The area has an endless amount of choices for outdoor recreation, including stunning natural preserves, well-known cultural destinations, neighborhood eateries, breweries, coffee shops, and a variety of seaside activities. Book DTW flights and go for an unforgettable vacation, and learn these 10 amusing facts about the Tampa Bay region.
1. Tampa is the location of the longest continuous walkway in the world.
Early in the morning is when dolphin and manatee sightings are most frequent. A beautiful place to work out, Bayshore Blvd. has exercise stations scattered throughout the route. Learn some interesting facts about the Tampa Bay region.
2. The Temperature has never topped 99 degrees in Tampa.
St. Pete has never topped 100 degrees, despite the oppressive heat and humidity. The heat index varies throughout the summer, with the record temperature being 99 degrees. The record high temperature in adjacent St. Pete, however, was 100 degrees in 1995.
3. The oldest restaurant in Florida is located in Tampa.
The Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa is home to Columbia, the oldest and biggest Spanish restaurant in the world. The Hernandez/Gonzmart family, who founded it in 1905, now owns it in its fourth and fifth generations. Florida’s first restaurant with air conditioning was called Columbia. Beautiful furnishings, a rich history, and nightly Flamenco dancing are all features of the Ybor City locale. The Sand Key Cafe is regarded as one of the most picturesque restaurants in the nation thanks to its picturesque waterfront patio. The Cuban Black Beans are one of the best dishes served in Columbia and other parts of the nation.
4. One of the world’s most eerie locales is Ybor City.
It is currently a National Historic Landmark District and is well-known for its paranormal activity and cigar heritage. The region, which is referred to as the “damnedest town this side of Hell,” offers ghost tours, one of which is considered to be among the best in the nation.
5. The largest port in Florida is located in Tampa.
The largest port in Florida and the closest full-service port to the Panama Canal, Port Tampa Bay, is homeport to Holland America, a well-known cruise company. Five of the biggest US cruise lines have ports of call.
6. Tampa Bay is the world’s center for lightning activity.
Intense storms frequently occur in the Tampa area, which is referred to as the world’s lighting capital, in the summer. In Florida, lightning strikes cause over ten deaths annually on average, with men making up 80% of all fatalities. Only 10% of people who are struck by lightning die, thus it is essential to be secure and ready for thunderstorms every day during the summer.
7. The area’s attractions go far beyond only beaches and theme parks.
The breathtaking nature preserve of Weedon Island is a must-see destination in the Tampa Bay region. The region is well-known for having a top-rated family zoo, numerous museums, and the Tampa Theatre. Tampa is a top destination for those who love the outdoors, despite having a reputation as a chain-only location.
8. A well-liked pastime is birdwatching.
John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbour, Boyd Hill Nature Centre in St. Petersburg, Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs, Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, and Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin are all well-liked locations for birdwatching.
9. For more than a century, a huge pirate celebration has been held!
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a festival that has been going on for more than a century, honors the fabled pirate Jose Gaspar. The occasion features the third-largest procession in the nation, a special brunch, and live entertainment before the invasion.
10. One of the top cities for coffee enthusiasts is Tampa.
Although many people identify Tampa with chain coffee shops, the metro region also has a large number of independently owned stores. Tampa is regarded as one of the best places for coffee enthusiasts because it has a wide selection of relaxed cafés with distinctive vibes. For more choices, see the list of Tampa Bay’s top coffee shops.