Henry B. Plant Museum
Originally built in 1891 by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant as the super-chichi 511-room Tampa Bay Hotel, this ornate building is worth a short trip across the river from downtown to the University of Tampa campus. Its 13 silver minarets and distinctive Moorish architecture, modeled after the Alhambra in Spain, make this National Historic Landmark a focal point of the Tampa skyline. Although the building is the highlight of a visit, don't skip its contents: art and furnishings from Europe and Asia, plus exhibits that explain the history of the original railroad resort, Florida's early tourist industry, and the hotel's role as a staging point for Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War.

Adventure Island
If the summer heat gets to you before one of Tampa's famous thunderstorms brings late-afternoon relief, you can take a waterlogged break at this 25-acre outdoor water theme park near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay . You can also frolic here during the cooler days of spring and fall, when the water is heated. The Key West Rapids, Tampa Typhoon, Gulf Scream, and other exciting water rides will drench the teens, while other, calmer rides are geared toward younger kids. Wahoo Run plunges up to five riders more than 15 feet per second as the half-enclosed tunnel corkscrews more than 600 feet to a waiting splash pool. There are also places to picnic and sunbathe, an arcade, a volleyball complex, and an outdoor cafe. Although some people tend to go barefoot here, I suggest you wear shoes at all times -- it gets kind of nasty after a while.

Adventure Island
If the summer heat gets to you before one of Tampa's famous thunderstorms brings late-afternoon relief, you can take a waterlogged break at this 25-acre outdoor water theme park near Busch Gardens Tampa Bay . You can also frolic here during the cooler days of spring and fall, when the water is heated. The Key West Rapids, Tampa Typhoon, Gulf Scream, and other exciting water rides will drench the teens, while other, calmer rides are geared toward younger kids. Wahoo Run plunges up to five riders more than 15 feet per second as the half-enclosed tunnel corkscrews more than 600 feet to a waiting splash pool. There are also places to picnic and sunbathe, an arcade, a volleyball complex, and an outdoor cafe. Although some people tend to go barefoot here, I suggest you wear shoes at all times -- it gets kind of nasty after a while.

Crowne Plaza Hotel TAMPA EAST
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Tampa is ideally located off of I-4 at I-75 in the center of Tampa's Financial District. Within minutes of Westfield Mall and world-class shopping, nightlife, Tampa Busch Gardens, Ybor City, Channelside District, sporting venues and an abundant selection of restaurants. Extensive 30,000 sq. ft. conf facilities, 269 guest rooms incl 41 suites, Panfilo's Bar and Grill with evening entertainment. Complimentary Airport shuttle available every 2 hours from 6:00AM to ...

Sailport Waterfront Suites
Sailport is Tampa's only waterfront all suite hotel. It's spacious 1 bedroom suites have separate bedrooms, living rooms with sofa sleepers, dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies - all with water views. Each suite also has 2 televisions, 2 telephones, CD player and free wireless internet access. Other amenities include a heated waterfront pool, sunning beach, tennis court and fishing pier, along with free coffee, bagels and sweet rolls served each morning from 6:30 AM ...

Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-USF/Near Busch Gardens
This beautiful garden atrium hotel is located in north Tampa at the intersection of Fowler and Spectrum Blvd. just off I-275 and I-75 adjacent to the University of South Florida in the Tampa Bay area research and development park. Only one mile from Busch Gardens and strategically located between Orlando and the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa International Airport 16 MI NE. Greyhound Bus Company 10 MI NE. Amtrak 10 MI ...