Visiting Tampa & West Central Florida

Visitors to Tampa, and the surrounding west central Florida area, celebrate the arrival of spring in typical fashion – by getting out and exploring all the wonderful attractions, sights and to-do’s in the area. From the Historic Bok Sanctuary in Bowling Green, just an hour east of Bradenton, and Don Garlits’ Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, to the Lowry Park Zoo near downtown Tampa – west central Florida is flush with springtime fan fair. Guests of the Best Western hotels in the area looking for time with manatees, head to Crystal River for a visit.

Tampa, set in the heart of west central Florida, is home to sports, culture, history and plenty of fun – be sure to spend a day at Busch Gardens Adventure Island. 30 acres of amusement park joy, Busch Gardens Adventure Island is a short drive from downtown Tampa, and features rides like the Splash Attack, Paradise Lagoon, and Fabian’s Funport Children’s Area. Continue with the aquatic adventures at the Florida Aquarium – wake up early on March 24 for Breakfast with the Penguins (it’s a ticketed event, so act quickly).

Get a taste of college baseball while in Tampa. Check out the University of Tampa Spartans baseball team slug it out against Grand Canyon University in a three game series starting March 9. Hockey fans can take in the fast paced action of a Tampa Bay Lightning game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum – check them out on March 13, as they battle the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins.

Sarasota, a charming bayside city, is home to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Set only half an hour north of nearby Venice, Sarasota is a prime destination for springtime travelers. For a night of jazzy tunes, head to the Unitarian Universalist Church on March 2, for the Jazz at Two concert series, presented by the Sarasota Jazz Club.

Treat your taste buds to a taste of locally grown food at the Siesta Key Farmers Market on April 1. On April 7, be sure to keep your running shoes laced tight and take a jog in the Mote’s 26th Annual Run for the Turtles at Siesta Public Beach. Take advantage of the great weather, and wonderful attractions in Sarasota.

Crystal River, set just inland of Homosassa Bay and north of Tampa, is a fine city, that dubs itself "Manatee Haven." Spring is felt especially well here, as the waters warm perfectly for visitors to enjoy a swim while at Cap’n Mike’s Swim with the Manatees. A truly magical experience, get an up close encounter with these gentle giants at Cap’n Mike’s. For a more land based adventure, explore Fort Island Trail Park. Take full advantage of exceptional springtime weather with a hike or a picnic.

Tampa & West Central Florida Hotel Map