Bursting with life and color, Greater Tampa Bay is the beating heart of culture and entertainment in Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Live like a tourist and spend the day catching rays on some of the nation’s most popular beaches, lounging by the pool or in the spa. Finish the day off with some fresh seafood and sunset views with a drink in hand at any of the numerous waterfront restaurants.
Catch the thrill of a roller coaster ride, dive into the world of native marine life at multiple aquariums, cheer on champion sports teams or party like a pirate at a wide variety of events and attractions.
Kick it with the locals and grab a beer from one of the area’s many craft breweries. Let loose and dance the night away to the tunes of Tampa Bay’s lively music scene, at anywhere from laid-back beach bars to stunning outdoor venues.
Immerse in a world of art, from the vibrant murals and world-famous Dali Museum of St. Pete, the thriving arts communities in Dunedin and Safety Harbor, to the show-stopping dances at the Palladium Theater, live entertainment at Ruth Eckerd Hall or the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and much more.
While the area boasts some of the best in entertainment, art, culture and natural attractions in the country, what makes GTB so special is its people. Residents have a strong sense of community, diversity and inclusion that is integral to the rich and eclectic culture. Heritage is not just embraced, but celebrated. Pride is simply a way of life, with some of the nation’s largest LGBT events each year. People of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds are sure to find a welcoming home in GTB.
No matter their interest, every resident will enjoy the lighter side of life here. Between all the action-packed fun of the city and the stunning landscapes perfect for the active and outdoorsy, there is no shortage of fun and adventure in GTB.
Culture Countdown
While it is impossible to count all that Greater Tampa Bay has to offer in culture and entertainment, this list counts down just a few highlights of what makes the area so special.
Top 10…
Over the past few years, Tampa Bay has been ranked in the top 10 places to live in Florida, most recently by U.S. News & World Report. Maybe it has something to do with its thriving culture and entertainment scene?
K9 Friendly
Tampa Bay truly is a pup’s paradise. With hundreds of pet friendly hotels, restaurants, breweries and multiple dog parks and beaches throughout the area, it is no wonder GTB is regularly ranked among the top dog-friendly destinations in the U.S.
’80s Explosion
GTB is a music lover’s paradise. While the area’s music history goes back over 100 years, many music historians refer to the 1980s in Tampa Bay as the “explosion” of a hotbed of talent, solidifying its place as a destination for live music.
7 Wineries
Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties are home to seven wineries that make patrons feel as though they are in Napa Valley. However, these wineries are serving up vino made from grapes and tropical fruits that can only be found on the Sun Coast.
6 Amusement Parks
In GTB, there is no shortage of, well, amusement! Thrill seekers will love the stomach-dropping coasters of Busch Gardens, and families will enjoy making a splash at Adventure Island. Soak in the nostalgia with bumper boats, mini-golf and classic American eats at Celebration Station in Clearwater.
5th Wonder of the Dalí Universe…
There are only five museums in the entire world dedicated to the life and work of renowned artist Salvador Dalí, one of which is located right in St. Petersburg.
4.5 Miles…
Is the length of the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, located right in downtown Tampa — a testament to GTB residents’ love for sunshine, active living and the outdoors.
3 Out of 6
It is impressive to be one of the six best in the state. It is even better to have three of the best.
Online brokerage Movoto Real Estate ranked the six Best Towns in Florida for LGBT Families, and three of those towns were in Greater Tampa Bay: South Tampa at No. 2, St. Petersburg at No. 4 and Ybor City at No. 6.
However, all are No. 1 in the hearts of locals. Love and acceptance for the LGBT community spreads across the entire region, with many organizations, foundations and pride festivals, including St. Pete Pride as the largest such event in the Southeast.
2 of the best
Life is a beach. If that saying is true, there is no greater place than Greater Tampa Bay.
St. Pete Beach claimed the coveted No. 1 spot in Trip Advisor’s 2021 Traveler’s Choice Rankings and was also ranked the fifth best beach in the world. Just as famous, Clearwater Beach has its own set of notable accolades, with winning the top spot in 2019, 2018 and 2016.
Not too shabby, eh?
No. 1
Calling it Tampa Bay is understating things. It is Champa Bay — a thoroughly well-earned title for this title town. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers inspired enormous pride for their hometown with their 2021 Super Bowl win at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs are far from the only local champs:
- NHL team Tampa Bay Lightning claimed Stanley Cup championships in 2004, 2020 and 2021
- MLB team Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series in 2008 and 2020 and won the AL Championship Series in 2020
- United Soccer League team Tampa Bay Rowdies were Eastern Conference Champions and advanced to the USL Championship in 2021
- NFL team Tampa Bay Buccaneers also won the Super Bowl in 2003
