Top Rated Attractions in Tampa/St. Petersburg

Nestled along the shores of Tampa Bay is a popular fishing and boating area over the tangled roots of mangroves. This nature lover's paradise is called the Weedon Island Preserve. Here, from the top of an observation tower, visitors can relish a great view of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg's gorgeous skyline. Here, herons and egrets amble through lush, wooded expanses, while black crabs dart along mangrove branches that form marvelous arcs over streams. Sheltering a fishing pier, picnic tables with charcoal grills and a canoe/kayak trail, this preserve is also home to a picturesque boardwalk, ruins of an erstwhile airport and historical markers pointing out a Native American mound. Displaying a brilliant convergence of nature, culture and archaeology, the Weedon Island Preserve is a sprawling canvas of magnificence and unabashed, natural grandeur.

This track calls itself the world's oldest continuously operating greyhound track. Open for live greyhound racing from January to July, the track offers simulcast wagering year round which means you can bet on horse races, jai-alai and other sports at other tracks throughout the country. Enjoy a leisurely luncheon or a prime rib buffet evenings in the Derby Club. For card players: poker in T.L.'s Card Room. For everyone: a casual pint in the Plaza Sports Bar.

81Bay Brewing Company, established by three friends who bonded over their love for beer, is a microbrewery with its own taproom. The spacious taproom features picnic tables, a separate stage for musical performances, TVs, and games such as table tennis, darts, Corn Hole as well as card and board games. Cold beers such as Reel Slo Irish Red, Hook'd On Hefeweizen and Not On Porpoise Dunkel Weizen Bock are dispensed from the large bar. You can BYOF to the taproom or pick up bar bites from an on-site food truck.

Located within 93.3 FLZ Studios, Southern Chevy Dealers Sound Stage gives you a chance to mingle with the best upcoming talents not just from Florida, but also from across the globe. This small and cozy concert venue has been host to artists like Cher Lloyd, Austin Mahone, K'Naan and hundreds of others in the past. With a seating capacity for 50 spectators, you cannot find a more intimate space than this to listen to your favorite artists. For tickets and more information, call ahead or visit the website.

Established in 1902, Tampa Elks Lodge is one of the oldest charity organizations in Tampa, FL. The venue has a lot of facilities like conference rooms, ballrooms, etc and they are associated with the University of Tampa and organizes various outreach programs for the welfare of the community. Some of the projects include providing homes for the homeless, medical facilities for the war veterans, educational facilities for underprivileged kids, etc and they have made a remarkable contribution to the development of the community.

Shiny neon lights and eight screens spewing out your favorite flicks await you at Zota Theatres Britton 8 cinema in South Tampa. Check the website or call for more details on advance bookings, show times and rates. Then, sit back with a tub of corn and a soda, to spend a couple of hours in the movie world!