Tampa Museum of Art
Located on the east bank of the Hillsborough River, next to the round NationsBank building (locals facetiously call it the "Beer Can"), this fine-arts complex offers eight galleries with changing exhibits ranging from classical antiquities to contemporary Floridian art. There's also a 7-acre riverfront park and sculpture garden. Call or check the website for the schedule of temporary exhibits. However, if you have time for only one art museum on your trip, skip this one and head to St. Petersburg for the more innovative Salvador Dalí Museum.

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.

Lowry Park Zoo
The opportunity to watch 3,000-pound manatees, Komodo dragons, Persian leopards, and rare red pandas makes this a worthwhile, albeit not entirely necessary, excursion after the kids have seen the plains of Africa at Busch Gardens. With lots of greenery, bubbling brooks, and cascading waterfalls, this 24-acre zoo displays animals in settings similar to their natural habitats. Other major exhibits include the Florida wildlife display, Asian Domain, Primate World, Aquatic Center, free-flight aviary with a birds-of-prey show, hands-on Discovery Center, and endangered-species carousel ride. The Wallaroo Station has kids' rides, a small water park, a kangaroo walk-about, and a petting zoo. Lowry Park has one of Florida's three manatee hospital and rehabilitation centers. The Eco Tour is very popular, featuring a cruise on the Hillsborough River, where you'll see turtles, herons, and manatees. The cost is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $7 for children 3 to 11. The zoo is also a sanctuary for Florida panthers and red wolves.

Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Brandon
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. The Courtyard Tampa Brandon is conveniently located at State Road 60 and Falkenburg Road behind Citcuit City just one mile from Brandon Town Center Mall and two miles from the Sabal Business Park. Downtown Tampa is eight miles west of the hotel. Marriott's luxurious new bedding package is available at this Courtyard property. Our comfortable, plush and ...

Comfort Suites Tampa
Located 6 miles from downtown. Brand Mall 1 mile. All area attractions just minutes away. On May 1, 2007, All Comfort Suites will be smoke ...

Days Inn Tampa -North of Busch Gardens
Welcome to the Days Inn North of Busch Gardens! Easy access to I-275, our recently renovated hotel is located in the heart of it all, just minutes from Busch Gardens and USF. Also, Tampa International Airport, Ybor City, Raymond James Stadium, Lowery Park Zoo, Yankee Spring Training, Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Florida Aquarium, Port of Tampa and Downtown Tampa are all within 10 minutes of the hotel. Discounted Busch Gardens tickets are available at the hotel, please just ask us for ...