Experience Tampa Bay, FL
One of the most diverse regions on the Florida Gulf Coast, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater offers an incredible variety of dining, relaxation, and outdoor activities.
There’s something for everyone on this popular section of Florida’s West Coast. From golf and nightlife to watersports and beaches, the Tampa and St. Pete/Clearwater region is suitable for all. Nonstop service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Allegiant to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) makes it easy to call Tampa your next vacation destination.
Good to Know
Airport: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
Average Flight Time: 2 hours
Book a Trip: allegiantair.com
Explore Downtown Tampa Bay
Visitors and locals alike can bike, run, and explore the Tampa Riverwalk, which offers a smooth, 2.4-mile path through downtown Tampa’s favorite attractions, all along the stunning Hillsborough River. Not to be outdone, in 2020, St. Pete Pier District opened along 26 acres of Tampa Bay waterfront, making it an ideal destination for families, bikers, rollerbladers, and those in the mood to lounge. The Tampa Bay area encompasses award-winning beaches like Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach. Powder-soft sand, emerald water, and all the piers, cabanas, and umbrellas that go with them . . . it’s a wonderful way to relax and unwind for a day or a week.
The city is a sports fan’s dream with year-round pro sports action. Three major professional sports teams competing in the four major Northern American leagues call Tampa Bay home. Hit a home run with the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), skate to victory with the Tampa Bay Lighting (NHL), or score a touchdown with the Tampa Bay Bucs (NFL). Tampa Bay is also the spring training location for the New York Yankees and home to its Single-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. Catch a spring training or minor league game to watch the future Yankees’ rookies start their career as they chase their dream to be the next big name or plan your visit during the regular season to experience the city’s premier pro sports facilities. With a number of additional pro and semi-pro clubs, including the Tampa Bay Krewe Rugby Football Club, the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL), and USL Super League Tampa Bay, it’s hard to pick just a single game to attend.
Big Thrills Await
Busch Gardens is located just 25 miles from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) which you can fly to nonstop from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. The family-oriented theme park offers a variety of attractions, such as rollercoasters, animal experiences, safaris, live entertainment, eateries, gift shops and more. Experience breathtaking thrills on iconic coasters like Cheetah Hunt and Iron Gwazi, or get up-close and personal with giraffes, kangaroos, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs and other exotic animals when you take an exclusive insider tour. Busch Garden’s unique blend of zoology and thrill rides makes it a perfect vacation spot for the ultimate family adventure.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa offers a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial animal exhibits, including sea turtles, sharks, lemurs, river otters and more. Discover the wonders of the natural environment and learn about the animals that inhabit the aquarium with a guided underwater walking tour, exploration of coral caves, or behind the scenes experience with animal care professionals for a special penguin meet and greet. ZooTampa at Lowry Park, voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Zoos in the country, also offers one-of-a-kind experiences that connect guests to wildlife and each other in fun and immersive ways. Looking for something even more adventurous? Visit Croc Encounters for a guided tour to interact with alligators and crocodiles, including feeding and photo opportunities, all while learning about the sanctuary and its residents.
Florida West Coast Fun
The fun doesn’t have to stop there. Cross the Howard Frankland Bridge from Old Tampa Bay into Seminole in Pinellas County for a mix of adventures. The community neighboring Hillsborough County sits just about 40 minutes away from downtown Tampa. Head over to Seminole and take a boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway, enjoy a picnic at Boca Ciega Millennium Park, or play a round of golf at the Bayou Club. Sarasota is another nearby city known for its vibrant art community and beautiful white-sand beaches, located just over an hour from Tampa. Visit Siesta Key Beach there and see why it’s ranked among the best beaches in the world or experience a stunning collection of tropical plants at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Art and history lovers won’t want to miss a visit to The Ringling Museum of Art, which boasts 66 acres of sub-tropical grounds, featuring stunning fine art and breathtaking architecture that takes visitors back to the glamorous age of the Roaring Twenties.
From water parks to zip lines and beaches to museums, however you like to vacation, it’s clear(water) that Florida’s West Coast has what you’re looking for. Book your affordable, nonstop Allegiant flight from BLV to Tampa today!
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*Information in this article was sourced, in part, from Visit Tampa Bay, which also provides details on all the upcoming events you may want to check out for your next trip.
