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The first European to discover Tampa was the Spaniard, Ponce de Leon in 1513, however the area didn't really develop until the middle of the nineteenth century when Florida became part of the United States. A combination of mining and shipping industries brought great wealth to the area and Tampa is now a thriving cosmopolitan and multi-cultural metropolis.

The city, with its excellent beaches and superior hotels, is in many ways a more sophisticated and relaxed version of some of the brasher East Coast resorts. In light-hearted contrast to New York's nickname, 'The Big Apple', Tampa is known as 'The Big Guava' following unsuccessful attempts at growing the fruit in the region. The name has stuck and even lent itself to a Halloween festival, called 'Guavaween', held in Ybor City, the cultural and Hispanic heart of the city.

Tampa Attractions

Florida International Museum
100 2nd Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Tel: +1 727 821 1448

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 North Macinnes Place, Tampa, Florida 33602
Tel: +1 813 229 7827

Salvador Dali Museum
1000 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Tel: +1 727 823 3767

Museum of Fine Arts
255 Beach Drive Northeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Tel: +1 727 896 2667

Tampa Bay History Center
225 South Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida 33602
Tel: +1 813 228 0097

Tampa Museum of Art
600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
Tel: +1 813 274 8130