Tampa is a popular tropical escape for both Americans and visitors from around the world. Once a small town that relied on the mining and tobacco industries, Tampa has grown into a vibrant harbour city, providing a laid-back lifestyle and a warm welcome to guests of all ages. The city borders the Old Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough Bay, which meet to form the Tampa Bay and flow to the Gulf of Mexico. Needless to say, the people of Tampa have a deep connection with marine life and water activities. Boating and sailing in the bay are very popular, as are fishing and kayaking in the rivers. To get in touch with Florida's marine life, head to the Florida Aquarium, located just east of the city centre. Here you can follow the journey of water as it travels from freshwater creeks to the ocean, complete with environmental displays along the way. There are also several wildlife attractions nearby, including Big Cat Rescue, Busch Gardens and Jungle Adventures, which also offers a swamp tour complete with alligator sightings! For a bit of history in Tampa, head to Ybor City, a historic neighbourhood just north of the city centre. This area was initially populated by immigrants from Spain, Cuba and Italy and over time, developed as a centre for cigar manufacture. The neighbourhood has been designated as a National Historic Landmark District and holds a number of historically registered building as well. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening enjoying local cuisine and absorbing the scenery in this unique part of town.
From Tampa, drive about one hour south to Sarasota, where you can visit the Ringling Estate, an art gallery, museum and historic theatre all in one. The estate is most known for its Circus Museum, which was founded over 50 years ago documenting the history and culture of circus life in North America. Like much of Florida, Sarasota also offers visitors plenty of sand and sun. Heading east of Tampa, you can travel to Orlando, home of Disney World and Universal Studios. Additionally, Fort Myers to the south and Crystal River to the north are both fantastic locations for water sports and activities, beaches and entertainment.
Our car hire suppliers in Tampa include Alamo, Dollar, Budget, Hertz and Avis.
Our suppliers are conveniently located at the Tampa International Airport, as well as several locations around the city. Enter your details in the search form to find the best rate and location for your holiday in Tampa.
Street parking and car parks are available throughout Tampa and are generally free or very cheap by US standards. For a private lot, the cost is usually below $10 for an entire day.
If you're travelling outside of the city, you are likely to encounter toll roads. Tolls in the U.S. can vary greatly, from less than $1 to upwards of $10. If possible, research your route beforehand and carry cash. Change is usually available through tellers at toll booths. Occasionally, you will need coins in various denominations for unmanned booths.
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