At a glance: endless entertainment in Tampa Bay
Where: The city of Tampa on Florida’s west coast, and its surrounding neighbourhoods
Best for: High-octane attractions and championship sporting events
Don’t miss: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the area’s flagship theme park
Road trip highlight: A day out on the spectacular sands of nearby St. Pete-Clearwater
Nature fix: Kayaking in Hillsborough River State Park
Getting started: Fly direct to Tampa with British Airways
From powdery beaches and vast national parks to culture-packed metropolises, there are endless reasons to visit Florida. But if there’s one thing the Sunshine State is best-known for, it’s entertainment – from high-energy, large-scale theme parks to major sporting competitions.
Whether you’re visiting before or after a cruise, or using Tampa International Airport as a gateway for a bigger Florida itinerary with British Airways, Tampa Bay is the perfect place to get a dose of the action.
Ready to get stuck in? Here’s what Tampa Bay has to offer thrill-seekers and sports spectators…
World-class roller coasters and thrill rides
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida’s most iconic thrill rides
Tampa Bay
Orlando doesn’t hold all the aces when it comes to theme parks in Florida. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, pictured above, is home to some of Florida’s most iconic thrill rides. It’s a bucket list destination for coaster enthusiasts, offering massive drops, huge loops and exhilarating speeds.
Board the legendary Sheikra, kicking off with a 135-foot drop that triggers a full three seconds of weightlessness before leaning into one of the world’s largest vertical loops. Or muster up the courage for a go on the Serengeti Flyer, main image, where you’ll enjoy multiple negative-G moments. It’s the tallest, and fastest, coaster of its kind on the planet.
While even the most hardened adrenaline junkies will get their highs at Busch Gardens, there’s plenty here to satiate more moderate appetites, too. For example, the whole family can take a turn on gentle rides like the carousel or SkyRide cable car.
Big-league sport and championship events
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Catch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at a home game and savour the American Football experience first-hand
Carmen Mandato/Tampa Bay Buccane/Tampa Bay
Baseball, ice hockey or American football – in Tampa Bay, there’s something for sports fans to see whatever time of year.
Tampa is home to multiple major league teams, including Super Bowl victors the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose stadium is pictured above, while the wider area is home to championship sporting events, such as the PGA golf Valspar Championship and NCAA basketball.
There’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in the local sport action, too: more than 10 golf courses are here, all suitable for play 12 months of the year, thanks to the balmy Florida climate.
In a less competitive space, other high-energy pursuits come in the form of kayaking on Class II River rapids in Hillsborough River State Park, or ziplining across creeks and lush grasslands at the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve.
Tampa’s exciting events, nightlife and festivals
No timbers remain ‘unshivered’ at Tampa’s pirate-themed festival, Gasparilla
Tampa Bay
The city of Tampa has a brimming annual calendar of events, from Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which features huge parades of floats and marching bands, to Tampa Riverfest, which includes live music performances, craft workshops and food markets.
When evening falls, revellers make for the clubs and music venues of Ybor City or the rooftop bars of Water Street. Thanks to the fairly compact layout of Downtown Tampa, you can fit multiple venues into one electric evening. Indulge yourself with a stay at The Tampa Edition, situated in the heart of Downtown’s Water Street. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is another great choice for a luxurious home from home in this exciting part of the city.
With so much of Florida right on your doorstep here (the spectacular beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater are just a 30-minute drive away, for example), Tampa Bay is a brilliant springboard for exploring more of the state as well as a being a great location to tag onto a longer trip in its own right.
Booking with British Airways
British Airways offers an extensive network of direct flights to Florida, serving Orlando, Miami and Tampa, making it easy to reach the Sunshine State from the UKWhen booking with British Airways Holidays, you can secure your holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments*All holiday packages include a generous checked baggage allowanceAccess to a dedicated 24/7 support helpline during your tripATOL protection from the moment you book a holiday package, giving you financial reassuranceMembers of The British Airways Club benefit from collecting Avios, earning tier points and using Avios towards the cost of holiday packagesUpgrade to Club World (Business Class) for a host of additional benefits including lounge access, **increased checked baggage allowance, priority check-in and boarding, and a spacious seat that converts to a fully flat bedSee ba.com/holidays for full details and conditions
*Full balance due seven weeks before departure
**Subject to availability. T&Cs apply
Book your Florida holiday here