Local Area Overview
Tampa Bay, one of the world's great secluded harbors, is a vast body of water separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a peninsula that stretches from Clearwater on the north to St. Petersburg on the south. In the center of the huge bay is a peninsula with MacDill Air Force Base at its southern tip. North of that is the city of Tampa, which got its name from a Native American word meaning "sticks of fire," a reference to the region as a campsite.
Tampa Airport/Westshore
The award-winning Tampa International Airport sits on the city's west side, in the Airport/Westshore region. With a passenger volume of about 14 million annually, Tampa International Airport ranks among the top 10 airports in the nation for on-time departures. Here you will the WestShore Plaza shopping area and the Raymond James Stadium.
St. Pete's Time Forum
The St. Pete Times Forum encompasses 670,000 square feet with three decks and seven separate levels. The St. Pete Times Forum opened in 1996 as the Ice Palace. The arena was built as a new home for the Lightning to replace Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, which was then known as the Thunderdome. Upon the completion of the Ice Palace, both the Lightning and the Tampa Bay Storm, also a tenant of the Thunderdome, moved in.
Busch Gardens/University of South Florida
While I-275 branches off from I-75 north of Sarasota and travels through St. Petersburg, crossing the Howard Franklin and heading north from downtown. Those two interstate highways meet just north of town and create a triangle known as the Busch Gardens/University of South Florida region.
This is where you will find Tampa's famed Busch Gardens, only about 10 minutes from the Sheraton. Other attractions in the vicinity include the Tampa Greyhound Track, the Museum of Science & Industry, Adventure Island water park and the D. G. Yuengling Brewery.
Downtown Tampa
Tampa's Hillsborough River winds its way through the Busch Gardens/University of South Florida section of the city and through downtown Tampa, bisecting the city as it makes its way to the sea.
Points of interest in this part of town include the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Performing Arts Center.
Ybor City
Ybor Info - Known as Tampa's Latin Quarter for over a century, Ybor City is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. From the scent of roasting Cuban coffee early in the morning to the rhythms of Latin music late into the night, Ybor is a feast for the senses.
Choose from a variety of cuisine - Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French - just by strolling down La Setima, the main street of the Historic District. Share authentic tapas and a pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean village.
Browse eclectic shops and art galleries or visit one of the museums. See a "hand-rolled cigar" being made or just relax and "people watch" with a cup of Ybor's famous cafe con leche.
Listen to the music of the night - jazz, blues, salsa, reggae and even hip-hop emanate from a selection of pubs, patio bars and nightclubs. Ybor is alive with a variety of entertainment that makes it one of Florida's top-ranked nightspots.
Founded by Vicente Martinez-Ybor as a cigar-manufacturing center, Ybor City today is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida. Red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets give it an old-world charm that is a refreshing change of pace from the beach and the mall.
Ybor city is also home to many of Tampa's LGBT clubs, lounges, and restaurants. This district of Ybor is also known as GAYbor.
Plant City
Traveling east of Tampa on I-4, built to connect Tampa to Daytona through Orlando, will bring you to Plant City, a farming community renowned for its annual Strawberry Festival and an array of related special events. There are also several interesting shops and restaurants here. The Branch Ranch offers home cooking at its finest.
For more information on the Tampa Bay area, view www.VisitTampaBay.com .
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is home of pristine white sand beaches, clear gulf waters, warm sunshine, and plenty of hospitality. Meet Winter, the world's most famous dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. See the Champion Philadelphia Phillies during Spring training at beautiful Bright House Field. Enjoy the nightly "Sunsets at Pier 60" Festival where sunsets, music, magic and fun create lasting memories. Come to watch the National Superboat Championships or the Ironman. And don't miss the Internationally recognized Clearwater Jazz Festival! There is always something special going on at Clearwater Beach.
Channelside
Channelside has every kind of entertainment: complementary catamaran cruises, IMAX movies, extreme games, dance clubs, piano bars, and unique shops and restaurants. Stroll the waterfront and watch the Port of Tampa at work, explore a 3D cave at the IMAX theater, or play state of the art arcade games. Explore the diverse world of Channelside. The best entertainment is waiting for you.