Are there convenient public transportations in the Tampa Bay Area? Examples: how to go from Tampa to St. Petersburg? Or how to go to Crystal River to snorkel with manatees? For the manatees, are there tours that run from Tampa?

What is the typical weather like the last week of Oct? Still risks of hurricane?

What else is there to do in this area? I'm goinig there for business, but wonder whether I should stay the weekend to sightsee.

Thanks!

I guess none from the lack of response?

Have you looked at an official website for Tampa? Googled?

Sure, why not. Stay the weekend

Public transport in this area is generally poor. Would recommend renting a car.

In town bus service is good. Quite sufficient to ride around, do errands, and attempt to garner a local flavor of the local communities. Only referring to Hillsborough County (Tampa)and Pinellas County (all of the beach communities). Forget about using public transportation for a longer journey. Simply doesn't exist. The Sun Coast Beach Trolley is terrific to enjoy the beaches and not have to worry about driving and parking. There really is no town to town bus transportation in this part of Florida. Has to be a car rental if you expect to get around longer distances.

These should help. Public bus websites.

Pinellas County: www.psta.net

Hillsborough County: www.hartline.org

Hope that these help.

Thanks, all, for your response!

Anyone know whether you can see manatees the last week of October, or it's still too early? It'd be great if I could swim with them too, like at Crystal River but that would require a car. Anyone of a tour that would pick up and drop off from Tampa to Crystal River?

Thanks!

I don't know too much about Crystal River - my guess is that you would almost HAVE to rent a car to get up there (it's a couple hours drive from Tampa). The weather should be nice in October because it's finally cooling down! Be prepared for Florida rains as it will still be hurricane season - usually it rains in the afternoon and doesn't ever last long and gets hot and sunny again right afterwards.

Like the other responses said - public transportation is practically non-existent in the bay area. Personally, the only public transport I would ride (and I recommend it for beach bar hopping!) is the Beach Trolley:
http://www.psta.net/beachtrolley.html

I wouldn't ever ride the city bus here but that's my preference Best of luck - enjoy and spread the word that our beaches here are still completely pristine and oil-free!

We saw manatee's off our dock a couple weeks ago. Saw about 7 of them a month or so ago. They are always here, but since they are cold sensitive, obviously become more numerous when it's cold elsewhere.
I 2nd the jolly trolly for transportation between pinellas county beaches, from Clearwater all the way down to St. Petersburg beach. Economical and convenient. Outside of that, I would also rec. renting a car.
Crystal River is a very small, rural town. Known as a fly fishing mecca, as popular b/c of it's fresh water springs and the manatee's. But it's NOT Orlando by any means. Small and Southern. You will need a car.
More questions?

Thanks, all, for your helpful responses! The jolly trolly sounds like a good idea. I'll be staying in downtown Tampa (Hyatt Regency). Can I catch the trolly from there? Which stops do you recommend?

Also, does it run to the Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburg? Or that's too high brow for this beach and booze trolly?

Thanks again!

Bear in mind, there are 2 trolley's. The "jolly trolley" is pretty specific just to Clearwater Beach. The trolley that would take you much further south is called the Suncoast Beach trolley and is operated by Pinellas county transit authority. http://www.psta.net/beachtrolley.html
This trolley is specific for the beaches from Clearwater Beach south to St. Petersburg beach along Gulf Boulevard. No, it does not go anywhere near the Dali Museum.
Most people use the trolley if they are staying on the beach somewhere. Other than that, a car is required. IMHO public transportation is just not something you should do around here. You would be best to rent a car.

I second (third?) renting a car! Like HibiscusHouse said, the trolley doesn't run anywhere near Tampa and public transportation is yucky to and from so you'd be best off renting a car to get to the beaches, then taking the trolley from there (or driving to Crystal River).

Also, I highly recommend the Dali museum if you do get a car! You'll miss the grand re-opening of the new building (I think it's slated for January) but nonetheless, the art is amazing. If you can, take a museum tour - you'll learn so much more about each piece that way! Enjoy!

Hi, do the beach trolleys depart from Tampa downtown? Or I have to get to those beach cities first?

Yes, love to see the Dali museum, thinking of doing it on Thurs night when the museum opens late. I have to figure out the transportation part since I won't have a car. A bit skittish about driving in a new city.

I think you are being told that public transportation in Tampa is acceptable and that transportation along the beaches in Pinellas County is good, but that there is no way to get from the one to the other without renting a car.

Like the others said, yes, rent a car, you are coming the best time of the year in my opinion. It is warm but not hot and the gulf is still fun to be in. Stay the weekend and drive to Crystal River it's a good day trip.