Does Tampa Have A Good Downtown?

Yes, Tampa has a good downtown. In fact some would say that all things considered it is a great downtown. Not only is the downtown area amazing and filled with fantastic things to see and do but it is mostly surrounded by water.

Downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa Offers More Than A Days Worth Of Activities

Downtown Tampa offers much more than the typical city's downtown. How many cities can you set sail on a cruise out of? Take a tour on a World War 2 American Victory Ship or just stroll along the side of a river or shipping channel? Need more? Don't worry there is much more.

When you come to explore downtown Tampa you may want to start off on Channelside Drive because parking is located within walking distance and it is affordable to park there. The Channelside District is here you will see the cruise ship terminal and the Florida aquarium. The Florida Aquarium is just one of two aquariums in Tampa Bay and this one is no doubt the best. Who doesn't love sea turtles and the like.

After The Florida Aquarium stroll on over to the American Victory Ship. It is also worth a tour and yes it still functions. Next to it there are smaller cruise ships which specialize in local trips. If it is near time to eat try Sparkman Wharf which is a group of railroad boxcars modified into small restaurants. After you finish head westward to the next stop.

Tampa Bay History Center And The Beginning Of The Tampa Riverwalk

Florida's history is interesting to say the least. Do you really know anything about Tampa's history? Most do not, but most will find a lot of it to be interesting. The Tampa Bay History Center is a great place to learn much more and a lot of it is visual. Next to the History Center is a bridge which goes out to Harbour Island and you may just live out there someday. There is a Publix Supermarket near the base of the bridge if you need it.

The Tampa Riverwalk now runs along Garrison Channel toward a large park area and the Amalie Arena. If you are making this walk you will also see the TECO Streetcar pass by fairly regularly. More on it after you finish your journey. After all there is much more and even a few award winning parks.

After Winding around on the Tampa Riverwalk you will pass by the Tampa Convention Center and now you are alongside the Hillsborough River. This is the river supplying fresh water into Hillsborough Bay. Across the river you will see the university which also contains the Plant Museum (think railroads).

The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa Museum Of Art & Glazer Children's Museum

Sounds like quite a bit doesn't it? Well it is if you catch it on the right day. Many events are held at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and once a week admission is free at Glazer Children's Museum. A stones throw away from Curtis Hixon Park and you will find the Straz Center and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Not to mention many of the Hillsborough County offices.

The Tampa Museum Of art has educational programs, engaging exhibitions and contemporary art mingles with modern art and even art from ancient times. Contemporary art for a contemporary city.

The Straz Center For The Performing Arts is gorgeous at night and provides a lot of entertainment for downtown neighborhood residents. Book any attractions at the Straz Center of performing Arts online and don't worry parking is fairly easy. If your an art enthusiast into photographic arts your in luck as this Florida Museum is brand new and awesome just like the rest of downtown Tampa.

The TECO Streetcar To Ybor City

A short walk or even a stroll from Curtis Hixon Park and you can be on the local streetcar headed back through downtown Tampa all of the way to Ybor City. Ybor city is not for everyone but many will find something of interest there. It is a Mecca of Cuban culture and restaurants. The nightlife is not for the faint of heart, trust me on that. There is nowhere like it in Tampa FL.

The Tampa Police Department & Hillsborough County Sheriff

A couple of words to the wise. Secure your valuables even if you park in a secure parking garage. I walk these streets all of the time and never have a problem but some people that I know have had them. Do away with the temptation the weak at hear may face. Let someone else sign u for that educational program. See you soon in beautiful downtown Tampa FL.