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
Tags:family | editor pick
Fort DeSoto Park
Spanning five islands, this historic 1,136-acre park contains remnants of its namesake fort, jaw-dropping views of the Gulf, and one of the best white-sand beaches in the U.S.
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
Tags:culture | art | great value | editor pick
Florida Aquarium
Creatures from the state's inlets, sawgrass marshes, and coral reefs reside in the 200,000-square-foot space; hands-on tanks and an outdoor playground ratchet up the kid appeal.
Combine a private three-hour kayak trip around the local barrier islands with yoga on a secluded beach for the ultimate in chill-out eco-touring.
664 Central Ave.; St. Petersburg, FL; 727-895-9593; www.centralavefitness.com
Tags:smart splurge | outdoors | sports
Sunken Gardens
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
Tags:family | wildlife | editor pick
Henry B. Plant Museum
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
Tags:family | architecture | culture | history | art | editor pick
Tampa Theatre
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
Tags:smart splurge | history | nightlife | editor pick
Hyde Park Village
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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