Ayaan Gupta

The sun sets over Tampa’s downtown. The city is a popular summer destination for families and friends.

Tampa is a mid-sized city on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The city is a popular destination for spring and summer holidays. If you are visiting the city for the first time, here is a guide:

1.   Hyde Park- Located on the South Tampa peninsula, Hyde Park is an upscale neighborhood owned by its nightlife scene. Lined by South Howard Ave., Hyde Park Village is home to a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops. This makes the area popular for friends to hang out, and a great place to visit for an outsider as well.
2. Armature Works- Armature Works is an outdoor venue on the outskirts of downtown Tampa. The main building is over 100 years old but has been renovated to hold a variety of dining options and shops. The outside has an extensive seating area to relax and enjoy the views of the Tampa downtown and Hillsborough River. You can also choose to take a tour of the area by water taxi or go sightseeing on the far-reaching trail around the venue.
3. Busch Gardens- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African-themed amusement and water park. The park offers more than 50 thrilling rides, a zoo with exotic animals such as tigers and cheetahs, a full-sized live theatre for shows, and more. Busch Gardens has various attractions for all types of people, making it a prime spot to put on your Tampa holiday itinerary.
4. Tampa Riverwalk- The Tampa Riverwalk is a trail situated on the Hillsborough River. There are multiple modes of transportation that can be taken- including biking, walking, and running. The riverwalk also connects multiple neighborhoods, shops, and attractions.  However, the main pastime is enjoying the views of the river and the city’s skyline.
5. Amalie Arena- Located in downtown Tampa, Amalie Arena is a multipurpose arena that hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. There is a variety of cuisines to try ranging from Japanese to Mexican, so whether you’re cheering at a hockey game or listening along to a concert, events like these bring people together for a fun night.
6. Channel District- Located directly east of Tampa’s downtown, the Channel District is a trendy neighborhood with a multiplicity of sights and places to see. One of the most popular is Channelside Drive, a street lined on the waterfront with an expansive and decorative seating area. Channel District is also home to Sparkman Warf and Water Street, both lively streets with vibrant nightlife. The area is also home to many hotels in walking distance of a multiplicity of shops and restaurants. There is also an option to travel across the town by tram, allowing for a unique perspective of the city. Overall, Channel District is a must-see when visiting Tampa.

Overall, Tampa’s attractions curate for a fun experience full of memories that can last a lifetime.