Discover The New Tampa Attractions

By Jony Mozen


Individuals who live in or travel to central Florida have a variety of options for fun things to do. Nicknamed The Sunshine State, Florida's pleasant climate makes it possible to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities year round. The New Tampa attractions as well as attractions in surrounding areas offer something to entertain guests of all ages.

Flatwoods Wilderness Park is the ideal place for outdoor recreation, including cycling, jogging, and in-line skating. Anyone who want to escape the developed areas of the state will find fishing, picnic facilities, trails, and more in this sprawling park. This huge facility in New Tampa encompasses more than 5,400 acres and is a part of the Lower Hillsborough County Wilderness Preserve.

Bicyclists, runners, and in-line skaters can enjoy the paved loop road. The loop road is seven miles and has four rest shelters along the way equipped with paper cups and water coolers. Several well houses offer shelters, tables, and grills for picnickers. Restrooms are located at the entrance off of Bruce B Downs Boulevard and the Flatwoods Visitor Center features picnic tables, cold beverages, water, and restrooms. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and dogs are permitted as long as they are on a leash.

Many other attractions near New Tampa offer family friendly fun. Lowry Park Zoo has received national recognition by many parent's magazines as the best zoo in the country for family entertainment. The property sprawls out over 60 acres and is home to more than 1,500 animal species, including koalas, orangutans, penguins, tigers, and manatees. Interactive displays offer guests the chance to feed giraffes, pet stingrays, and get up close and personal with colorful lorikeets.

Lovers of marine life can take a tour of the Florida Aquarium. Entertaining and educational performances star some of this attraction's aquatic inhabitants. Stroll through the Coral Reef Gallery featuring micro habitats found at various depths down to 60 feet. Dive and swimming experiences put guests up close and personal with fish in their natural habitat.

Visitors to Bok Tower Gardens are in for a visual treat. This National Historic Landmark is the site of Pinewood Estate and the 205-foot Singing Tower, which houses a 60-bell carillon. The Mediterranean-style mansion was built during the 1930s and hosts daily tours. Visitors may also enjoy afternoon concerts at the neo-Gothic and art deco tower.

Speed Boat Adventures can fulfill anyone's need for speed. This narrated and guided tour of Tampa Bay offers guests the opportunity to operate a speed boat under the supervision of an experienced captain. The tour lasts two hours and travels past Ford De Soto Park and national wildlife refuges where observant guests may see manatees, sea turtles, bottle nose dolphins, and a variety of indigenous birds.

There is no shortage of fun things to see and do in central Florida. Tampa offers convenient access to numerous wildlife preserves, amusement parks, and outdoor recreational areas. Visitors and area residents in all age groups can spend any day having fun in the sun.




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