Tampa Bay Area

There are more than 20,000 aquatic animals and plants at this entertaining attraction. — Frommer's

Located near Lowry Park Zoo and also known as Kid City, this place has interactive displays and a permanent, 45,000-sq-ft outdoor exhibition that kids love. — Lonely Planet

...[Y]ou learn about Florida weather, anatomy, flight, and space by seeing and by doing. — Fodor's

The museum’s comprehensive collection of 4,000 objects includes European, Native American, pre-Columbian, Asian and African works. — Where

One of the largest Holocaust museums in the country. — Where

Quiet, secluded, and still wild, this 3½-mile-long barrier island is one of the best shelling beaches on the Gulf Coast, second only to Sanibel. — Fodor's

At any one time, there are usually more than 500 sea and land birds living at this sanctuary. — Frommer's

A don't-miss attraction for children and adults who can see, in person, all those wild beasts they've watched on Animal Planet. — Frommer's

Its 13 silver minarets and Moorish architecture, modeled after the Alhambra in Spain, make this National Historic Landmark a focal point of the Tampa skyline. — Frommer's

Nearly 60 acres of natural outdoor habitats year- round. Guests will find many interactive exhibits and opportunities to get closer to wildlife. — Frommer's

Opened in early 2009, this 60,000-square-foot museum covers everything from Native Americans to tycoons and sports legends who have inhabited Tampa. — Frommer's

Spread over five small islands, 1,136-acre Fort De Soto Park lies at the mouth of Tampa Bay. — Fodor's

Around 3:30 pm each day, weather permitting, the area surrounding the pier starts to liven up. — Fodor's

Tampa's most popular "wet" park features waterslides and artificial wave pools, along with tranquil "beaches". — Fodor's

The oldest living museum in St. Petersburg, Sunken Gardens is home to more than 50,000 plants and flowers in a 100-year-old garden. — Where

What's contained inside is an experience akin to Alice in Wonderland. — Fodor's

The museum in the heart of Tampa’s historic cigar district includes cigar trade exhibits and a video tracing the area’s growth from swampland to city. Open daily. Free admission. — Where

If you're seeking an almost completely undeveloped beach that's still easily accessible by car, this is one of your best bets. — Fodor's