Make it an adventurous holiday weekend in Tampa, with museums, concerts, theme parks, and much more!

To get more travel inspiration for planning your Tampa getaway, visit: https://www.visittampabay.com

As seen in What's Hot Magazine, Cayman Islands

Introducing Tampa, Florida - get ready to enjoy a city of countless museums, wildlife sanctuaries, and a little place called Busch Gardens. The shopping’s pretty awesome too!

WHERE TO STAY

Tampa is not as expensive as Miami, so really you’ve got your pick from cheap and cheerful to higher end properties on the water. The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is a perennial favorite; close to everything, yet you won’t be kept up at night by loud partygoers. Travelers highly rate its well-kept grounds and location.

The Epicurean Hotel, rated #1 on TripAdvisor is often less than US$200 per night and is known for the culinary experiences it offers, including a heavenly brunch.

Those fancying themselves friends with Lady Luck can stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, although much like its sister property in Hollywood, Florida, the room prices could wipe you out before you hit the slot machines.

For around $80, you can feel like a genius by staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites with free breakfast and WiFi thrown in. Located very near Busch Gardens, this would be a great choice when you need multiple rooms and you’ve got the kids in tow.

THINGS TO DO

You could stay in Tampa for a week and barely scratch the surface when it comes to activities and entertainment. The Busch Gardens theme park covers many acres with its roller coasters, animal attractions, kid-centric rides, tours and shows. Its affiliation with Sesame Street means Elmo and friends are often in evidence.

If Busch Gardens doesn’t quench your thirst for thrills on its own, Orlando, ground zero for theme parks, is just an hour’s drive away.

Seeking more esoteric pursuits? Don your comfortable walking shoes and head to the Tampa Bay History Center, the Museum of Science & Industry, the Henry B. Plant Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art. Feel free to spread the adventure over a couple of days.

Animal lovers must not miss Big Cat Rescue, home to stunning creatures saved and cared for by organization members. Ticket sales and donations make it possible to keep it open and doing its great work.