10Best's Tampa Attractions & Activities
-- Judy Johnson, 10Best Travel Editor
Located on Florida's west coast, sunny Tampa features family-friendly theme parks and attractions. Perhaps the city's most popular choice, Busch Gardens offers thrilling rides, an animal park and a children's area equipped with kiddie rides and a giant tree house. If this park's assortment of African creatures – hyenas, monkeys, hippos and giraffes – isn't enough for you, then check out Lowry Park Zoo, home to over 2000 animals from around the world. Among the Florida Aquarium's fascinating variety of fresh- and saltwater creatures you'll spot river otters, turtles, alligators, sharks, stingrays, eels and jellyfish, and hands-on activities such as Penguin Promenade, Wild Dolphin Ecotours and Swim with the Fishes allow visitors to interact with marine life. When visitors are not touring these major attractions, most of them gravitate towards Ybor City. Settled by Cuban immigrants, this historic district is filled with old buildings and landmarks, as well as great shopping, dining and nightlife. The Ybor City Walking Tour offers an interesting overview of the city's heritage.