Top Rated Attractions in Tampa/St. Petersburg

Tired of the usual dinner and a movie date? Try your hand at something new and take your significant other or group of friends for a night of painting. Painting With a Twist offers patrons a unique atmosphere where they can partake in an art lesson, with paint and canvas provided, while sipping and snacking on food and beverages brought from home. Far from the usual date or girls night activity, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Fort DeSoto Park is comprised of over 1,100 acres (445.15 hectares) and five interconnecting islands. The park was used as a military post until 1922 and you will see the original gunnery, plus the reconstructed buildings of the era, including historical photographs and memorabilia when touring the fort. Enjoy miles of white sandy beach, fishing piers, hiking trails, canoeing, picnic areas and camping facilities. There are restaurants, snack bars and public restrooms for your convenience.

Located in downtown Tampa across the river from the University of Tampa and near Riverwalk, the Glazer Children's Museum provides plenty of fun and entertainment for children. The museum offers a full range of games, workshops and interactive exhibits. Craft activities, story time, parades, and fun fitness and aerobics are just a few of the daily programs accessible to children. Monthly events are scheduled with special themes, guests, face painting, demonstrations and exhibits designed just for kids. Food, snacks and beverages are available at the Tiny Bites Café.

Ybor City Museum State Park is a terrific museum that educates you on the Ybor and Tampa cities history. An inexpensive museum that provides information about the Italian bakery that baked Cuban breads and the cigar making industry. You can browse through the cigar maker's home, bakery and visit the ornamental garden that has certain rules and regulations. A great place to have a private events and a social gathering. If you love history or simply want to kill some couple of hours, visiting this museum would surely be worth it.

Cruise the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico while enjoying complimentary beverages on-board a comfortable double-decker catamaran. Snacks and cocktails are available for purchase from the full bar. Take a sightseeing tour of the beautiful white sand beaches of Honeymoon and Caladesi Island or book a tour dedicated to dolphin sighting. Relax and with a sunset cruise or celebrate on the adults only Saturday Night Party Cruise. Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or graduation party or have a family reunion cruise with food, beverages, and music with a private charter. Whatever your pleasure, Tropics Boat Tours is available.

Since 1984, the Brad Cooper Gallery has provided an ongoing array of unique and expressive works. At its Ybor gallery, artists from around the US and abroad exhibit their creative pieces. The gallery focuses on contemporary art by established artists as well as emerging artists. The gallery features paintings using several mediums including oil on linen, wood, and canvas, acrylic on paper, silver print, and mixed media. There are featured solo exhibits throughout the year. Professional staff is available to help collectors choose pieces for ongoing collections as well as custom framing. Gallery viewing is by appointment only. -Vickie Ferguson