In winter, Tampa’s sugary white sand seashores entice vacationers in droves, fairly like a moth to a flame. However mendacity in solar loungers can get boring, regardless of how stress-free they’re.
Happily, you’ll be able to add spice to your trip with a day journey. Under, we’ll point out three – all of that are inside straightforward attain. And with loads of low-cost automobile leases in Tampa, they don’t must price rather a lot, both.
Right here what’s reachable inside a two-hour drive.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Mermaids are actual, regardless of what your rational grownup thoughts might imagine. However don’t take our phrase for it – make the hour-long drive north from Tampa to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Right here, you’ll be handled to stay mermaid reveals thrice each day. So sit again as these proficient performers deal with you to their manufacturing of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid – all of it underwater!
After the present, take to the crystal clear waters of the Weeki Wachee River in a kayak, canoe, or on a stand-up paddleboard. With luck, you may even see a manatee or two!
St. Petersburg
Simply throughout Tampa Bay, you’ll discover St. Petersburg. And whereas this place is finest recognized for its lovely seashores, this vacation spot has lots to supply artwork lovers.
The Dali Museum ought to prime your listing. Right here, you’ll discover the most important assortment of works by world-renowned artist Salvador Dali exterior Europe. By no means heard of the man? Don’t fear – his weird and mind-bending masterpieces will certainly entertain you, regardless of your curiosity in artwork.
Subsequent, try the Chihuly Assortment, a vibrant assortment of creative glass crafted by famend glass artist Dale Chihuly. From colourful and vibrant sculptures to intricate blown-glass chandeliers, this place will dazzle even probably the most jaded critic.
Tarpon Springs
Do you know the Tampa space has sturdy cultural ties to Greece? It’s true – about an hour northwest of Downtown Tampa, you’ll discover the seaside group of Tarpon Springs.
Beginning within the early twentieth century, Greeks settled the realm, making their residing by diving for pure sponges offshore.
Right this moment, artificial sponges dominate, however Tarpon Springs stays one of many Greek-intensive locations in America, with over one in ten residents reporting Greek lineage. Across the Sponge Docks, retailers promote pure sponges and Greek handicrafts, and eating places supply conventional Greek meals like Gyros and Baklava.
Earlier than leaving, additionally try St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a Neo-Byzantine church modeled after Istanbul’s Haga Sophia.
Florida’s Gulf Coast is Stuffed with Surprises
There’s extra to a Tampa trip than simply the seaside. Even on Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll be able to bask in artwork, tradition…. and even a spot of mermaid looking! However don’t let these options restrict you – behind the wheel of your rental automobile, a lot is inside attain. Simply comply with your instinct and go!
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