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Welcome to Tampa
Tampa is a bit of an unsung destination in Florida, home to world-class museums, pristine white sand beaches, a lively waterfront and sunny weather throughout the year. Take a look at some of the city’s highlights and hidden gems on this photo tour.
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Downtown skyline
Downtown Tampa, a business and commercial hub, sits right on the waterfront, with its high rises towering above excellent museums, restaurants, shops and bars.
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Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk stretches for 2.4 miles through the heart of the city. The walkable, bikeable path connects some of the city’s top attractions, including the Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Bay History Center and the Tampa Convention Center.
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Latin Quarter
Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin Quarter, ranks among the city’s most celebrated neighborhoods. Historic 7th Avenue, or “La Setima” as locals call it, runs through the heart of the neighborhood and has been designated one of the American Planning Association’s Great Streets in America.
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Cigar Capital of the World
Ybor City was once known as the Cigar Capital of the World, thanks to immigrants Gavino Gutierrez, Vicente Martinez Ybor and Ignacio Haya who began manufacturing cigars in Tampa in the late 1800s. Visitors can still watch the process of cigar rolling today at places like Nicahabana Cigars.
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The chickens of Ybor City
Spend some time wandering around Ybor City, and you’ll likely encounter some of the city’s wild chickens. These legally protected fowl are direct descendants of the chickens brought by Ybor City’s original residents more than a century ago.
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A historic ride
One of the best ways to get between Downtown Tampa and historic Ybor City is aboard the TECO Line Streetcar, a 2.7-mile electric heritage streetcar that’s completely free to ride.
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Sit down and have a pint
Tampa has evolved into one of the nation’s top craft brewing destinations. The history of craft beer in the area dates back to 1896, when cigar factory owners joined forces to found the Florida Brewing Company. Other popular breweries have since sprung up, including Cigar City Brewing (pictured), Coppertail Brewing and Tampa Bay Brewing Company.
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Waterside revitilization
Colorful Sparkman Wharf along the Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa is the go-to place for waterfront dining, drinking and live music. The area gets its name from Stephen Sparkman, the region’s first congressman who secured funding to dig channels into Tampa’s downtown.
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Orlando may be the Theme Park Capital of the World, but Tampa is home to one of the best in the nation. Park goers at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay enjoy 300 acres of rides and attractions, including a sprawling safari park.
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The University of Tampa
The University of Tampa riverfront campus is known for its impressive architecture, including the Moorish Revival Plant Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1891.
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Take a walk in Hyde Park
The historic neighborhood of Hyde Park has long been one of Tampa’s most fashionable zip codes. The residential neighborhood of historic homes and bungalows is also home to Hyde Park Village, an upscale shopping and dining destination.
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The green side of Tampa
Tampa is home to more than 3,540 acres of parkland, including 178 parks and more than 300 miles of trails. Water Works Park, situated at the northern end of the Tampa Riverwalk, is home to an outdoor amphitheater, splash pad, and sprawling green space on the banks of the Hillsborough River.
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On the water
Outdoor recreation in Tampa often takes place on the water. Those looking to escape the city can grab a paddle to explore the Hillsborough River just outside the urban center, where it’s possible to spot turtles, alligators and birds.
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Walk on the wild side
Just a few minutes outside downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park feels worlds away, thanks to its 7 miles of nature trails, campgrounds, class II river rapids and an ADA accessible swimming pool.
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World’s longest sidewalk
Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard is known as the World’s Longest Continuous Sidewalk, stretching for 4.5 miles along Tampa Bay. You’ll find people out on the trail at almost all hours of the day walking, jogging, biking and soaking up the bay and downtown views.
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Choose your own beach
Downtown Tampa is within a 30-minute drive of some of Florida’s best beaches, making it an ideal base for sun seekers. The blindingly white sands of Clearwater Beach are a short drive away, as is the solitude of Fort de Soto Park.
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Downtown views
For the best views of the Tampa skyline (especially around sunset), make your way to the fishing pier at Ballast Point Park. The park also features a boat ramp, picnic shelters, a playground and a waterpark.
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Paint the town green
Each St. Patrick’s Day, Tampa celebrates with the Mayor’s River O’Green Fest, where the Hillsborough River gets dyed bright green. The free event features live entertainment, family activities, food trucks and plenty of beer.
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A pirate’s life
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a pirate by the name of José Gaspar plundered along the coast of West Florida. Each year, Tampa celebrates its pirate history with the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, when the pirate ship Jose Gasparilla invades Tampa Bay.
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