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Fun Things to do in Tampa
Top 6 Popular Places to Visit in Florida
1. Tallahassee
If you are planning a trip to Florida and plan on enjoying mainly outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and that sort of thing, the capital city of Tallahassee Florida offers plenty of nature-based activities at the nearby National Forests and state parks.
2. Miami
Miami is certainly one of the most popular places to visit in Florida and it’s one of the most popular beach Vacation Spots in Florida.
If you’re looking for a trendy beach scene and don’t mind the crowds, Miami Florida offers plenty of people watching opportunities.
3. Tampa
The city of Tampa FL has a strong Spanish heritage, and it is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Florida, home to the popular Ybor District or Latin District.
If you’re a history buff and enjoy cultural events, Tampa FL is home to historical museums, districts, and heritage events such as the Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
4. Orlando
If you are planning a family vacation with kids, and are looking for many attractions geared towards families, Orlando Florida is the destination for you.
Orlando is home to tow of the most popular tourist attractions in Orlando Florida, the popular DisneyWorld and SeaWorld amusement parks.
5. Kissimmee
Kissimmee Florida is another popular destination for families with kids and it features many water-based attractions as well as a petting farm.
Apart from its own attractions, Kissimmee Florida is only half-hour drive from Orlando Florida, making it an ideal holiday base for those of you looking to explore Orlando Florida attractions, and benefiting from cheap hotel accommodation.
6. Bonita Springs
If you are planning a laid-back beach vacation, Bonita Springs FL is a great alternative to other well known Florida vacation spots that attract too many crowds.
Additional Info
Florida, also known as the ‘Sunshine State’, is certainly one of the most popular destinations in the USA for both domestic and international travelers.
Due to Florida’s tropical climate, the state enjoys lovely weather pretty much every day of the year, although north Florida does experience cold temperatures and occasionally sees snow during the winter months.
Florida truly offers best of both worlds, in terms of beach attractions, cultural attractions, nightlife and wildlife opportunities. If you’re a bird enthusiast, the state of Florida is a wintering location for many bird species.
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Tallahassee is located on the eastern side of Florida’s panhandle neighboring the popular Apalachicola National Forest.
If you are planning a vacation to Tallahassee with the family, the city has many family-orientated attractions such as an Indian archeological site and museums that feature hand on exhibits.
Tallahassee Florida also offers the chance of inexpensive family vacations such as camping trips on the aforementioned Apalachicola National Forest or the city’s nearby state parks.
Apart from the many outdoor opportunities and things to do in Tallahassee, if you are looking to explore nearby Georgia, you’re only an hour’s drive from fun things to do in Valdosta GA and things to do in Albany Georgia.
Things to do in Tallahassee: Outdoor Activities
One of the most popular things to do on a vacation to Tallahassee it’s to explore the natural scenery and enjoy recreational activities on the nearby Apalachicola National Forest, Lake Talquin State Forest, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park and Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park.
Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola National Forest is one of the best places where you can experience the natural scenery and enjoy a wealth of recreational activities that include fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, camping, boating and swimming.
If you intend on camping at the Apalachicola National Forest, be aware that the hunting season runs between December and January.
Be aware also that the campgrounds at the National Forest have no hook-ups, and you’re only allowed 14 days maximum camping stay.
Apalachicola National Forest park entrance is roughly located an hour’s drive from Tallahassee’s city center.
Lake Talquin State Forest
Lake Talquin State Forest actually comprises of three wildlife areas, Bear Creek and Lake Talquin state parks, and is another excellent choice where you can enjoy outdoor activities, although if you are a fauna and flora enthusiast, Lake Talquin State Forest features a variety of tree species and wildlife ideal for spotting.
Lake Talquin State Forest offers similar recreational opportunities as Apalachicola National Forest., although hunting is restricted to the wildlife areas.
Also, while Lake Talquin State Forest offers campsite with hook-ups, you do need a camping permit, and there are other fees to pay such as camping fees (range between $10 and $20), and a $2 entry fee, so take this into consideration.
Bear Creek Educational Forest
Another incentive about Lake Talquin State Forest is that it features the Bear Creek Educational Forest located at Bear Creek State Park.
If you are traveling with the family and are looking for things to do in Tallahassee in the outdoors, the Bear Creek Educational Forest offers free workshops that include nature walks through the forest and talks on life in the woods.
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is just 10 minutes car ride from Tallahassee downtown area and it is great park id you intend to hike and bike.
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is home to miles of dedicated hiking and biking trails such as the popular Redbug Bike Trail, which is a challenging 3 miles rugged trail ideal for experienced bikers.
Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park
Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park is located adjacent Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park and offers a myriad of recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and biking.
Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park also features beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and explore the variety of plant species on display.
Things to do in Tallahassee: Places of Interest
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
If you are interested in history and archeological discoveries, the Lake Jackson Park is a must-add attraction in your Tallahassee itinerary.
This state park is a Native American archaeological site home to many temple and burial mounds, and offer guided tours where you get to see some of the ancient artifacts found at the site.
Tallahassee Museum
If you love natural exhibits and are looking for a pleasant day out with the family, the Tallahassee Museum is another must add in your Tallahassee itinerary.
The museum has different sections and some of the outdoor exhibits include 19th century restored farm houses, a plantation home and a schoolhouse.
The other section of the museum features an interactive family area where you can enjoy fun exhibits.
Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History is located near the Florida Supreme Court Society and it is another educational attraction where the whole family can have good time learning about Florida’s Native Indians through exhibits and interactive programs.
Florida State Capitol
If you are a history buff, the Florida State Capitol is another top attraction in Tallahassee and taking a tour of this historic landmark is one of the most popular things to do in Tallahassee.
The State Capitol features over 20 rooms and an observation deck where you can get panoramic views of downtown Tallahassee.
Located also at the State Capitol grounds it’s the original Florida State Capitol which has been restored into a museum, and features interesting historical displays on Florida's history.
Florida’s Governor's Mansion
Florida’s Governor's Mansion is located near the Grove Plantation and it is included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
If you‘ve never visited the residence of US governor, the Florida’s Governor's Mansion offers free half-hour tours between March and May and the first week of December.
Things to do in Tallahassee: Shopping
Shopping in Tallahassee is an enjoyable activity and the city boasts a few shopping malls located near the downtown area.
For instance, you can find Governor's Square Mall along Apalachee Parkway, while Tallahassee Mall and Northwoods Shopping center are located along North Monroe Street.
If you are looking to do souvenir shopping, one place worth stopping by is Railroad Square. This square features small local shops selling local arts and crafts and collectible items.
Things to do in Tallahassee: Nightlife & Entertainment
Tallahassee is both a university and college town so if you’re looking for a lively and buzzing nightlife, Tallahassee won’t disappoint you.
Downtown Tallahassee features a myriad of pubs, clubs and bars such as Big Daddy's Import Drafthouse, Bullwinkle's Saloon and Floyd's Music Store which are located West Tennessee Street.
If you prefer a different type of night out, you can try AMC Theater located in Tallahassee Mall and Tallahassee Little Theater which features high quality productions.
Things to do in Tallahassee: Events & Festivals
Wine and Food Festival
If you love wine dinner events, Tallahassee hosts the Wine and Food Festival event in early November. The 2-day event features a four-course wine dinner and vintage wine tastings.
Greek Food Festival
The Greek Food Festival is held in October and if you love Greek food, you can sample plenty of Greek cuisine and soak in Greek culture with live entertainment and Greek dancing.
Springtime Tallahassee
Springtime Tallahassee is a popular family-orientated community event held in March that features parades, flamboyant floats and plenty of live entertainment.
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If you are visiting Tampa Florida for the first time, the city is home to a rich historic heritage that includes Spanish, Cuban and Italian influences. These cultural blends make the city of Tampa and exciting place to explore.
Tampa, along with Miami things to do, is one of the most popular places where you can soak in Spanish cultural influences. In fact, some of the most popular fun things to do in Tampa can be found in Ybor historic district which is home to museums and charming shops.
The city of Tampa is also one of the most popular beach Vacation Spots in Florida as the city is only an hour’s drive from Kissimmee attractions, Orlando attractions and Orlando downtown nightlife.
Fun Things to do in Tampa: Festivals & Events
* Guavaween Festival, held in October in Ybor City, is the Latin version of Halloween and features live music and food contests.
* The Cigar Heritage Festival, held in November in Ybor district, is a renowned event and one of the most popular fun things to do in Tampa in this month. The festival features master cigar makers which show how hand-rolled cigars are made.
* Gasparilla Pirate Festival, held in late January, is one of the most popular events in Tampa where you can see a fully-rigged pirate ship sailing into the heart of Tampa, as well as people dressed in pirate clothing.
Fun Things to do in Tampa: Places of Interest
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in Tampa Florida as it is both an amazing amusement park as well as an eighty acre zoo where you can enjoy an African-style safari.
Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is along with Busch Gardens two of the most popular fun things to do in Tampa for families. The aquarium features many interactive programs where visitors can swim with the marine life that includes sharks.
The Henry B. Plant Museum
For history buffs, the Henry Plant Hotel/ Museum provides a great insight into how people lived in the 20th century. The hotel/ museum is home to many rooms which are open to the public to tour.
Ybor City District
Ybor City historic district, also known as the Latin District, is another popular place to visit in Tampa and admire the beautiful Spanish architecture, learn Ybor City history and soak in the thriving Latin culture here.
The Ybor City Museum State Park
The Ybor City Museum State Park is a state park home to the Ybor City Museum where you can see permanent exhibits on the founding and early history of Ybor City and learn about the history of Tampa.
Channel District
The Channel District, home to the Port of Tampa, is also an interesting place to be and see a variety of cruise lines and luxury sailboats.
Fun Things to do in Tampa: Sports
If you are a sports fan, Tampa is home to the NFL Tampa bay buccaneers NFL team and the Tampa bay lighting NHL team. The city of Tampa is also home to the New York Yankees spring training and the outback college football bowl game.
Fun Things to do in Tampa: Nightlife & Entertainment
* If you are traveling with the family Channelside Bay Plaza, nearby the Florida Aquarium, is perhaps one of the best places to hang out with the family.
Channelside Bay Plaza is a multi-entertainment complex home to a theater, IMAX, shops, restaurants and more; where you can spend a fun night out.
* For a more diverse night scene experience, head to the Latin District or Ybor district. Ybor City district is home to many live venues and bars to suit all tastes, as well as a comedy club at the Centro Ybor.
Fun Things to do in Tampa: Shopping & Dining
* If love retail shopping, you will find Channelside Bay Plaza a great place to shop. The plaza is home to a variety of shops where you can shop until your heart’s content.
* Another popular place to enjoy shopping and dining is Centro Ybor in Ybor City district. The plaza is home to restaurants, boutiques and theaters, where you can purchase souvenir gifts and enjoy Latin cuisine.
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