Is There A Difference Between Tampa and Tampa Bay Florida?

Yes there is a difference between Tampa and the Tampa Bay area. When someone says Tampa Bay they mean one of two things. The area of Tampa Bay or the Large body of water referred to as Tampa Bay. Usually it is proper to state the Tampa Bay area but most do not. Tampa FL is a modern metropolitan town found in the Eastern Tampa Bay region. The Tampa Bay area includes most of Hillsborough County and even parts of Pinellas County.

Tampa FL | Tampa Bay Area

Downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa is located on the eastern side of the city. It's southern side sets on a large channel and it's western side along the shores of the Hillsborough River. Hence the Tampa Riverwalk, one of the cities attractions. Along the eastern side of the downtown area is the Florida Aquarium and the cruise ship terminals.

Sports Teams Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are often referred to as Tampa Bay. They play at the Raymond James Stadium which is in the western part of the city of Tampa just and I do mean just west of the Tampa International Airport. The Tampa Bay Rays play at the Amalie Arena which is in Downtown Tampa.

St Petersburg Clearwater FL

Two large areas and famous beaches in the area are St Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach. You may hear the names St Petersburg Florida and Clearwater Florida. These two beaches are different in many ways but both are amazing places to visit and two of the most beautiful beaches in FL. Clearwater Beach is 20-30 minutes from the Tampa International Airport.