Tampa

Located on Florida's Central West region, Tampa Bay is a large body of water emerging from the Gulf of Mexico and is also the name of this region of Florida encompassing many cities including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Tampa is Florida's third largest city and its cities surrounding the bay account for one of the state's largest metropolitan areas. While not as showy as Miami or as full of tourists as Orlando, the Tampa Bay area is in fact a great place for visitors with its many waterways, great beaches, family-friendly attractions and the outstanding African-themed Busch Gardens featuring exotic animals, amusement rides, wildlife habitats and nature exhibits.

Today, Tampa is known as a prosperous business center with many corporate headquarters located in the area. Tampa is home to the MacDill Air Force Base on the southern tip of the peninsula, downtown Tampa to the north and the Hillsborough River which runs through the city, Busch Gardens, University of South Florida and the University of Tampa. Across the sparkling bay to the west is the peninsula with St. Petersburg to the south on the bay-side of the peninsula and Clearwater on the north end of the peninsula on the gulf side. Made up of mostly residential neighborhoods known for its largely elderly population, this area is home to sandy beaches, serene neighborhoods with manicured lawns, plenty of parks to enjoy the nearly daily sun and of course plenty of retail shopping and dining. Those looking for a bit more life will want to head to St. Petersburg Beach with its late-night hot spots, restaurants and hotels.