OT: What to do in Tampa?

[Anonymous]

Headed down to Tampa (Lakeland) week after next during spring break. My wife tells me the GGW festivals are off limits 8O , so we are looking for something else to do down there. Thought that you guys and gals might have some suggestions on nice aquariums to visit, stores that I should not miss, tours that are not to be missed, etc. Nature and the oceans are big hits with the whole family, so I thought I'd ask here.

BTW, _IF_ we do any of the theme parks, we are going to do one day at magic kingdom and that's it. We'll be down there from the 15th through the 21st with our car.

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

IBTMTTS

 

[jandree22]

IBTMTTS

I'm with Wings, but I HIGHLY HIGHLY suggest the drive to Key West if you're up for a road trip. It's definately a haul and plan to spend a night down there, but it's so worth it... you've never seen so much turquoise water in your life.

Here's the 7-Mile Bridge you have to drive over to get there 8)

 

[Rick357]

The Tampa Bay aquarium is very nice, I highly recomend visiting it.
Ybor city in Tampa is allways fun, if you are into the bar scene. As far as the good stores, there are a couple in Tampa, the Reef Aquarium, and Marine Warehouse, as Far as Lakeland Lynn's Fish and Pets (very limited selection, but hand picked and the people are nice) and Nolan's Aquarium, sometimes hit or miss, but worth a visit. If you are up for a short drive there is Dobie's Fish and pets in Winterhaven, and Aquarium Creations in Brandon.

As for lakeland there is a wonderful Irish pub named Molly McHughes, in downtown lakeland, a local favorite.

If you haven't figured it out by now, I live in lakeland :wink:

I would recomend taking the drive to Key West but you should plan on spending a weekend there at least, and do a chartered dive, there are some very beautiful reefs off shore it is a trek, about 4 to 6 hours depending on Miami traffic.

 

[Anonymous]

IBTMTTS

What is this? Did I do something wrong?

 

[Anonymous]

IBTMTTS

What is this? Did I do something wrong?

Not really... off topic stuff is usually put down in the sump.

"In Before The Move To The Sump"

 

[Anonymous]

I second the aquarium, I was there two weeks ago and it was fab! They have on display one of only 17 white alligators in the world. Sounds dumb but the thing was beautiful, it has bue eyes. The habitat exhibits are great!

 

[Anonymous]

I would recomend taking the drive to Key West but you should plan on spending a weekend there at least, and do a chartered dive, there are some very beautiful reefs off shore it is a trek, about 4 to 6 hours depending on Miami traffic.

From Tampa? Closer to 8 hours.

 

[Anonymous]

Check out Mote Aquarium in Sarasota.

 

[jandree22]

galleon, I must say that's one of the most obnoxious avatars I've seen in my life! :lol:

 

[Rick357]

I would recomend taking the drive to Key West but you should plan on spending a weekend there at least, and do a chartered dive, there are some very beautiful reefs off shore it is a trek, about 4 to 6 hours depending on Miami traffic.

From Tampa? Closer to 8 hours.

It has been awhile since I made the trip, besides I think I drive faster than everyone else anywho

 

[Omni2226]

From Tampa its a good 8 hours to Key West. From Lakeland/Winter Haven its 6 hours if you travel at night.

I love Nolans fish store in Lakeland. Dobies in Winter Haven blows (my opinion) Lynns Fish and Pets aint to bad.

Hit the Aquarium in Tampa then go south a bit to Qoquina beach. Very nice, trees (giant thorn bushes realy) for shade with tables and bbq grills. Showers and bathrooms. (Dont tell your wife but a lot of college girls hang out there)

Key West aint worth going for one day, you want to spend 3 or 4 days and enjoy it so plan accordinly if you go.

 

[Anonymous]

I would recomend taking the drive to Key West but you should plan on spending a weekend there at least, and do a chartered dive, there are some very beautiful reefs off shore it is a trek, about 4 to 6 hours depending on Miami traffic.

From Tampa? Closer to 8 hours.

It has been awhile since I made the trip, besides I think I drive faster than everyone else anywho

You can make Key Largo in 5-6 at night.

 

[jandree22]

Key West > Key Largo

Key Largo is pretty to drive through, but it's a wasted trip if you make it your end destination. Just my 1/50 of a buck, though :wink:

Also, driving by night is quicker perhaps, but don't forget that picture I posted. It's that kind of view for hours... just a thought, even if you only drive by daylight one way. There are TONS of mini-beaches at the ends of a lot of the bridges. I remember one stop, there was a sand bar that I must've walked out at least 1/2 mile into the ocean, never getting deeper than knee-deep. Another stop, had coral growing right off the concrete(sidewalk meets ocean) and there were all sorts of colorful damsels and what not that swim and live right up along there. The drive to Key West, if you decide to do it, isn't about making good time, it's about HAVING a good time

Anyways, I'll get off my high horse about visiting the Keys... there are plenty of other sights/things to do in FL. Perhaps this is very touristy, but I must say one of the highlights of our recent trip to FL was a fan boat ride in the Everglades. Those things HAUL ASS and gators swim up within feet of your boat. If you're lucky you might even see a manatee or two. It was a blast! Just remember your bug spray!!

 

[Anonymous]

This has been some great feedback! Thanks a lot.

 

[Omni2226]

Has nothing to do with marine life but if you like nature trail type things then visit Hilsboro State park, about 20 minutes from Tampa.

Very nice trails along the river and naturey (is that a word?) things to do.

Airboat rides are a blast. Or swamp buggy tours. Either one will take you out into the "real" swamps where all the gators and snakes are, not to mention mosquitos large enough to require landing clearance from nearby airports.

Bring good bug repellent to feed them or they will get mad. Off seems to be the hamburger of repellent and skin so soft the filet mingon.