Tourist Attractions in Tampa

Spread out across many miles, the sprawling Tampa Bay area lies at the heart of the western Florida coastline. Within that vast expanse is a sunny coastline whose popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, turning tiny towns into sprawling metropolitan centers.

Florida Aquarium In Downtown Tampa, you will find the vast Florida Aquarium, located next to the Port of Tampa, where visitors can watch the ships come in or board one themselves. The Yacht StarShip Dining Cruise is a great way to see the harbor and enjoy some of Tampa's best cuisine. If you'd rather stay on land, tour the historic Centro Asturiano de Tampa.

Tampa Bay History Center The downtown area also offers the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which features a 135-foot dome and a marble alter. For another glimpse into the city's past, visit the Tampa Bay History Center. If the season is right, you can watch a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game, then enjoy dinner at the Colonnade or the Rusty Pelican, which both offer harbor views.

Tampa Museum of Art Downtown St. Petersburg is filled with cultural attractions, such as the St. Petersburg Museum of History and the Florida International Museum. Grab a bite to eat at Pacific Wave Restaurant and then explore the offerings at the Tampa Museum of Art.

Museum of Science and Industry While exploring the area around the University of South Florida, many choose to spend the day at the Busch Gardens theme park or the D.G. Yuengling Brewery, but the family-friendly Lowry Park Zoo and Museum of Science & Industry can also be found in this district. The nearby Cuban Sandwich Shop is a good place to grab a fast, delicious lunch.

Moccasin Lake Nature Park Clearwater is known for its many beautiful golf ranges, such as those found at the Countryside Executive Golf Course. You can also explore the wilderness at the Moccasin Lake Nature Park, or spend some time on the ice at the Sunblades Ice Skating Center. Enjoy dinner at the nearby Tia's Tex Mex or Antonio's Pasta Grille.

Tampa Bay offers much to enjoy, yet seeing it all can be tough. Planning your trip with a tour guide can keep you on the right track.

Adventure ToursHubbard's Sea Adventures, Inc. ( +1 727 393 1947/ http://www.hubbardsmarina.com ) Canoe Escape ( +1 813 986 2067/ http://www.canoeescape.com )

Boat Tours StarLite Cruises ( +1 800 444 4814/ http://www.starlitecruises.com/ ) Billy's Stone Crab Boat Tour ( +1 727 866 2115 ) Dolphin Quest Eco-Tour ( +1 813 273 4000 ) River Odyssey Eco-Tour ( +1 813 935 8552 ) Sarasota Bay Tours ( +1 941 388 4200 ) Tampa Duck Adventures ( +1 813 341 3825/ http://www.duckadventures.com )

Brewery Tours D.G. Yuengling Brewery ( +1 +1 813 972 8500/ http://www.yuengling.com )

Segway Tours Tampa Bay Segs ( +1 727 772 3639/ http://www.tampabaysegs.com/ )

Ghost Tours St. Petersburg Ghost Tour ( +1 727 894 4678/ http://www.ghosttour.net ) All The Best Haunts ( +1 727 398 5200/ http://www.allthebesthaunts.com )

Balloon Tours Big Red Balloon Sightseeing Adventures ( +1 813 969 1518/ http://www.bigredballoon.com )

Sports Tours Big League Tours ( +1 866 619 1748/ http://www.bigleaguetours.com )