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Tampa Bay Things to See
The city of Tampa and the communities that surround it are rich in museums, aquariums, and parks. A diverse spread of attractions operate in this part of the state, some charging little or no admission. What follows is a brief list of things for travelers to see in the Bay area, as well as a short description of what to expect from each place.
TAMPA
The Florida Aquarium, a glass dome standing three stories high, offers exhibits on the diverse ecosystem and aquatic habitats of Florida. A variety of animals indigenous to the state are featured. Admission is $10.95 for the general public, and $5.95 for ages 3-12. Parking is three dollars. Open 9:30-5 daily from Jan 1 through Labor Day (and 5-9 Fridays, mid-June to mid-August) and mid-Dec. through Dec. 31; 10-5 day after Labor day to mid-Dec. 701 Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa. Phone 813-273-4000.
Lowry Park Zoological Garden- contains more than 350 animal species from four continents. Along with an extensive spread of land animals, the zoo has underground viewing rooms where visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the fascinating marine life that makes its home in Florida's waters. Open daily 9:30-5. Located right next to the Children's Museum of Tampa, at 7530 N. Boulevard, Tampa. Phone 813-935-8552.
The Museum Of African-American Art- A variety of temporary and permanent exhibits with special events for the public year-round. Open 10am-4:30pm Tuesday through Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday. 1308 N. Marion Street in Tampa, just off US 275. 813-272-2466.
The Museum Of Science and Industry- provides visitors with more than 200,000 square feet of informative exhibits on science, industry, and technology. In addition, the Gulf Coast Hurricane gives patrons a chance to experience hurricane force winds without running the danger of being squished by a flying mobile home. Open at 9am. daily with varying closing times. Admission is $11 (includes tickets to IMAX theater), $9 visitors over 59, 13-18, and college students with ID, $7 kids 2-12. 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, just before N. 56th St. Phone 813-987-6300.
The Tampa Museum Of Art exhibits permanent and traveling art displays on Greek, Roman, and contemporary works. Located at 600 N. Ashley Dr., open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm (Wed. 5am-9pm also) and 1am-5pm Sun. Admissions $5, $4 senior citizens and college students with ID, $3 kids 6-18. Call 813-274-8130.
The Henry B. Plant Museum sits in the south wing of Plant Hall, the main administration building of the University of Tampa. The museum displays furnishings and art, as well as exhibits tracing the history of the Tampa Bay area and the former Tampa Bay Hotel, which now houses the University. Admission is $3. Open Tues-Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. noon-4pm. 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-1891.
The Ybor City State Museum covers the cigar industry in Cuba of the mid-19th century as well as Ybor City's history as a world-class cigar manufacturing center. Open Tues-Sat. 9am-noon and 1am-5pm. Admissions charge is $2, children under 6 free. 1818 9th Ave, Ybor City, Tampa. 813-987-6771.
The Ybor City Brewing Company produces 15,000 barrels a year of Ybor Gold, Calusa Wheat, and Ybor Brown Ale. Housed in a former cigar factory, the recently established microbrewery offers a gift shop, tours, and product tasting. Open Tues-Sat 11am-3pm or by appointment. Admission is $2 per person. 2205 N. 20th St., Ybor City, Tampa. 813-242-9222.
The Children's Museum Of Tampa, next to the Lowry Park Zoo, contains exhibits on safety and multiculturalism, all geared towards indoctrinating children. Open 9am-4:30pm Mon-Thurs., 9am-3pm Fri., 10am-5pm Sat., and 1pm-5pm Sun. 7550 North Boulevard, Tampa. Call 813-987-5082.
ST. PETERSBURG
The Bayfront Center/Arena/Mahaffey Theater- Sports events as well as theater and conventions of all types. 400 1st St. South, St. Petersburg. Phone 813-825-3333 for general info or call 813-892-5767 for information on scheduling and tickets.
Boyd Hill Nature Park-, located on the west end of Lake Maggiore, has a variety of hiking, biking, and nature trails as well as guided walks and picnicking. The park's Nature Center has exhibits on birds of prey, interpretive displays, and an aquarium. Admission $1 18 and over, 50 cents 17 and under. 1101 Country Club Way South (just off 275 South before 62nd Ave. S.), St. Petersburg. Call 813-893-7326.
The Florida International Museum- 300,000 square feet of the latest traveling international exhibitions. Garage parking and food are available. Parking is $1 for the first half hour, maximum charge $4. Admission $12 for the general public, $10.75 over 60, and $5 5-16. 100 2nd St. North, St. Petersburg. Open daily 9am-10pm mid-Oct. to mid-Apr. Last admission 2 hours before closing. Call 1-800-777-9882 for reservations, or call 813-822-3693 for more information on the museum's offerings.
Fort DeSoto in Fort DeSoto Park, named after the famous Spanish explorer, offers walkways, historical trails, and a 90-minute guided tour on foot. Begun during the Spanish-American War, Fort DeSoto saw neither battle nor completion but makes fascinating sightseeing for any history buff. The park itself offers biking, camping, and hiking facilities. Reservations for camping must be made within 30 days of intended stay and must be in person. Located off I-275 South, Exit 4 on the Pinellas Byway. Call 813-866-2662.
Great Explorations provides six pavilions worth of dynamic exhibits and programs dealing with various areas of science and art. Great Explorations features children's exhibits, as well. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm, noon-5pm Sun. Admission $6 for the general public, $5.50 over 65, and $5 4-17. 1120 4th Street South, a short distance from the Bayfront Center In St. Petersburg.. Phone 813-821-8885 for details.
The Museum of Fine Arts features paintings, sculpture, and decorative works of American, European, and Pre-Columbian artists. Also offering special exhibits and lectures, the museum is open 10am-5pm Tues.-Sat., 1pm-5pm Sun., and an additional four hours (5pm-9pm) on the third Thursday of each month. Admission is $2 with student ID, $3 over 64, and $5 for everyone else. Everybody gets in free on Sundays. Located at 255 Beach Drive at 2nd Ave. N.E. in St. Petersburg, just minutes from the Florida International Museum. Call 813-896-2667.
The P. Buckley Moss Gallery- contains exhibits on the work of P. Buckley Moss, encompassing the artist's watercolors, paintings, etchings, and serigraphs. Open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat., noon-5pm Sun. Sept. to May (hours are 10am-6pm Mon-Fri. and 10am-5pm Sun. the rest of the year). 190 Fourth Avenue N.E. downtown St., Petersburg. Phone 813-894-2899.
The St. Petersburg Museum of History- Highlights the historical development of the St. Petersburg area, beginning in prehistoric times and carrying through to the present. Sits right next door to The Pier, a 2,400 foot extension into Tampa Bay that is one of the key landmarks on Florida's west coast. Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat. 1pm-5pm Sundays. Admission $4 general public, $3.50 senior citizen, and $1.50 7-17. 335 2nd Ave. N.E. St. Petersburg. 813-894-1052.
The St. Petersburg Thunderdome, future home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (the area's major league baseball team), is a $110 million domed stadium with seating for 43,000 spectators. 1 Stadium Drive, St. Petersburg. 813-825-3100.
The Salvador Dali Museum Claims to be the largest collection of the Spanish artist's work. Admissions $4 students with ID, $7 visitors over 65, $8 general public, and free to children under 10. 1000 3rd St. South, St. Petersburg. Call 813-823-3767.
THE AREA
Clearwater Marine Aquarium-, working aquarium dedicated to public education, marine research, animal assisted therapy and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured or sick whales, dolphins, otters and sea turtles.. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. 11am-4pm. 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. 727-441-1790.
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary- is home for more than 500 sea and land birds, and is also the site of America's largest wild-bird hospital. No charge for admissions, but donations are welcome. Open to the public daily 9am-sunset year-round. 18328 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores. 813--391-6211.
The Lady Anderson- gives a variety of Boca Ciega Bay cruises from October to mid-May. This three-deck boat sails on lunch cruises from Tuesday to Friday ($19.50 adult, $13.50 children 9 and under). On Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 10pm, the Lady Anderson holds dinner cruises ($29.50 adult, $9.50 children). Gospel music cruises are on Tuesday and Thursday, beginning at 6:30pm ($24.50 adults, $17.50 children). Reservations are required. St. Pete Beach Causeway, 3400 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Pete Beach. Call 813-367-7804.
The DeSoto National Memorial- Open from mid-December to mid-April, offering black powder, crossbow, blacksmithing, and cooking demonstrations. A replica of the Spanish explorer's 1539 camp, the memorial has a visitor's center, a small museum, a gift shop, and a nature trail. Open daily 9am-5pm. Free admission. 75th St. West, DeSoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. 941-792-0458.
Manatee Village Historical Park- National Register of Historic Places and contains several historic buildings, including an authentic 1-room schoolhouse. Open Mon-Fri. 9am-4:30pm, Sun. 1:30pm-4:30pm. Closed on Sundays throughout July and August. 604 15th St. East, Bradenton. 941-749-7165.
The South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium- has more than 50,000 square feet of exhibits as well as educational shows on astronomy and laser light displays. The museum's 60,000 gallon aquarium holds the oldest manatee born in captivity in Florida. Open Tues-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. noon-6pm. Admission $5.50, children $3.50, and free for kids 4 and under. 201 10th St. West, Bradenton. 941-746-4132.
The Konger Coral Sea Aquarium- houses a vast collection of fish from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Open 10am-5pm daily. Admission $4, $3.25 over 54, $2 kids 3-11. 850 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs. 813-938-5378.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral- is a replica of Constantinople's St. Sophia's. Exemplifying New Byzantine architecture, the cathedral is open from 9am-4pm (9am-noon on major holidays). 36 N. Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs. 813-937-3540.
Asolo Center For The Performing Arts- has presented quality theatrical productions to the public for 35 years. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For show information, phone 941-351-8000 or 941-351-9010.
Mote Marine Laboratory- features a 135,000 gallon outdoor shark tank along with a 30-foot "touch tank". The recently opened Marine Mammal Visitors Center offers exhibits on a plethora of sea animals. Open 10am-5pm daily, closed on major holidays. Admission $8, $6 children 4-17, free to kids 3 and under. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. 941-388-4441.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art- Three miles north of downtown Sarasota on US Hwy 41. The facility, Florida's state art museum, contains a theater, the Ringling residence, and the Art and Circus galleries. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Admission $8.50 adults, $7.50 seniors, free for children 12 and under. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700 or 941-351-1660 for recorded message.
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