Tampa is and always has been a city that takes pride in its history and vibrant mixture of cultures. The name Tampa comes from the language of the Calusa, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area. Tampa is believed to mean ‘sticks of fire.’ It is said this is a reference to the amazing number of lightning strikes the area sees during the summer months. Tampa is known as the Lightning Capital of North America so the name definitely fits. Tampa also has a strong Latino influence showcased throughout the area known as Ybor City or the Latin Quarter. For nearly 50 years, Ybor City was known as the Cigar Capital of the World with many Cubans and Latinos setting up shop in the neighbourhood. Although no longer considered a cigar capital, the Latin Quarter remains the best place to find high quality hand rolled cigars. On weekends, Ybor City’s restaurants and nightclubs are reminiscent of a rowdy Caribbean island with lively music floating through the air. Feeling hungry? You have your choice of everything from Creole to barbecue but the authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine are to die for. Established in 1905, the Columbia restaurant is an absolute must for dinner and a flamenco show.

Tampa celebrates its history and cultures in many ways including festivals. One of the most popular is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival held the last Saturday of January. It has been a continuing tradition in Tampa since 1904 with parades, costumes and events for the kids of all ages and is usually an alcohol free event. The Gasparilla Night Parade is usually held a couple of weeks later and is when the adults get to let loose with events, parades, street parties, music and maybe a drink or two. Some of the other festivals and events you want to watch for while in Tampa are Guavaween, a Halloween celebration in Ybor City, the Florida State Fair in February and the Outback Bowl held on New Years Day. But there is more to Tampa than just parties. Sports fans will be overwhelmed with the number of professional teams that call Tampa home including the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Devil Rays and even the Tampa Bay Storm, an arena football team. If you like sports, you will find a game anytime of year.

If Disney World appeals to you but you are looking for alternatives for your next family vacation, there is no better place than Tampa. The city is full of fun and exciting things to do for everyone. Busch Gardens is Tampa’s most popular attraction and for good reason; it is awesome! Busch Gardens includes an amusement park as well as an 80 acre African safari themed zoo where you can ride through the savannah and get up close to zebras, giraffes and many more exotic creatures. It is a must do, for sure. If the weather is getting a little hot, take a trip across the street from Busch Gardens to Adventure Island, Tampa’s 30 acre fun-filled water park. Looking for more ways to fill your vacation itinerary? Dinosaur World, Hillsborough River State Park, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Florida Aquarium are all great places to visit as well. After just one visit, Tampa will definitely become your Florida vacation destination of choice. Tampa enjoys a sub-tropical climate with hot, humid summer days and mild winters. Temperatures below freezing and frost are extremely rare in Tampa. The average high temperatures range between 18˚C and 35˚C year round. The average high during the winter months is a beautiful 21˚C but the nights can get quite cool so make sure to bring a light coat or sweater. During the summer months, thunderstorms are a regular occurrence but typically occur during the afternoon and don’t last very long so they won’t ruin your vacation.