Adventure Island : This 19-acre outdoor water theme park features several unique water play areas, an outdoor cafe, picnic and sunbathing areas, games, an arcade, dressing room facilities and a championship volleyball complex. Open Spring through early Fall. Located 20 minutes north of the hotel. 3605 Bougainvillea Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33612; (813) 987-5000.
Busch Gardens® : One of the country's most visited theme parks, this 300-acre family entertainment park features thrill rides, live entertainment, animal exhibits, shops, restaurants and games in seven distinctly themed sections which capture the spirit of turn-of-the-century Africa. Open daily, hours vary. Located 20 minutes north of the hotel. 3605 Bougainvillea Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33612; (813) 987-5000.
Columbia Restaurant : Founded in 1905, the Columbia is Florida's oldest restaurant occupying an entire city block. The Corner Cafe was the original restaurant where local cigar workers gathered for Cuban coffee and the latest news. Flamenco dancers provide great entertainment. Located just five minutes from the hotel. 2117 7th Avenue, Tampa, Florida; (813) 248-4961.
Florida Aquarium : Dramatic and unique, the Florida Aquarium tells Florida's diverse water story, from its underground source to open sea. Conceived to inspire wonder and appreciation, the aquarium features over 4,300 animals and plants representing 550 species native to Florida. Accessible by trolley outside of hotel. 300 South 13th Street, Tampa, Florida 33602; (813) 273-4020.
Henry B. Plant Museum : The splendor of the plush Tampa Bay Hotel, built in 1891 at the cost of $2.5 million by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant, is preserved in this museum. Within walking distance of the hotel. 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida; (813) 254-1891.
Lowry Park Zoo : With animals in their natural habitats, the zoo is divided into four separate, unique areas - Aviary, Asian Domain, Primate and Children's Petting Zoo. Open daily 9:30AM - 6PM. Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children aged 4-11. Fifteen minutes from the hotel. North Boulevard at Sligh Avenue, Tampa, Florida; (813) 935-8552.
Museum of African American Art : Experience America's foremost collection of African-American art depicting the history, the culture and the lifestyle of African-Americans in the United States. 81 artists are represented and 32 pieces of sculpture and 106 paintings are on display. Guided tours, gallery talks, video shows, symposiums and a museum shop are available. Located in downtown Tampa. 1308 North Marion Street, Tampa, Florida; (813) 272-2466.
Museum of Science & Industry : Visit this unique hands-on, minds-on experience for "kids" aged 1 to 101. Learn by doing in this scientific playground of exciting special exhibitions and over 300 permanent activities. Get blown away in the Gulf Coast Hurricane or take a trek through the universe in The Saunders Planetarium. This scientific playground also features the Southeast's largest OMNIMAX Theater, Florida Environmental Exhibit, Flight and Space Exhibit, Health Exhibit and a science store. 4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33617; (813) 987-6300.
Old Hyde Park Village : Old Hyde Park Village boasts a collection of 65 select shops and dining establishments nestled in one of Tampa's finest old neighborhoods. The charm and history beckons one to spend a leisurely day shopping, watching a top box-office movie or to listen to great jazz music. Located five minutes from the hotel. Corner of Swann and Dakota near Bayshore Boulevard; (813) 251-3500.
Salvador Dali Museum : Located in St. Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection in the world of works by the famous Spanish artist. The museum provides daily tours or you can participate in the self-guided tour. Located approximately 30 minutes from the hotel via interstate. 1000 3rd Street; (813) 823-3767.
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center : The largest performing arts center south of the Kennedy Center. Located eight blocks from the hotel, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center has three theaters offering a wide variety of year round world-class entertainment. 1010 MacInnes Place; (813) 224-7827.
Tampa Museum of Art : Tampa's premier downtown cultural facility offers changing visual arts exhibitors from around the world and from the museum's own permanent collection. Located three blocks from the hotel. 601 Doyle Carlton Drive; (813) 223-8130.
Raymaond James Stadium : Home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, "open" Raymond James Stadium seats 60,000. Host to the 2001 Super Bowl, this Stadium features the best facility to see football (or an outdoor concert) in the Sunshine State. Located ten minutes from the hotel. Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida.
Disney-MGM® Studios Theme Park : Enjoy a fabulous day of Hollywood adventures. See movies and television shows actually being made, and meet big-name television stars in person. Open 365 days a year. Less than 60 minutes away. PO Box 10,000, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830; (407) 824-4321.
Universal Studios Florida® : The #1 movie studio and theme park in the world. Experience over 40 rides, shows and movie set streets including E.T. Adventure®, Earthquake®, Kongfrontation®, Back To the Future® and JAWS®. Less than 60 minutes away. 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, Florida 32819; (407) 363-8000.