Hidden treasures to discover with a holiday in Tampa
Friday, 26 August 2011 3:49 PM
An ever-popular holiday destination, Florida is a state packed with exciting attractions and sunshine. However, if you've been here before and are looking for hidden treasures to discover, why not head to Tampa?
Situated on the west coast of the state, the city is home to a fantastic array of attractions for people of all ages, from dazzling theme parks to fascinating wildlife enclosures and science museums.
And to travel there in style, why not see what deals you can find on business class flights for the journey?
Arriving in Tampa, you'll discover the city is a cosmopolitan location with plenty of contrasts. For example, it is home to a historic centre, while also featuring towering, glittering skyscrapers.
This juxtaposition of old and new is echoed in its port, which plays host to luxurious cruise ships, as well as small, traditional shrimp boats.
To get a feel for the place, you can embark on a trip to Ybor City, which is located in the centre of Tampa. This historic spot has been fully restored and is home to cobbled streets and vast old cigar factories. While these are no longer used to make smoking apparatus, they now house art galleries, restaurants and shops.
If artistic works are something you're particularly interested in, you might like to visit the Tampa Museum of Art, which is home to an eclectic collection featuring 20th century and contemporary pieces, in addition to ancient Greek and Roman artefacts.
The Museum of Science and History is another fantastic attraction, and one that draws people of all ages. Set in a 47-acre nature reserve, this fascinating museum offers a vast array of things to see and do, from interactive exhibits to a butterfly garden and Florida's first IMAX cinema.
Alternatively, if you're eager to have an action-packed day out with the kids, heading to Busch Gardens is an absolute must. This amazing destination is home to some fantastic, adrenaline-spiking rides, as well as some glorious animals.
Indeed, the park has a largely African theme and plays host to thousands of creatures that roam about in a natural setting. These are divided into eight sections, including the Bird Gardens, where you'll find over 500 tropical winged creatures.
What's more, the rest of the attraction is a theme park packed with incredible rides, such as SheiKra – Florida's tallest rollercoaster.
So, if you're interested in experiencing some of the state's lesser-known gems, why not book cheap BA business class flights to Tampa?