tampa, FL Private Flights

Tampa

You could be a shopaholic, adrenaline junkie, art connoisseur, or bar hopping foodie--Tampa, Florida always has something waiting for you. Situated on Tampa Bay along Florida's Gulf Coast, the city is a wicked good time. Originally, the city functioned as a military center for Fort Brooke through the 19th century.

Later, Vincente Martinez Ybor would make Tampa's cigar industry home, earning Tampa the luxurious nickname: "The Cigar City". These days, it's still known as a major business center, but also likes to show off its museums, African-themed Busch Gardens amusement park, historic Ybor City neighborhood, lively music scene, and sensational dining and nightlife offerings.

Tampa at a Glance

Tampa's economy is driven by its tourism, health care, finance, insurance, technology, and maritime industries. The bay's port is the largest in Florida, which keeps its economy sitting pretty. The city offers its residents and visitors an urban-suburban mix to explore with plenty of neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Its various industries make for a lush job market and the diversity of culture and history keeps Tampa exciting, enticing, and contemporary.

Tampa's Location

Located on the Gulf Coast, the city's borders are made up of the north shore of Tampa Bay and the eastern shore of Old Tampa Bay. It is the third largest city in the Tampa Bay area. The Hillsborough River passes in front of Downtown Tampa and also supplies the main source of freshwater.

Because of its location on the Florida peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico, the climate can show some characteristics of a tropical climate. Generally, Tampa experiences hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms, while the winters remain mild and dry.

Tampa Attractions

You cannot go to Tampa and not visit the Ybor City Historic District. You can lose an entire day immersing yourself in the rich history of this district. It was once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World", with over 200 factories and 12,000 cigar-makers, but it looks a little different today. Take a reminiscent ride onboard an electric streetcar, and you can drop into a coffee shop or brewery as you plan the rest of your Tampa getaway. Make sure you head back in the evening to dine at the historic Columbia Restaurant. This establishment is the oldest restaurant in the state, which features award-winning Spanish and Cuban cuisine as well as a massive wine list and nightly Flamenco dance performances.

Get your adrenaline pumping on one of the many thrill rides at Busch Gardens or enjoy the serene experience of meeting manatees at the Manatee Viewing Center--if you are visiting from November through April. While you are there, you can also enjoy a butterfly garden, stingray touch tank, or a trek through the Center's estuary for more animal encounters.

After a day on the beach or walking the riverfront path, you could make your way to the Armature Works. This once-dilapidated warehouse was repurposed into a chic food market and trendy cultural center. It is located just off the Hillsborough River and is not to be overlooked. The Heights Public Market features multiple restaurant stalls, perfect for a sunny day or a bite to eat as the sun sets past the ocean.