles. From here only the Florida State Seminoles received their nickname. The weather of Tampa is the perfect blend of bright sunny days neutralized by cool bay breezes. The most comfortable are spring and autumn with pleasant sunshine and cool evenings. The average annual temperature in Tampa is 72 degrees. Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is a must for tourists of all ages visiting the area, a lightweight jacket or sweater is a good choice for the evening and loose cotton clothes are recommended for daytime activities. With a look of retro Indian fishing village, which also became known as the “Cigar City” afterwards, Tampa Bay has gradually prospered and has become one of the most refreshing destinations of Florida. The mesmerizing sunsets add to the glory of the city. The city’s rich heritage and magnificent architecture attract thousands of visitors every year. Ybor City is Tampa’s nightlife capital. The city was set up in 1886 when cigar manufacturers Vincente Martinez-Ybor and Ignacio Haya shifted their cigar factories from Key West to Tampa. The city prospered so quickly that it housed over 140 cigar factories.

The city is an area which was set up after many ups and downs. From Spanish conquistadors to the attack of pirates, this area has witnessed all and triumphed over. The area has now become an ideal vacation spot with numerous, fine dining and great shopping and beautiful beaches. The word Tampa is an Indian word meaning “stick of fire” and was dubbed because of the common strikes of lightning in the area. A single day schedule in Tampa Bay will include breakfast at a waterside cafe, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium and a streetcar ride to Channelside for shopping. Then a visit to Ybor City, which is famous for its crisp and fresh Cuban sandwiches, hand-rolled cigars and the colorful streets. Sugar sand beaches, sport fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, boating and sea food under the sun also makes the vacation worth remembering. The Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau is an official source for destination information on Tampa and Hillsborough County. Inter-city bus service, electric street car, taxis and buses are the main modes of commuting. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is located just seven miles southeast of downtown and ranks as one of the world's top airports. 26 national airlines serve the TPA.