Nothing about Tampa Bay is typical. From the dramatic design of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the brilliant sunsets that electrify the night sky, this West Coast community is topical, tropical and always alluring.
Tampa Bay has all of the attributes that make Florida one of the nation’s favorite destinations. The country's top beaches? Three of the 10 best are here. Major theme parks and attractions? From mild to wild, also here. Cultural endeavors? Dramatic productions from opera to orchestras bring patrons to their feet in applause. Creative culinary artists? From flambé to flan, Tampa Bay's multi-national kitchen magician’s work wonders with fresh seafood and locally grown produce. Tee time anyone? Dozens of pristine golf courses await. Looking for ways to play in, on, or around the water? From floating along a quiet river to riding the waves, this is the place to splashdown.
Tampa’s location on the west coast of Florida makes it an ideal spot as a year round sports and leisure destination. Thanks to its central location and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s plenty of exciting things to see and do in Tampa and the surrounding area. Orlando, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Sarasota are easy day trips from Tampa.
A day on the beach is just a short drive away on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Howard Frankland or Gandy bridges. There are plenty of warm waters to enjoy and explore, as three major rivers – the Hillsborough, Alafia, and Manatee – run their course through the area.
Tampa also provides other unique experiences for children and adults alike through their state of the art aquarium, where seeing a wide variety of animals from penguins to alligators is the norm. There are also theme parks where even a leisurely stroll can turn into a true African safari.
The average annual temperature in Tampa is a comfortable 73 degrees. Tampa Bay’s weather is a combination of bright sunny days tempered by gentle bay breezes. In the spring and fall, the days are pleasantly warm, while the evenings can be a bit cooler.
Tampa Bay is a recognized leader that now ranks among the world's fastest growing economies. Its 3.7 million residents and 1.8 million member labor forces have empowered the region with incredible economic clout. Tampa Bay is Florida's second largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the third largest MSA in the Southeast.
Tampa Bay is truly the envy of other urban areas. From international trade to cutting edge technology, it's all happening here on the central west coast of Florida.