Florida Aquarium

Tampa's excellent aquarium is among the state's best. Cleverly designed, the re-created swamp lets you walk among herons and ibis as they prowl the mangroves. Programs let you swim with the fish (and the sharks) or take a catamaran ecotour in Tampa Bay – check the website carefully before visiting and consider buying one of the the combo tickets that take in additional activities. For better crowd control, tickets are priced by entry time. Parking costs $6.