Tampa / St. Petersburg Hotels

Tampa – St. Petersburg

There’s no doubt about it. Tampa – St. Petersburg will get you hot under the collar. Sit back, light up a cigar, and contemplate the roller coaster of adventures that await. Or you can slip back into low gear and take your time cruising the fine white beaches and crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, you’ll find when you arrive that Tampa – St. Petersburg takes the business of pleasure seriously.

After the sun goes down, it’s time to loosen your tie and put on your boogie shoes. St. Petersburg hosts the best in local live music and entertainment nightly. Head to downtown Tampa to visit The Fox Jazz Club for Florida’s most happening jazz scene. If you’re craving some contact sports, Tampa is the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but if you prefer NCAA to NFL, you can see the South Florida Bulls play a home game at the Ray Jay. From the bright sunshine of the beaches to the gothic interior of The Castle nightclub, you’ll find a startling balance of glorious light and delicious darkness in Tampa. We didn’t say it wasn’t hot here, but taking the heat is sometimes what life’s all about.

Tampa – St. Petersburg’s Top 10

Tampa /St. Petersburg History

• Tampa Bay History Centre - This museum starts 12,000 years ago and takes you through history to the modern day.
• Henry B. Plant Museum - This Tampa museum is dedicated to the years of the Spanish American War and Florida's role in the conflict.
• SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship - The name says it all; climb aboard this ship for a tour of naval history.
• Florida Holocaust Museum - St. Petersburg museum that recounts the tragedy of the Holocaust.
• St. Petersburg Museum of History - This is one of the oldest museums in Florida.

Tampa/St. Petersburg Art & Culture

• Tampa Theatre - Now on the National Register of Historic Places, an organ will still entertain you before the movie starts.
• Tampa Bay Performing Arts Centre - See a live performance at this theatre for a change of pace.
• The Tampa Improv - Come for a laugh at this improv comedy club.
• Museum of Fine Arts - This St. Petersburg museum has a wide range of exhibits from ancient to modern art.
• Salvador Dali Museum - It's all surreal at this museum dedicated to the artist. Even if you aren't a fan, you'll enjoy perusing this museum.

Tampa/St. Petersburg Shopping

• Old Hyde Park Village - An outdoor shopping centre in Tampa that also has theatres and sponsored events.
• Saturday Morning Market - You can shop here in St. Petersburg for fresh food, crafts and flowers.
• Metropolitan Cigars - This is a family-owned cigar and tobacco store in Tampa.
• Florida Craftsman Gallery - Some of the best crafted art in Florida is sold here in St. Petersburg.
• Gaslight Antiques - While in Tampa, take a look at some of the rare lovely antiques.

Gay & Lesbian Tampa/St. Petersburg

• Azalea Lounge – This stylish LBGT venue in Tampa is a casual spot with stiff drinks. Features a billiards table, darts and patio.
• Flirt Nightclub and Show Bar - This gay bar in Tampa’s Ybor City features drag shows for your entertainment.
• G Bar - If you want to dance in Tampa, this popular spot is your place.
• GayStPete House - This bed and breakfast is in a central St. Petersburg location and offers a clothing-optional pool.
• L Train - This low-key lesbian lounge welcomes everyone, has a small theatre and serves beer and wine.

Tampa St. Petersburg Events

The year begins with a bang in Tampa at the New Year’s Day Outback Bowl, the first game of the year at Ray Jay Stadium.

In February get some candy floss and win a kewpie doll at the Tampa Florida State Fair, then rescue a fair maiden or joust with a knight later in the month at the Renaissance Medieval Festival.

The Gasparilla Festival of The Arts in Tampa hosts an eclectic range of works by a diverse assortment of artists and craftspeople in March, and stay till April for the classic Outback Steakhouse Pro Am Tournament at the TPC Tampa Bay course.

Once you’ve watched the last ball drop, head off to the legendary St. Petersburg Berns Steak House for a four-day celebration of food and wine at their Annual Winefest.

Put on your blue suede shoes in May at the Bluegrass and Arts Festival in St. Petersburg, then join in the treasure hunt, dress like a pirate and say ‘arrrrrr’ at the John Levique Pirate Days events in Tampa.

Celebrate Independence Day with the Channelside Live Music and Fireworks Display, in Downtown Tampa.

Get your bath toys in gear in September at the Tarpon Springs Rubber Duckie Race in Tampa and be in the first 10 to win a prize.

Visit downtown Clearwater near St. Petersburg in October and you’ll be grooving to the Jazz beat at the Jazz Holiday Festival.

Scare the kids silly at the Tampa Busch Gardens Howl’o’Scream nights leading up to Halloween, but get a nanny for the little ones.

Get into the Fall Boat Show at the Vinoy Yacht Basin in St. Petersburg in November and celebrate the yuletide season. You can also check out the arts and crafts at Christmas in the P.A.R.C. at Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg.

When To Go

Spring and autumn are the most temperate times of year in Tampa – St. Petersburg, with temperatures averaging around 72°F (26°C). Tampa has highs of about 84°F (30°C) in summer, and lows of about 60°F (17°C) in the drier winter months.

Precipitation is light in winter, with an average of 2 inches (50mm) per month. Summer is the wet season, and thunderstorms are common in the afternoons. Rainfall jumps to around 7 inches (180mm) per month during the hot months, so pack an umbrella, a hat and some good sunblock.

Anytime of the year is great for a getaway to Tampa – St. Petersburg, but if you’re looking for a great beach holiday, head there in the spring or autumn.

Getting There

Tampa International Airport is about 11 kilometres west of Downtown Tampa and hosts a total of 14 domestic and international carriers, including Delta Airlines, British Airways and American Airlines.

The local Greyhound Bus Station is in East Polk Street in Downtown Tampa, and if you’re coming by train, the Amtrak station is close to Nebraska Avenue. Grab the Trolley in the CBD for convenience, or take the HART Bus to the outer suburbs of Tampa – St. Petersburg.

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