Tampa
 

Can anyone recommend some interesting things to do in Tampa? We'll be there for just a day.

Thanks!!!

Because I'm beach lover and Tampa Bay area has some of the prettiest, that's where I'd head...probably to Ft Desoto or the Pass-a-grille section of St Pete.

What do you enjoy? The Tampa aquarium is great. Lowry Park zoo is fun, especially with kids. Some would love Busch Gardens...not me. The Dali Museum in St Pete is fabulous. Drive along Bayshore Dr in Tampa and ogle the mansions. Drive through old Hyde Park and enjoy the restored homes. We need to narrow down the categories some, obviously. :)

Thanks! Considering a midnight arrival in Tampa, any suggestions for a hotel close to the airport?

Price range? There's a Marriott right in the airport. Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is 5 minutes away on Tampa Bay. Renaissance is same distance connected with the best mall in town. There are a slew of Hampton type hotel/motels all nearby but I'm not familiar enough with those to be able to recommend one over another.

OO - I'm glad to hear you recommend the Dali Museum. We're heading down there in a few weeks. Today I've been reviewing my Michelin guide, and they've got it rated 3 stars.

Hi swisshiker! You will love it...fascinating even if you aren't a Dali fan.

Guess what...I'm debating going back in a few weeks too. DH has to be in Bonita Springs for a meeting the 22nd anyway and is urging me to make up my mind if I want to go back to Tampa for a week when he goes. Where are you headed to?

I've been to the Dali museum twice. I really like it and also recommend it.

The guided tour is great because they explain the artist a lot. You can view the art at your pleasure otherwise, but the explanations are helpful.

I'd second Fort De Soto. It's a beautiful beach. There's a little deli with good clam chowder before the official entrance.

OO - we'll be staying in Orlando for 2 weeks, with daytrips to:

Sarasota - Ringling Museum of Art
St. Augustine - Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Tampa - Florida Aquarium
St. Petersburg - Dali Museum
Winter Park - Morse Museum

Thanks for all the recommendations!! We'll definitely check them out.
Can any suggest a good rental car deals? (pick up in Tampa, drop off in Orlando)

Thanks!