4 Great Reasons to Visit Tampa, Florida
Tampa in Florida is the home port for several cruise lines, among the others: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity. If you have booked a vacation cruise on Carnival Pride, or perhaps Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, or Celebrity Constellation Tampa is where the fun begins.
But Tampa isn’t just the starting point of a fabulous cruise vacation – it’s also a top destination in its own right. So, why not add a few days to your cruise vacation and spend some quality time in Tampa, Florida, before or after your cruise?
Read on to learn why Tampa is a great place to visit.
The Weather
Tampa is in Florida, which means it is blessed with lovely weather all year round. It has a humid subtropical climate. In the summer, the weather is hot and wet, but in winter, it is mild and dry. As such, it is a very popular wintertime vacation destination, especially with seniors. This is when hotel prices are lowest, with plenty of great discounts available.
If you happen to live in Phoenix, Arizona and are thinking of visiting Tampa, check out your local Phoenix weather and compare it to Tampa temperatures; it’s probably a lot more comfortable in Tampa!
Fun in the Water
Another great reason to hang out in Tampa is the ocean-side location. The water in Tampa Bay is super calm, so it is a popular place to try some new watersports. From paddleboarding to water biking and kayaking, if you love the water, Tampa is the place to be. The water is warm and clear, and in August, it’s a balmy 30 degrees Centigrade in the sea.
Enjoy the Local Attractions
Cruise ships are all about relaxation, but if you want to burn off some excess energy before or after your voyage, Tampa is a good place to spend a few days. There are some wonderful tourist attractions in Tampa, all of which are suitable for the whole family.
Busch Gardens is an iconic adventure park with an African theme. There are exotic animals and adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters. Learn more about the animals living in their natural habitats and book your place on the Serengeti Night Safari – this park is sure to be on your must-visit list!
Other fabulous attractions worth a visit include:
● Lowry Park Zoo, which is home to more than 2,000 animals, such as African elephants, orangutans, manatees, panthers, and rhinos
● The Henry B Plant Museum, which is famous for its tropical gardens
● The Museum of Science and Industry, where visitors can learn more about science and technology – there is even a life-sized model of a spacecraft!
Nightlife and Shopping
You can’t visit Tampa without enjoying some of the nightlife. The many waterfront restaurants serve a vast array of different cuisines, after which you can dance the night away. And the next day, why not visit the International Plaza and stock up on new clothes for your cruise?
It’s well worth spending an extra day or two in Tampa, you won’t be disappointed!
