Tampa City, Florida is the largest city in the county and the third most populated city in Florida. Located on the western coast of Florida, around 200 miles to the northwest of Miami and close to the cities of Jacksonville and St. Petersburg. The About one third of the county’s population resides in this city. The economy of Tampa city has advanced due to the growth of sectors like tourism, agriculture, health, and finance.
History of Tampa, Florida
A Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first came to Tampa Bay area during the early 1500s, Eastern Florida developed more rapidly under them. During the early 1820s, Fort Brooke was set up by the US Army to protect Tampa Bay, an important harbour. The Tampa Bay region began to develop after it became part of the US during the early 1840s. Henry B. Plant constructed the railroad extension to the Hillsborough River providing access to other areas. Lavish hotels and rail lines were also built to attract people. Tampa has developed commercially because it contains the strategic port of Tampa Bay. Tampa has the 7th largest port in the world. The first factory was established in 1886 by Vincente Martinez Ybor. Hispanic cultural heritage of Ybor City in Tampa Bay is omnipresent here. US Central Command and US Special operations command have their headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base. During the early 1900s, P.E Fansier introduced the first scheduled commercial airline service within the St. Petersburg line. Davis Island created by D.P.Davis is also part of Tampa’s history.
Important Locations in Tampa, Florida
Florida Aquarium
Tampa’s aquarium is among the best in the state. The recreated swamp features mangroves and is home to many different species of birds including ibis and heron. You can also take an ecotour of Tampa Bay.The aquarium has programs which let you swim with the sharks (for the daring). The prices for admission range from USD 24 to USD 19. The aquarium is open from 9:30 in the morning to 5:00 pm in the evening.
Address- 701, Channelised Drive
Telephone- 18132734000
Henry B. Plant Museum
The minarets of Henry B Plant Museum glitter from a distance and guests can arrive at this majestic 511 room historic hotel for a tour Once the most luxurious hotel in the city, it is part of the Tampa University and one section has been recreated in a manner reminiscent of the late Victorian society of those times. Christmas is particularly festive at this hotel. Admission fees for adults is USD 10 whereas it is USD 5 for students. Opening hours are from 11 in the morning to 7 pm Mondays to Thursdays and till 8 pm on Friday. The hours extend till 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Address- 401, West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa Florida- 33606, US
Telephone Number- 18132541891
Tampa Museum
This dramatically constructed museum floats over the park overlooking the Hillsborough River. Within the sculptural shell, there are 6 galleries with a permanent collection of Grecio-Roman antiquities. There are also temporary exhibitions of news media and photography here. This museum featured the most recent show exhibiting works by 45 artists.
Address- 120, W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa US
Telephone Number- 18132748130
Ybor Museum
This old historical museum is a reminder of the bygone era with its amazing photos and cigar worker houses. It captures the culture of the Ybor work district. Get expert advice and a walking tour which lets you learn everything you could possibly want to know about cigars. Tour featured Rafael Martinez Ybor, great grandson of the city’s and museum’s founder. For adults, the admission fee is USD 4 while entry is free for children. The museum is open from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
Address- 1818, East 9th Avenue, Tampa US
Telephone Number- 18132476323
Florida Museum of Photography
This is a small and intimate photography museum located within the Cube in downtown Tampa. Additionally, it features permanent collections by H Edgerton and L.Price apart from Andy Warhol and David Hilliard. There are three hour, one day and week long photography courses offered. There is no fee but visitors can make a donation of up to USD 10.
Address- The Cube, 400 North Ashley Drive
Telephone- 18132212222
Tampa Bay History Centre
This unique history museum represents the heritage of the Miccosukee and Seminole communities. It also showcases the heritage of the cattle breeders and the Cuban community and cigar industry. The cartography collection,covering 6 centuries, is simply amazing. The admission fee is around USD 13 for adults and 8 for children. Opening hours are from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
Address- 801, Old Water Street, Tampa, FL
Telephone Number- 18132280097
Lowry Park Zoo
This zoo is perfect for those who want to explore all the different types of flora and fauna possible.The zoo remains open from 9:30 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. For adults, the admission fee is USD 25 while it is USD 20 for children.
Address- 1101, W Sligh Avenue
Telephone Number- 18139358552
Curtis Hixon Park
This interactive museum and park provides creative play spaces and the perfect spot for picnicking. For adults, the entry fee is USD 15 while it is USD 9.50 for children. The hours this park remains open is from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening, Monday to Friday and till 6 pm on weekends.
Address- 110, West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, Florida
Telephone Number- 18134433861
People and Culture of Tampa
Tampa’s culture has an amazing Latino flavour to it. Cuban migrants formed one of the earliest neighbourhood in Ybor City. This is known for its Latin culture and vibrant nightlife. The Tampa Museum of Art offers the latest collection of later American paintings and photos. Unique films are showcased at Tampa Theatre. Tampa is a multiculturally diverse business centre with increasing number of citizens. It is a melting pot of different cultures.
Time Zone and Phone Codes
Tampa, Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours (Eastern Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -4 hour (Eastern Daylight Time)
Time zone abbreviation: EDT
1= International Code
813 = Area Code for Tampa
Best Time to Visit Tampa, Florida
Winter and fall are the best times to visit Tampa. During this months, the weather is pleasant and tourist activity lessens. Tampa is known for its humid and subtropical climate. Temperature is around 90 degrees in summer and 71 in winter. Average rainfall for the year is around 40 to 45 inches. The maximum number of tourists come to Tampa during the spring months.
Tampa Festivals
March to May
June to August
September to November
General Map Guide of Tampa, Florida
