Visitors are discovering a new Daytona Beach – an exciting chapter in the destination’s history showcasing its racing heritage, idyllic East Coast oceanfront and impressive arts affiliation. In the midst of investing $2 billion in renovations and construction, an eclectic culinary scene, off-the-beaten-path attractions for thrill seekers and year-round cultural events offer unexpected delights and have led to Daytona Beach being named a USA TODAY Best Florida Attraction in the Best Readers’ Choice awards.
Top Activities
Daytona International Speedway, aka the ‘World Center of Racing’, hosts some of the area’s most popular races such as the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400, Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Daytona 200, a 200-mile motorcycle race that occurs during Bike Week each year.
Open to the public every day.
African-American Heritage Trail: A must-see collection of African-American cultural and historical sites in the Daytona Beach area, including the home and gravesite of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University, Black Heritage Museum of Art, Howard Thurman Home, and Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Museum of Arts & Sciences: The Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS) offers a state-of-the-art planetarium, permanent collections of Cuban and African art, the Root Family’s largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia in Florida. On the 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve, MOAS shares its campus with Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, the largest collection of Florida art in the world.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse: Enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and more! Completed in 1887, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is a fascinating piece of Florida history. It towers above others as the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Climb the 203 steps to the top for truly breathtaking scenery and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Southeast Museum of Photography: Florida’s only museum exclusively dedicated to photography, Southeast Museum of Photography offers intriguing changing exhibits as well as a permanent display. Admission is free. Located on the Daytona State College campus, please check the website for hours and exhibits.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
- DaytonaBeachAleTrail.com
- DiscoverDaytonaBeachGolf.com
- Museum of Arts & Sciences
- Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
- Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Daytona International Speedway Tour
- Birthplace of Speed Park
- Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens
- Southeast Museum of Photography
- Victorian Tea at Lilian Place
Special Events
In its tenth year, Departures is a juried exhibition that showcases the work of Daytona State College’s recent graduates from the photography program.
Bahama Breeze features a full menu and nightly live music that keeps you in an island state of mind and moving to an easy beat. Check the website for the musical line-up.
Home of the Kona Tiki Bar and serving a full menu with over 100 craft beers, Grind Gastropub features live music six nights a week. Check the website for the musical line-up.
Local Transportation
Daytona Orlando Airport Shuttle provides scheduled round trip daily shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Offers door-to-door service in new European styled vans with high ceilings and seat belts, 365 days a year. Please call our reservation line for schedule and fees.
Daytona Orlando Transit Service (DOTS): Voted #1 on TripAdvisor, Daytona Orlando Transit Service (DOTS) has served Central Florida since 1982. DOTS guarantees professional and reliable transportation, providing 22 daily shuttle trips to and from DeLand, Deltona, Orlando International, Daytona Beach International Airport, and Sanford International Airport. Offers charters and tours aboard deluxe European motor coaches, too.
Discover Daytona Tours provides safe and courteous services for up to 25 passengers. Also offers customized fun-filled tours for groups of 15-25 people to historic landmarks, arts and cultural treasures, Daytona International Speedway tours, eco tours, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Marine Science Center. Call: 386.232.8707
Florida Blue Line Group Travel: Florida Blue Line can help you with tour ideas, whether its planning the day or days, or transporting clients to/from a destination. Florida Blue Line will also transport your group with luxury motor coach ground transportation to theme parks, restaurants, attractions, golf courses, and many more venues.
Vivo Tours & Travel offers many day trips and tours in the Daytona Beach area including tours to St. Augustine, Cocoa Beach, Orlando, and multiple central Florida locations. Classified and licensed as a State of Florida Seller of Travel (ST37808) and listed under Tour Operator Business.
Distance from Major Airports
- Daytona Beach International Airport (to downtown) – 3.8 miles
The laid-back Florida Keys are connected by the Overseas Highway’s 43 bridges – one almost seven miles long – over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The area is divided into five regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each has its own flavor, attractions including historic museums, flora, fauna, seafood restaurants, fishing, diving, watersports and boutique-type shopping. Vistas of the Keys feature deep-blue seas, nodding palms and olive-green mangroves.
Sharing this eco-paradise are white herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, sea gulls, ospreys and countless underwater creatures. The coastal waters of the entire 125-mile island chain, which is paralleled by North America’s only living coral barrier reef, have been designated the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Top Activities
Key West Things to Do
Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys Things to Do
Marathon Things to Do
Islamorada Things to Do
Key Largo Things to Do
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
- A drive across the new Seven Mile Bridge, the longest segmental bridge in the world, Marathon Key
- Drive the Keys on the All-American Road
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (snorkeling or glass bottom boat) Key Largo
- Have your photo taken in front of the giant Lobster at the Rain Barrel Islamorada
- Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, MM 79, Islamorada
- Tour the Dolphin Research Center Marathon
- Swim, sunbathe and explore Bahia Honda State Park Lower Keys
- Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West
- Ride the Conch Train or Trolley Tour in Key West
- Experience the Sunset Celebration at mallory Square in Key West
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Tour on the African Queen, Key Largo
- Kayak or paddle boards the flats in Islamorada
- Visit historic Pigeon Key, Marathon
- Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon
- Discover the Key Deer Refuge, Lower Keys
- Hire a backcountry guide out of Sugarloaf Marina and explore dolphins, turtles and other marind and bird life in the Great White Heron National Refuge (15 miles north of Key West)
- Experience the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West
- Take a Sunset Cruise in Key West
- Explore America’s most remote national park, the Dry Tortugas, either by passenger ferry or seaplane service
Special Events
Enjoy garden tours, as well as learn about the Florida Keys environment and how it affects gardening in a wide range of topics for discussion and education. Visit website for schedule of monthly lectures, typically scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., 5210 College Road.
Each Wednesday the Center is to host a weekly Bloodline mini-binge, showing two episodes at 2 p.m., from seasons 1 & 2 of the popular Netflix original series. Free for members, non-members $5. Theater has limited seating (35).
Enjoy a special exhibit celebrating and honoring the Spiegel Grove, intentionally sunk 15 years ago off Key Largo. This exhibits highlights all who served on this great ship, missions it participated in, the efforts in preparing her for sinking and the environmental impact the artificial reef has had on the area. The exhibit is to be on display through Labor Day.
Local Transportation
Key West Getting Around
Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys Getting Around
Marathon Getting Around
Islamorada Getting Around
Key Largo Getting Around
Distance from Major Airports
- Miami International Airport to Key Largo – 60 miles
- Miami International Airport to Islamorada Key – 80 miles
- Miami International Airport to Marathon Key – 111 miles
- Miami International Airport to Lower Keys / Key West – 160 miles
Top Activities
Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Both entertaining and educational, a tour of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s riverfront estates is a must-stop for visitors to southwest Florida. Extensive guided tours of the Edison & Ford homes, gardens, laboratory and museum are offered. These are among the most visited national Historic Homes in the country. :
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum : The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is the most comprehensive museum in the Western Hemisphere devoted solely to shells. It’s been listed in “1,000 Places To See Before You Die” and voted “Best of the Islands” in the museum category. Exhibits range from art and history to common southwest Florida shells.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre : Broadway Palm features year-round professional musicals and comedies for adults and children, as well as a lavish buffet. Evening performances take the stage Tuesday through Sunday and matinee days vary. Reservations are recommended. Ticket prices range from $25 to $53. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge : This 6,400-acre wildlife refuge, named for Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and pioneer environmentalist Jay Norwood Darling, features wonderful bird watching spots, delightful footpaths, winding canoe trails and three trails that can be accessed from Wildlife Drive. Along the trails, visitors often spot wildlife such as alligators, night heron, or white ibis.
Captiva Cruises : A great island hopping experience! Visitors have access to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Cayo Costa and Boca Grande. Enjoy cruises to two of the area’s most unique coastal islands, Cabbage Key and Useppa Island, aboard the 150-passenger “Lady Chadwick.” A dolphin watch and wildlife adventure cruise is also available.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
- Lakes Regional Park
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- Lee County Sports Complex Hammond Stadium
- Manatee Park
- Southwest Florida Museum of History
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Port Sanibel Marina
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
- Castle Gold
- Seminole Gulf Railway’s Dinner Train Theater
- Butterfly Estates
Special Events
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University Art Galleries of the Bower School of Music & the Arts presents “Senior Projects, Spring 2017 Exhibition,” with an opening reception 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Main Gallery in the Arts Complex. Each student will give a brief presentation about their exhibition beginning at 5 p.m. in the U. Tobe Recital Hall in the Music Building on the FGCU campus. The exhibition runs through May 5 and is made possible with the generous support of U. Tobe, Pallette Pals of the United Church of Christ, and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
A heartfelt and often funny drama that explores how far one family will go to hold onto their American Dream. Be the first audiences in America to see this amazing NEW PLAY!
Tarpon Bay Explorer’s Kayak Trail Tour is a great introduction to Tarpon Bay and the coastal environment. Kayak with an experienced naturalist through mangrove forests along Commodore Creek Trail. Learn about the ecology of the rich mangrove estuary ecosystem and the wildlife that lives there. You’ll be surrounded by red mangroves, wading birds and unsurpassed peace and quiet. All ages and skill levels are welcomed. Call 239-472-8900 to make a reservation.
Local Transportation
Naples Transportation Tours & Event Planning: Naples Transportation, Tours and Event Planning is dedicated to meeting your individual or group transportation needs. They pride themselves on providing their guests with exceptional customer service. NTT&EP is one of the leading providers of reliable, quality transportation servicing Southwest Florida from Sanibel Island to Marco Island.
Florida Select Transportation & Tours : Committed to ensuring that every client’s travel experience is safe, reliable and convenient as possible, they take pride in providing the highest level of service in the ground transportation industry. Enjoy the pleasure of luxury and comfort with reliable door-to-door service to all Airports, Cruise Lines, Hotels, and Resorts.
Dolphin Transportation Specialist : With more than 20 years of experience gaining the confidence of corporate clients such as ESPN, Merrill Lynch and Fuji Film, Dolphin Transportation’s fleet includes luxury vehicles from sedans to motor coaches.
Distance from Major Airports
- RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) to Sanibel Island – 26 miles
- RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) to Ft. Myers Beach – 18 miles
Local Tour Guides
True Tours Inc.: Walking Tours for history and public art for downtown Fort Myers, Matlacha and Sanibel. Step on guides available for your bus or motor coach. Groups welcome and luncheon package is available. Detail descriptions on our website. English spoken. For Spanish – arrangements need to be made prior. Contact Gina Taylor (Owner / President) at 239-945-0405 and [email protected]
A charming, distinctive area that’s part of one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations and just south of Orlando, Kissimmee deserves your exploration. Kissimmee puts within easy reach all different types of activities and attractions — a rich treasure chest of fun and excitement that creates endless possibilities to make vacation memories. A day that starts in Kissimmee can become anything you want it to be. The area’s authentic small-town charm evolves into theme park thrills, outdoor adventures, challenging golf, tranquil beach landscapes, and any other vacation escape you dream of. It’s all right here and it’s all waiting for you. Kissimmee … the heart of Florida.
Here are some great things to do in Kissimmee, FL after booking your Group Hotel through grouphotels.com:
Magic Kingdom Theme Park Group Tours: The Magic Kingdom is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. The first park built at the resort, it opened on October 1, 1971. The park saw an estimated 17 million visitors in 2008, making it the most visited theme park in the world. The park’s layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California.
A Day Away Group Tours: Experience the natural Florida via the outback. From Cypress Swamps to Sunny Beaches Florida’s diverse waterways offer outstanding quiet and open water paddling opportunities for beginning and advanced kayaking. Enjoy the outdoors and explore the rivers, springs, islands, beaches, lakes, swamps and marshes throughout Florida.
Kissimmee Ghost Group Tours: Step into the world of the unknown with Our Ghost & History Tour for a hair-raising ninety-minute tour into the spirit realm of Kissimmee . Hear the tales of murder, mayhem and mystery that Historic Downtown Kissimmee has to offer! See paranormal pictures taken along the tour route and bring your camera to capture supernatural scenes of your own.
Medieval Times: Welcome to the 11th century! Just beyond the great doors of our Hall of Arms waits the celebration arena, the heart of each of Medieval Times’ nine castles. From high above King Philippe and his daughter-in-law, Princess Leonore, preside over a four-course feast. Below, privileged royal guests are transported to faraway lands including a romantic snowy rendezvous in the woods and an authentic medieval tournament for the Battle of Champion ® — with the help of Hollywood-caliber special effects, of course.
Whether your clients are coming to Orlando for the first time or returning for another adventure, they’ll be presented with a unique Orlando itinerary. In a region where theme parks define the vacation experience, visitors will be pleased to discover there’s more!
Top Activities
Walt Disney World Resort: Description: Discover the kid in yourself at the world renowned Walt Disney World Resort, filled with four major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is the world’s most visited theme park, where new adventures and fun surround you with more than 40 incredible attractions and shows.
Universal Orlando Resort: Your adventurous side is sure to come out at Universal Orlando Resort; featuring two popular parks. Take a journey through five uniquely themed islands at Universal’s Islands of Adventure or jump into action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios Florida. Don’t miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment: Thanks to the innovative theme parks and water parks of SeaWorld, you can enjoy the sun, surf, and sand without ever leaving town. Enjoy the marine life at SeaWorld Orlando, swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove, and be sure to check out Aquatica – SeaWorld’s one-of-a-kind water park.
Legoland Florida: LEGOLAND® Florida, Central Florida’s newest theme park, is a 150-acre, full two-day interactive family theme park specifically designed for families with children ages 2 to 12. The largest LEGOLAND Park in the world, it features more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions, restaurants, shopping, a breathtaking botanical garden and the LEGOLAND Water Park.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
Walt Disney World® Resort (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studio, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney Springs)
Universal Orlando® Resort (Universal Islands of Adventure®, Universal Studios Florida, Universal City Walk, Wet ‘n Wild® Orlando)
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SeaWorld® Orlando, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark and Discovery Cove®)
I-Drive 360 (The Orlando Eye, Madam Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando AquariumShopping (Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, Orlando International Premium Outlets, The Florida Mall, The Mall at Millenia, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores)
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Kennedy Space Center
- Legoland® Florida
- Fun Spot America
- Gatorland
- iFly Orlando
- Wild Florida
- Forever Florida – Ziplines & Adventures in the World!
- Harry P. Leu Gardens
- The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Special Events
Visit a galaxy far, far away during this Lucasfilm-authorized event, which features some of the most famous scenes from the Star WarsTM saga made out of 1.5 million LEGO bricks in the LEGO® Star WarsTM MINILAND Model Display. Activities will include appearances by costumed Star WarsTM fans, LEGO building activities inspired by Star WarsTM characters, settings and stories, and a Star WarsTM-themed costume parade for kids.
The Orlando City Soccer team will play against Sporting Kansas City at the new Orlando City Stadium on May 13, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Guests can enjoy SeaWorld Orlando’s popular music and food events which will expand to a total of 14 weekends in 2017 as part of the all-new Seven Seas Festival. Guests will be able to enjoy performances by some of their favorite country and Latin artists.
Inspired by street food from Asia, the Caribbean, South America and the Mediterranean, this expanded festival will bring new culinary offerings to guests throughout the park. Plus, guests will be able to indulge in a variety of international, local and seasonal craft brews on tap giving their taste buds a worldly delight.
Local Transportation
Distance from Major Airports
- Orlando International Airport (to major attractions) – 12 miles
How can visitors possibly fit it all in? A little planning goes a long way to guarantee a great vacation.
Top Activities
Miami Seaquarium: Welcome to Miami Seaquarium®, a place where dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air. Where sea lions delight children of all ages and endangered sea turtles and manatees find a safe haven. Enjoy a world-class marine-life entertainment park with eight different marine animal shows and astonishing daily presentations. Miami Seaquarium® is a place of inspiration, education – and fun!
Vizcaya Museum: Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark; we’re also a museum owned by Miami-Dade County and accredited by the American Association of Museums. Vizcaya is open to the public 364 days each year, and we invite you to visit this serene and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Miami.
Bill Bags National Park: Have you ever been on a beach that was voted one of the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S. looking out to sea and ask, “Can it get any better than this?” Well, at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park we think we can make that perfect moment even better. See the beach from a bird’s-eye-view.
Jungle Island: Not only is Jungle Island Miami’s most unique tourist attraction, its wide variety of animals, summer camps, and birthday parties, makes Jungle Island a must-see on any Florida vacation.
Everglades National Park: Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
- Beaches of Miami Beach
- South Beach and Lincoln Road
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Art Deco Hotel District
- Joe’s Stone Crab
- Jungle Island
- Coconut Grove, Miami’s Oldest Neighborhood
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
- Coral Castle
- Marlins Ballpark
- Design District
- Florida Grand Opera
- Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
Special Events
The Shops at Mary Brickell Village host this celebration of one of the biggest food and wine events in Miami. Enjoy food and drink, live music, a DJ and a fashion show featuring the latest fashions from Mary Brickell Village’s finest boutiques and shops. 6-10 p.m.
The Miami Sportfishing Tournament is back for another great event at the Miami Beach Marina. Fish this great event for only $500 which could win you Top Boat prize of $30,0000 guaranteed. All while benefiting Marine Education and Scholarships. Great food and Gifts Included. – Baywalk Party and Weigh-in free and open to the public.
“Noche Latina Salsa Wednesday”.
Wednesdays Nights just got more Livelier!! We are starting the party in the heart of Little Havana at CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts Center.
Hosted by HardKnox Entertainment ©
Music By DJ HardKnox as he gets your Sultry Salsa, Blazing Bachata, Merengue dancing fix started and much more.
NO COVER ALL NIGHT!
$5 HOUSE VODKA, RUM & WHISKEY!!!
Local Transportation
Distance from Major Airports
- Miami International Airport – 11 miles
- Ft. Lauderdale Airport – 26 miles
Our autumn sunsets rival the most alluring colors of autumn leaves. Walk barefoot on our beaches to thoroughly enjoy one of these farewell to summer sunsets. Then decide tomorrow’s adventure as you enjoy your evening culinary delight. This is Sarasota on Florida’s Gulf Coast — where any season can be your favorite time to visit!
Top Activities
The Ringling Museum: The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota, Florida. It was established in 1927 as the legacy of Mable and John Ringling for the people of Florida.
St. Armands Circle: A hub of elegant shopping and dining.
Mote Marine Aquarium: Sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, sea horses, touch pools and interactive theatres showcasing Mote Marine Laboratory’s renowned research.
Mall at UTC: This world-class fashion and dining destination features Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Dillard’s and more than 125 stores and restaurants.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.
Ideas for First Time Visitors:
ANY Sarasota County Beach – Enjoy the sunset! Will you see the Green Flash? Drum Circle at Sunset is popular at several beaches on varied days.
St. Armands Circle
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Paddleboarding, Kayaking or Canoeing
The Ringling
Ideas for Repeat Visitors:
Historic Spanish Point
Selby Gardens
Der Dutchman Restaurant and Gift
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Myakka State Park
Local Transportation
Gulf Coast Destinations: Private, pre-arranged airport transportation for private individuals or corporate groups. To your home or to your hotel. Sedans to coaches.
SRQ Services: Premier Limousine, Transportation and Luxury Sedan Company, Destination Management and Event Planner, and Multimedia Production Company in Sarasota.
Sarasota Trolley, INC.: Sarasota Trolleys are all Ford and Chevy gasoline-powered Molly Corporation trolleys, the finest hand-made trolleys, manufactured by the Bradish family of Ogunquit, Maine since 1979.
Distance from Major Airports
- SRQ- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport(to downtown) – 6 miles
There’s a sunny side to this West Coast community that makes this a true hot spot among the world’s destinations. Naturally there’s lots of water and sunshine. But you’ll also discover an area that’s full of rich arts, professional sports, sights to see and things to do you won’t find anywhere else. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find it in Tampa Bay!
Here are some great things to do in Tampa, FL after booking your Group Hotel through grouphotels.com:
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center: Visitors come to this warm water viewing center to see manatees, an endangered species of marine mammals. The Manatee Viewing Center is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 1 through April 15. (The center is closed Thanksgiving, at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Easter.) From home, you can operate the center’s east and west Web cameras. Make your reservations here for your class or group to visit the Manatee Viewing Center.
Big Cat Rescue: Do you see yourself looking over the vast Serengeti plains, searching the horizon for a glimpse of a pride of Lions, or a Leopard lounging in the trees? Do you imagine yourself in India, riding an elephant through the high grass with your eyes peeled for the elusive Tiger? Have you ever thought how great it would be to hike through the rainforest, listening to the tropical birds, ever on the lookout for a Leopard or an Ocelot high in the canopy? Have you ever been to the zoo and wanted to be closer to the exotic cats; so close you could almost touch them? You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to make these dreams come true. The world’s largest accredited big cat rescue facility is right here in Tampa, Florida at Big Cat Rescue.
Busch Gardens: Just over an hour west of Orlando near Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, you’ll find yourself on the edge of Africa at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. Experience up-close encounters with amazing animals, take an unforgettable safari across the Serengeti Plains, test your courage on pulse-pounding coasters, or catch live entertainment all year long.
Lowry Park Zoo: Voted the “#1 Zoo in the U.S.” by Parents Magazine (2009) and Child Magazine (2004), Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo features more than 2,000 animals in 56 acres of lush natural habitats.
Henry Bradley Plant Museum: If you’re railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant, in the midst of the sand swamps that would be Tampa, you construct the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then fill it with treasures from around the world. With its splendid Moorish architecture, opulent furnishings, and spectacular tropical gardens, Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel attracted a host of celebrated guests, from Teddy Roosevelt to Sarah Bernhardt to Babe Ruth. A visit to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the authentically restored rooms of the Tampa Bay Hotel will transport you back to a time of indulgent ten-course meals, waltzing on the veranda and alligator hunting by moonlight.
