Tampa Bay Sights

  1. Adventure Island

    This 25-acre water park, run by Anheuser-Busch, has 16 different areas, including Key West Rapids, on which rafters go down a six-story twist, ending in a 60ft-long pool. Other slide rides include the Aruba Tuba (some portions are in total darkness) and Rambling Bayou, where you go through weather 'effects' areas (some foggy, others have heavy rain). There's also a 9000-sq-ft swimming pool with waterfalls, diving platforms and tube slides.

    Read more about Adventure Island

  2. Busch Gardens

    Competing with Walt Disney World to empty the wallets of Floridian fun park addicts is Busch Gardens, an African-themed exercise in big-budget amusement that's located on its very own boulevard. Busch is equipped with a number of rides designed to scare the crap out of you and everyone in your immediate vicinity.

    Read more about Busch Gardens

  3. Florida Aquarium

    The wonderful three-storey Florida Aquarium's thematic exhibits range from a wetlands recreation - complete with limestone cave, mist-topped water, mangroves and resident turtles (plus some alligator spawn) - to an indoor dune-studded beach and a coral reef that's held prisoner in a very large tank.

    Read more about Florida Aquarium

  4. Legends Field

    The New York Yankees play spring-training baseball games in March at Legends Field, the 10,000-seat stadium modeled after the 'House that Ruth Built' (ie Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.) The Yankees' minor-league team, the Tampa Yankees, plays at Legends Field from April to September (tickets around US$3 to US$5 ).

    Read more about Legends Field

  5. Lowry Park Zoo

    The lush zoo has the great manatee encounter and aquatic center, but there are also good exhibits on panthers, alligators, Komodo dragons, pandas, primates and bison. The Asian domain highlights a rare Indian rhinoceros, while families love the Wallaroo Station, an Australian themed area with kangaroos and wallabies that kids can pet. They can also pet and feed stingrays elsewhere in the park. Before leaving, don't miss the 18,000-sq-ft, free-flight aviary.

    Read more about Lowry Park Zoo

  7. Outback Bowl

    If you've never seen an American college football game, don't miss the Outback Bowl, an NCAA (National College Athletic Association) football game on New Year's Day.

    Read more about Outback Bowl

  8. Raymond James Stadium

    The NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at Raymond James Stadium from August (pre-season) to December, but you'll probably have to catch them on TV since season ticket holders grab most stadium seats.

    Read more about Raymond James Stadium

  9. St Pete's Times Forum

    The NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning play hockey at the St Pete's Times Forum from October through March. The forum also hosts basketball games, concerts and ice shows.

    Read more about St Pete's Times Forum

  10. Tampa Theatre

    The still-operational Tampa Theatre on Franklin St is a beautiful palace of a place built in 1926 and decorated with a star-spangled ceiling, mythological statues and a very large, ear-shaking Wurlitzer. Audiences turn out for independent and classic films, concerts and other special events.

    Read more about Tampa Theatre

  11. UT Falk Theater

    This 900-seat theater is operated by the University of Tampa.

    Read more about UT Falk Theater

  12. Advertisement