Tidings Media Editors Rank The Top Tourist Attractions and Historic Sites in the Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay area is a wonderful destination for tourists and locals alike, with a plethora of exciting and unique attractions to explore. We'll start with the the top 10 tourist attractions in the Tampa Bay area, along with their websites for more information:

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - https://buschgardens.com/tampa/
   Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a popular amusement park that features thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment. This park is known for its roller coasters, such as the SheiKra and the Cheetah Hunt, as well as its animal exhibits, which showcase species from around the world.
2. The Florida Aquarium - https://www.flaquarium.org/
   The Florida Aquarium is an interactive aquarium that features a variety of marine life exhibits, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Visitors can also participate in behind-the-scenes tours, dolphin encounters, and snorkeling trips in the aquarium's outdoor coral reef exhibit.
3. Clearwater Beach - https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/list/beaches/clearwater-beach
   Clearwater Beach is a pristine white sand beach that's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. This beach is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife options, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
4. The Dali Museum - https://thedali.org/
   The Dali Museum is a must-see for art lovers, featuring a collection of works by the surrealist painter Salvador Dali. The museum's permanent collection includes over 2,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
5. The Tampa Bay History Center - https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/
   The Tampa Bay History Center is a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of the Tampa Bay area. Exhibits include displays on the Seminole Indian Wars, the cigar industry, and the growth of the area's shipping industry.
6. Ybor City - https://yborcityonline.com/
   Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa that was once the hub of the city's cigar industry. Today, the neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as several historic landmarks, including the Ybor City Museum State Park.
7. The Glazer Children's Museum - https://glazermuseum.org/
   The Glazer Children's Museum is a fun and interactive museum for kids, featuring exhibits on science, art, and culture. Highlights include a water play area, a kid-sized grocery store, and a "design your own roller coaster" exhibit.
8. Honeymoon Island State Park - https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/honeymoon-island-state-park
   Honeymoon Island State Park is a beautiful nature reserve that's perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the park's white sand beaches.
9. Lowry Park Zoo - https://zootampa.org/
   Lowry Park Zoo is a popular attraction that features a variety of animal exhibits, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers. Visitors can also participate in behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.
10. Tropicana Field - https://www.mlb.com/rays/ballpark
    Tropicana Field is the home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. Visitors can attend games during the baseball season, as well as take behind-the-scenes tours of the stadium.

For a down and dirty list, here's a list of our TOP 40 Tourist attractions for the Tampa / St. Petersburg / Clearwater area with just the web links for your research

Here are the top 50 tourist locations in Tampa with web links:

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - https://buschgardens.com/tampa/
2. The Florida Aquarium - https://www.flaquarium.org/
3. Clearwater Beach - https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/list/beaches/clearwater-beach
4. The Dali Museum - https://thedali.org/
5. The Tampa Bay History Center - https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/
6. Ybor City - https://yborcityonline.com/
7. The Glazer Children's Museum - https://glazermuseum.org/
8. Honeymoon Island State Park - https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/honeymoon-island-state-park
9. Lowry Park Zoo - https://zootampa.org/
10. Tropicana Field - https://www.mlb.com/rays/ballpark
11. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park
12. Raymond James Stadium - https://raymondjamesstadium.com/
13. Amalie Arena - https://www.amaliearena.com/
14. Big Cat Rescue - https://bigcatrescue.org/
15. Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) - https://www.mosi.org/
16. Henry B. Plant Museum - https://www.plantmuseum.com/
17. Florida State Fairgrounds - https://www.floridastatefair.com/
18. Tampa Riverwalk - https://thetampariverwalk.com/
19. The Straz Center for the Performing Arts - https://www.strazcenter.org/
20. Adventure Island - https://adventureisland.com/
21. Lettuce Lake Regional Park - https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/lettuce-lake-regional-park
22. Tampa Bay Downs - https://www.tampabaydowns.com/
23. Florida Botanical Gardens - https://www.flbg.org/
24. Tampa Theatre - https://tampatheatre.org/
25. Sunken Gardens - https://www.stpete.org/attractions/sunken_gardens.php
26. St. Petersburg Pier - https://stpetepier.org/
27. The Ringling Museum - https://www.ringling.org/
28. Cigar City Brewing - https://cigarcitybrewing.com/
29. University of South Florida Botanical Gardens - https://gardens.usf.edu/
30. Weedon Island Preserve - https://weedonislandpreserve.org/
31. Tampa Museum of Art - https://tampamuseum.org/
32. The Florida Holocaust Museum - https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/
33. ZooTampa at Lowry Park - https://zootampa.org/
34. Fort De Soto Park - https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
35. John's Pass Village and Boardwalk - https://www.johnspass.com/
36. Channelside Bay Plaza - http://www.channelsidebayplaza.com/
37. The Salvador Dali Museum - https://thedali.org/
38. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park - https://www.tampagov.net/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/curtis-hixon-waterfront-park
39. Davis Islands Beach - https://www.tampagov.net/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/davis-islands-beach
40. Adventure Island - https://www.adventureisland.com 

Here's a couple of lists that are subject matter specific :

Top 10 Tampa area attractions for kids :

All of these attractions offer unique experiences and opportunities for children to learn and explore. From hands-on exhibits and interactive displays at the Glazer Children's Museum to the thrill rides and animal encounters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, there's something for kids of all ages to enjoy in Tampa. MOSI, Adventure Island, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park offer opportunities for outdoor fun and exploration, while the Tampa Bay History Center and Lettuce Lake Regional Park offer educational opportunities for kids to learn about history and nature. The Tampa Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park provide beautiful views and spaces for outdoor play and relaxation.

1. Glazer Children's Museum - https://glazermuseum.org/
2. Lowry Park Zoo - https://zootampa.org/
3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - https://buschgardens.com/tampa/
4. MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) - https://www.mosi.org/
5. Adventure Island - https://adventureisland.com/
6. Tampa Bay History Center - https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/
7. Tampa Riverwalk - https://thetampariverwalk.com/
8. Lettuce Lake Regional Park - https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/lettuce-lake-regional-park
9. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park - https://www.tampagov.net/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/curtis-hixon-waterfront-park
10. ZooTampa at Lowry Park - https://zootampa.org/

Top 10 Adults Only Tampa Bay area attractions :

These attractions offer unique experiences for adults to enjoy without children. Ybor City offers a lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Tampa Theatre offers a historic setting for film lovers and hosts various events throughout the year. The Florida Aquarium offers a unique experience to see marine life up close. Tampa Bay Brewing Company and Cigar City Brewing offer craft beer experiences and tastings. The Dali Museum offers a unique art experience with works by Salvador Dali. Bern's Steak House offers fine dining and a renowned wine cellar. Clearwater Beach offers a beautiful setting for relaxation and water activities. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa offers gaming, entertainment, and dining. Bayshore Boulevard offers a scenic walkway along Tampa Bay.

1. Ybor City - https://yborcityonline.com/
2. Tampa Theatre - https://tampatheatre.org/
3. The Florida Aquarium - https://www.flaquarium.org/
4. Tampa Bay Brewing Company - https://tbbc.beer/
5. Cigar City Brewing - https://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/
6. The Dali Museum - https://thedali.org/
7. Bern's Steak House - https://bernssteakhouse.com/
8. Clearwater Beach - https://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/
9. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa - https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/
10. Bayshore Boulevard - https://www.visittampabay.com/listings/bayshore-boulevard/7087/

Here are the top 10 historic locations in the Tampa / St. Petersburg / Clearwater area :

These locations offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Tampa Bay area, with various exhibits, buildings, and landmarks that have stood the test of time. The Henry B. Plant Museum showcases the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age, while the Ybor City Historic District offers a look into the city's immigrant roots and its cigar-making industry. The Tampa Bay History Center offers exhibits on the region's history from prehistoric times to the present day, and Tampa Theatre provides a look at the golden age of cinema. Fort De Soto Park offers a glimpse into military history, and the TECO Line Streetcar System offers a nod to the city's transportation past. St. Pete Pier and Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks provide a look into the area's maritime history, while Tampa Union Station showcases the city's rail history. The Sulphur Springs Water Tower, built in 1927, is a unique landmark that still stands as a symbol of the city's water supply history.

1. Henry B. Plant Museum - https://www.plantmuseum.com/
2. Ybor City Historic District - https://yborcityonline.com/
3. Tampa Bay History Center - https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/
4. Tampa Theatre - https://tampatheatre.org/
5. Fort De Soto Park - https://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm
6. TECO Line Streetcar System - https://www.tecolinestreetcar.org/
7. St. Pete Pier - https://stpetepier.org/
8. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks - https://spongedocks.net/
9. Tampa Union Station - https://www.tampa.gov/tampagov-dept-details/tampa-union-station
10. Sulphur Springs Water Tower - https://www.tampagov.net/historic-preservation/info/tampa-sulphur-springs-water-tower

Top 10 Famous Landmarks in the Tampa Bay Area

These landmarks are well-known and recognized throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is an iconic structure that spans Tampa Bay and connects St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. Tropicana Field is home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, while Raymond James Stadium is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a popular amusement park with thrilling rides and animal exhibits. The University of Tampa, with its iconic minarets, is a historic landmark and institution of higher learning. St. Pete Pier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with restaurants, shops, and attractions. The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic pathway that connects various parks, museums, and attractions along the Hillsborough River. Clearwater Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand beach and crystal-clear water. St. Petersburg City Hall is a historic building that stands as a symbol of the city's civic pride. The Ybor City Historic District is a vibrant neighborhood that celebrates Tampa's immigrant roots and the city's cigar-making industry.

1. Sunshine Skyway Bridge - https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/sunshine-skyway-fishing-pier-state-park
2. Tropicana Field - https://www.mlb.com/rays/ballpark
3. Raymond James Stadium - https://raymondjamesstadium.com/
4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - https://buschgardens.com/tampa/
5. The University of Tampa - https://www.ut.edu/
6. St. Pete Pier - https://stpetepier.org/
7. Tampa Riverwalk - https://thetampariverwalk.com/
8. Clearwater Beach - https://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/
9. St. Petersburg City Hall - https://www.stpete.org/
10. Ybor City Historic District - https://yborcityonline.com/

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