Tampa Bay is a wonderful blend of beach time relaxin’ with the fun of big city action. Whether you’re searching for an escape or you’re just looking to heat things up, Tampa has it all!
First do what the tourist do and check out Busch Gardens or Adventure Island. Busch Gardens is an awesome African-themed amusement park that not only has a variety of rides and shows, but is also home to hundreds of animals native to the Serengeti in it’s 65-acres of safari. Here you’ll come face to face with lions, tigers, hippos and enjoy watching zebras, giraffes and many more in a more natural-like setting. When you’re finished with your safari, change into your bathing suits and head to Adventure Island. This water park is filled with many water ride favorites like the lazy river, flumes, slides, rapids and lagoon rides, so don’t forget the sun block! Both parks are sure bets for fun in the sun!
Slow it down and stroll through the Florida Aquarium or Lowry Park Zoo – both are small enough to do in a half a day making it enjoyable without the pressure of trying to fit it all in. By now you’re probably ready to get out of the heat and enjoy some culture at the Tampa Museum of Art or the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).
Not the museum type but still looking to get out of the heat? Sounds like a great opportunity for retail therapy! If you’re looking for upscale shopping, you’ll definitely want to start at International Plaza. They have everything from Louis Vuitton to Coach to Neiman Marcus. Don’t forget your camera because you never know whom you might bump in to, as stars such as Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton and Derek Jeter have been spotted here. International Plaza is not only a shopping Mecca but has some great dining options like The Cheesecake Factory or The Capital Grille. You may even want to start your nightlife off at the Blue Martini.
What will you do for lunch? It’s like asking what are you going to do for the rest of your life. As women, we often think do one of two things – we either think too much or not at all – meaning we either can’t decide or we just grab-and-go. Instead embrace the moment as a great opportunity to dine at cheaper prices and spend quality time chatting with your best gal pals. There’s no better place to grab lunch than in South Tampa. Just cruise down Howard Avenue and you’ll find great eats at nearly every restaurant. There’s everything from Italian to Chinese or spring for Spanish tapas or even California Cuisine. Go back in the evening for an upscale dining experience at Burn’s Steakhouse - rated one of the best steakhouses in the country (note: they even have a desert room – yep a room just for ordering desert! YUM!).
Get the party started right as nightlife jumps off in a couple of different hotspots. Historic Ybor City has been the classic place to go for a night on the town. Everything is located in Centro Ybor, on 7th avenue, including nightclubs, restaurants and shops. Dine at the historic Columbia Restaurant. Since the early 1900’s, The Columbia Restaurant has served incredible Spanish gourmet, including tapas, that has made this a nationally award-winning restaurant. It’s a unique dining experience that not only serves the best Spanish dishes, but also entertains you with their own Flamenco dancers. You definitely won’t want to miss this on your visit to Tampa. After you’ve satisfied your appetite, check out the latest chick flick at the Muvico Centro Ybor 20 Theater, followed by a drink and a laugh at The Improve comedy club, then dance the night away at any one of the many nightclubs.
Another great option for a girls’ night on the town is the newer and more upscale Channelside Bay Plaza. Located in downtown, just steps away from the Ice Palace (St. Pete Times Forum), Channelside promises a night you won’t forget! Start with an upscale dining experience at Grille 29 or Thai Thani, then head to Splitsville where bowling and shooting some pool are trendy. Afterwards, you can dance your heart out at Banana Joe’s, Margarita Mama’s or Sling Shots Country Saloon.
After your night out, it’s time to relax at nearby spa! If you’re looking for your typical luxury spa establishment then head to the Harbour Island Athletic Club & Spa in Tampa. Escape to a cottage where hospitality and personal attention is the foundation that makes up Spa Jardin. You’ll easily fall in love with this hidden gem as pedicures are done in bowls filled with sweet aromas and flowers, and the massage table is more like a giant pillow! Enjoy some great views of the bay as you head to Clearwater for world-class treatment at the Belleview Biltmore Resort or Safety Harbor Resort & Spa.
Of course visiting Tampa Bay means you have to have a day (or two, or three…) at the beach! So pack up the gals and drive to the next county over for a beach day. Here you’ll find two of the top-rated beaches in U.S. – Clearwater Beach and Ft. DeSoto Park. In the summer, both are packed full of tourist and other beach Gods and Goddesses, but with the subtle sound of the waves and the breathtaking seascapes you won’t even know anyone else exists.
If you want something a little more secluded and less tourist enriched, try Pass-A-Grille Beach (south of St. Pete Beach). It has two fantastic restaurants in walking distance from the beach and even a beach side grille. Try The Brass Monkey, a restaurant that serves a delectable array of seafood dishes that will leave you speechless. Right next door you’ll find Hurricane’s, which is a three-story restaurant with a fantastic rooftop bar. Picture yourself sitting under the warming rays of the sun, sipping on a fruity drink while sopping up the best views of the Gulf of Mexico. You may even catch a glimpse of dolphins frolicking in the horizon.
Tampa Bay is a fabulous destination for your next girlfriends’ getaway! You’ll not only go home with a tan, but with lots of stories that will last a lifetime! From amusement parks, to museums, to time on the beach, to spoiling spa treatments, to amazing nightlife, there’s only one question: When do we go?!?!
For More Information visit www.visittampabay.com
