Things You Need to Know About Tampa, FL

Tampa is one of the largest cities in the state of Florida, only trailing behind Jacksonville and Miami in terms of total population. Located on the southwest coast and nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa also has the largest port in the state and is the largest part of the metropolitan area that is known as the “Tampa Bay Area.” Tampa has a fascinating history, and as a modern city, it continues to grow and evolve. Below are some of most important things to know about Tampa FL.

How Tampa Got Its Names

A unique fact about Tampa FL is the way that the city got its name. A Spanish shipwreck survivor spent many years living with the Calusa tribe, who were a Native American tribe that lived on the southwest coast of Florida, and he reported that one of the largest and most important Calusa settlements was a place called Tanpa. Later, when the US Army Outpost known as Fort Brooke became incorporated, the area took on the name Tampa Town, and then eventually was just called Tampa. Even today, Tampa residents call themselves either “Tampanians” or “Tampans.”

Tampa’s Weather

One of the most interesting things to know about Tampa FL is that the city has never seen a day hotter than 100°F; however, the high humidity is sure to make it feel like over a 100 sometimes! Tampa has a subtropical climate with humid, hot, and rainy summers and very mild winters. Although located on the southwest part of Florida, Tampa routinely experiences effects from both tropical storms and hurricanes with the hurricane season running from June 1st to November 30th each year. Yet, Tampa has not had a direct hit from a hurricane since 1920.

During the summer months, Tampa has its fair share of thunderstorms, and it’s actually known as the “Lightning Capital of North America.” However, dealing with a little thunder and lightning in the summer is worth it, as Tampa’s winter temperatures range from a high of 60°F to 70°F to around a low of 50°F in the nighttime.

Tampa’s Famous Landmarks

What you should also know about Tampa is that the city plays hosts to range of different famous landmarks, parks, and museums. First, there is the famous Bayshore Boulevard, which boasts that it is the lengthiest continuous sidewalk area in the world. Widening its way along the waterfront, Bayshore Boulevard includes areas for sitting, bicycling, and working out, and it also bordered by numerous shops and restaurants. To get more glimpses of the waterfront, people can also take advantage of the Tampa Riverwalk. This pedestrian trail is situated next to the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. Along with great views, the Tampa Riverwalk allows you to access different parks as well as the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art. Tampa has an educational side as well and is home to the University of Tampa and the main campus of the University of South Florida.

Tampa’s Fun Attractions

Tampa has numerous attractions, including Adventure Island, a fun water park, and Busch Gardens Tampa, which has roller coasters, rides, and zoo animals. And speaking of zoos, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is located in the city, too.

For those who love the arts, Tampa has a number of theatres and art centers. Some of the major theatres include the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, which has multiple performance spaces and hosts everything from Broadway shows to concerts, and the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, which is a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts popular musical acts. Also located in Tampa is the Florida State Fairgrounds, which plays host to the Florida State Fair.

Tampa and Sports

Another fascinating tidbit about Tampa FL is that the city is home to several, high-profile sports teams. Perhaps the most well-known sports team that represents that city is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL football team that plays at Raymond James Stadium and has won one Super Bowl. Tampa also hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning, which is a pro NHL hockey team who has won one major championship. Major League Baseball is also a big deal in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Rays are the city’s baseball team, even though they play in St. Petersburg. However, Tampa also hosts spring training for Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Yankees.