I am going to the Tampa area for a wedding. I read the comments about it being scummy, which doesn't worry me much, worked some scummy cities but am wondering what interesting things there are in Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando. I am looking for the things that the locals like to do, not the tourist traps places. Also good places to get photos as i plan on taking a lot. thanks.

I have lived in Tampa for over 25 yrs and don't find it scummy.

Tourists and locals alike go to Ybor City in Tampa. I'd suggest going to the Columbia Restaurant for dinner or lunch there - a great place. http://www.ybor.org/

There is also Hyde Park which is just south of downtown Tampa. It is a "local hangout" - shops, small park, restaurants. There is a nice restaurant called the Samba Room in Hyde Park.

Sarasota: The Ringling Museum. I don't think this is a tourist trap. The nice thing about this place is the courtyard area and the newly restored Ca d'Zan. Great area for photos I think.

http://www.ringling.org/

You didn't mention Clearwater but I want to also suggest Sand Key. It is just south of Clearwater. It is less touristy than Clearwater Beach itself. Try to visit Sand Key Park. Might get some nice sunset photos. There is also a bagpiper there on the weekends early in the morning or late in the day sometimes. Nice experience.

Enjoy your visit.

Erik-
Sarasota also has a nice botannical garden- Marie Selby gardens. Might get some good photos there. University of Tampa is one of best examples of Moorish architecture in western hemisphere. I'd skip driving over to Orlando and spend the time going sown to St. Petersburg, see the Dali museum, the Don Ce Sar, and visit Fort DeSoto park. Enjoy your visit.
Jane

I live in Orlando. Yes - this city is very touristy. However, there are some beautiful, non-touristy areas as well.
Specifically, Winter Park. There is a scenic boat tour thru Winter Park which is beautiful. Also, Park Ave. in Winter Park is great!!!

Is it beach weather in Dec, Jan. Is that reserved more for the Southern parts of Florida?

On our one and only visit to Tampa/Sarasota, we found it to be not even close to "scummy"!
The Botanical Gardens are beautiful, driving along the water and over to Longboat Key was nice.
The Ringling Museum is wonderful.The food was good.
Tampa had some great restos, on the water, sort of a sea shack kind of place.Sorry, I don't remember names
I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

The sea shack places I think are Whiskey Joe's and the Rusty Pelican and Oystercatchers on the Courtney Campbell Causeway between Tampa and Clearwater.

Weather in Dec and Jan are cold for us natives in the morning but can warm up during the day. I have had Christmas Day's with temps in the high 70s and in the low 50s = can be variable obviously.

Another vote for a visit to the University of Tampa.

I'd stick with the Gulf Coast area, and not bother with Orlando. Going to Winter Park (or anywhere else in the Orlando area) is certainly not worth the 85 mile drive between Tampa and Orlando! (I know - I live in the Orlando area!)