Tampa Editor Picks

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Editor Picks

Although Tampa often lives in the shadow of its more famous Floridian siblings, Miami and Orlando, the city offers a surprisingly diverse set of attractions, ranging from pristine beaches and islands to theme parks and art museums. Let our Editor Picks, hand-selected by Sherman’s staff of expert editors, guide you to the best places to eat, sleep, shop, and socialize in this sunny, Southern town.

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On the sugar-white Gulf beachfront, this high-end hotel (debuted August 2007) woos guests with a seaside lagoon pool, full-service spa, water-view rooms in tasteful island motifs, and inventive programming like children's cooking classes.

500 Mandalay Ave.; Clearwater, FL; 877-726-3111; www.sandpearl.com

Water views and a 25-acre wildlife estuary filled with mangroves provide natural aesthetics; on-site amenities include a bayfront Northern Italian restaurant, marble baths, and lighted tennis courts.

2900 Bayport Dr.; Tampa Airport; Tampa, FL; 813-874-1234; www.grandtampabay.hyatt.com

Disney has the brand recognition, but this African-style theme park delivers heart-pumping coaster thrills, family-friendly animal attractions, and beer tasting for those over 21.

North of downtown Tampa; Busch Blvd. at McKinley Dr.; Tampa, FL; 888-800-5447; www.buschgardens.com

Touted as the world's most comprehensive collection of art from the late Spanish surrealist, the Dali Museum offers free docent-led tours that offer fascinating insights into Dali's multilayered works.

1000 Third St. S.; St. Petersburg, FL; 800-442-3254; www.salvadordalimuseum.org

This tranquil, 100-year-old botanical hideaway, an explosion of tropical plants tucked into four downtown acres, houses a butterfly garden and exotic birds.

1825 Fourth St. N; St. Petersburg, FL; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

The railroad resort (now museum) that Henry Bradley Plant established in 1891 has been restored to its original Moorish revival splendor, complete with antique European furniture and botanical gardens.

401 W. Kennedy Blvd.; Tampa, FL; 813-254-1891; www.plantmuseum.com

An institution since 1956, this reservations-required steakhouse is renowned for choice beef,...more

1208 S. Howard Ave.; Tampa, FL; 813-251-2421; www.bernssteakhouse.com

A noisy guilty-pleasure palace where the Chicago-style dogs come with mega toppings; the Reuben...more

4136 E. Busch Blvd.; Tampa, FL; 813-985-8000

Built in 1926, this opulent city landmark hosts classic movies, concerts, special events like the Halloween gargoyle hunt, and backstage tours. Live organ music still opens most films.

711 N. Franklin St.; Tampa, FL; 813-274-8981; www.tampatheatre.org

A mixture of chain offerings like Anthropologie and Talbots cozy up with specialty boutiques in this charming open-air shopping district dotted with London-style red telephone boxes.

1509 W. Swann Ave.; Tampa, FL; 813-251-3500; www.oldhydepark.com

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