Tampa is one of the most diverse cities in Florida, as it combines cultural attractions with a thriving business centre, a top amusement park and a buzzing nightlife. Look out for the Cuban and Spanish influences that have helped to bring vibrancy to many of the local neighborhoods and cuisine. You can also pick up a car rental from Tampa Airport and discover everything the Gulf Coast has to offer, both in the city and further afield.
Combining the thrill of adrenaline-packed rides and creature encounters, Busch Gardens is a hugely popular theme park. Families can choose to ride on nine rollercoasters and two water rides or spend their time with the animals. Among the activities on offer is the chance to hand feed creatures including kangaroos and giraffes, while the Serengeti Night Safari offers a different, nocturnal perspective on the animals' behavior.
Jump in your Tampa car rental and head to Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District and center of the Latino community. It was once home to the biggest cigar factory in the world, where 900,000 cigars were rolled every month. While the industry has gone, the area is still home to some beautiful historic buildings and the oldest Spanish restaurant in the country, The Columbia.
Wandering the Tampa Riverwalk is a popular pastime, as you never know what you might find. This route along the Hillsborough River features water fountains, public art and manicured lawns. Food trucks often park along the promenade, making for a great opportunity to tuck into some freshly made American classics. You can break up your walk by popping into one of the many museums that line the route.
Renting a car in Tampa makes it easy to drive to St Petersburg, just 40 minutes away via the I-275. Here you’ll find the Dali Museum, with its instantly recognizable glass bubble structures. Housing more than 2,000 pieces of art by the Surrealist artist, it’s the largest collection of his work outside of Spain. Highlights include Puzzle of Autumn and Catalan Bread. Don’t leave without experiencing the Avant-garden outside on the waterfront, as it is a fun exploration of some of Dali’s themes.
It’s a fairly long drive from Tampa to the Everglades at just under four hours, but it's worth it to see this unique part of Florida. The 1.5 million-acre wetland is a dream come true for wildlife lovers, as it’s home to alligators, turtles and a diverse selection of bird species. Choose to hike the national park’s trails or take to the water and see the Everglades’ inhabitants up close. Finish your day with a plate of seafood at Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe.
Drive for around an hour and a quarter via the I-4 to get to Universal Studios. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with recreations of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, will be a must-visit for fans of the boy wizard. Younger kids will love the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, while there’s so many rides and stunt demonstrations on show that it’s impossible to get bored. The Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park rides are always hits with the whole family.
A large family car will get you and your kids around all the best attractions in Florida.
Tampa International Airport
Some of the highways in Florida charge tolls, such as the Veterans Expressway and Selman Expressway in Tampa.
May, with an average 306 hours.
August, with an average 254 mm.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Tampa Riverfest, Tampa Bay Margarita Festival