Tampa Quick Links
Tampa Accommodations
Tampa is a city located along the west coast of Florida. The city is known for the large bay area that drains into the Gulf of Mexico and has become a very popular LGBT vacation site that offers fun in the sun and scenic adventure. The word “Tampa” means “sticks of fire” according to the Calusa language. Some historians tend to believe that word may mean “The place to gather sticks”. Summertime thunderstorms with vivid lighting strikes are very common in the Tampa region, so “sticks of fire” might have had its origins relating to this weather phenomenon. Gay friendly Tampa offers numerous things to do for the LGBT traveler. Tampa is home to some popular recreational parks such as Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island. Busch Gardens Africa has exotic animals, rides, and themed exhibits from different African countries. It is a great way to spend a fun filled day with the family. Adventure Island is located directly across from Busch Gardens. This huge waterpark has thrilling rides like the Aruba Tuba and the Calypso Coaster, along with a variety of gay friendly places to eat. Festival lovers will adore the Gasparilla Pirate Festival held every January. This “Mardi Gras” like festival honors the legendary Spanish pirate, Jose Gaspar who had an influence in the Florida region. Parades, bead throwing, and a party like atmosphere attracts thousands of vacationers every year to this event. LGBT shoppers don’t have to feel left out either. Tampa has plenty of malls and shopping venues all throughout the city. The University Mall and Westshore Plaza are just two great choices. For more upscale shopping, go to Hyde Park Village located in the Hyde Park area.
Tampa is also known for its gay friendly accommodations. Hotels in Tampa are gay friendly, and all the local hotel chains welcome LGBT vacationers. Gay friendly accommodations at these hotels include free breakfast, shuttle service, bar and lounge areas, along with outdoor pool and patio settings. Gay travelers will also find a variety of gay friendly hotel accommodations by Busch Gardens and along the gorgeous white sandy beaches local to the area. The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, located downtown, is a great choice. Gay friendly accommodations include a pool, a Jacuzzi, private balcony options, three gay friendly restaurants, and scenic downtown views. The Pasa Tiempo Bed & Breakfast Resort is another wonderful place to stay during your visit to Tampa. Perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways, this bed and breakfast has breathtaking scenery and a naturalistic feeling. Tropical gardens, lush greenery, birds, and colorful flowers are abundant within this private gay friendly resort. There are waterfront rooms available and a dock area that is perfect for sunset viewing.
There are also many gay friendly restaurants in the Tampa area. Gay friendly places to eat include Bern’s Steak House. Hot smoldering beef platters offer mouthwatering melting taste in this gay friendly Tampa restaurant. There are 25 different types of caviar and a huge wine cellar with some of the best-aged wines in the state. Japanese food fanatics will love Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill. This gay friendly Tampa restaurant has some of the best sushi in town and a customer-oriented atmosphere that delivers. For pizza, be sure to eat at Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza. LGBT travelers from New York and Chicago simply rave about the delicious quality of this tantalizing pizzeria. For more information about gay friendly things to do in Tampa, be sure to go to the Florida Tourists Guide quick links section.
Chris Barry, FHR Creations
Tampa is a city located along the west coast of Florida. The city is known for the large bay area that drains into the Gulf of Mexico and has become a very popular LGBT vacation site that offers fun in the sun and scenic adventure. The word “Tampa” means “sticks of fire” according to the Calusa language. Some historians tend to believe that word may mean “The place to gather sticks”. Summertime thunderstorms with vivid lighting strikes are very common in the Tampa region, so “sticks of fire” might have had its origins relating to this weather phenomenon. Gay friendly Tampa offers numerous things to do for the LGBT traveler. Tampa is home to some popular recreational parks such as Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island. Busch Gardens Africa has exotic animals, rides, and themed exhibits from different African countries. It is a great way to spend a fun filled day with the family. Adventure Island is located directly across from Busch Gardens. This huge waterpark has thrilling rides like the Aruba Tuba and the Calypso Coaster, along with a variety of gay friendly places to eat. Festival lovers will adore the Gasparilla Pirate Festival held every January. This “Mardi Gras” like festival honors the legendary Spanish pirate, Jose Gaspar who had an influence in the Florida region. Parades, bead throwing, and a party like atmosphere attracts thousands of vacationers every year to this event. LGBT shoppers don’t have to feel left out either. Tampa has plenty of malls and shopping venues all throughout the city. The University Mall and Westshore Plaza are just two great choices. For more upscale shopping, go to Hyde Park Village located in the Hyde Park area.
Tampa is also known for its gay friendly accommodations. Hotels in Tampa are gay friendly, and all the local hotel chains welcome LGBT vacationers. Gay friendly accommodations at these hotels include free breakfast, shuttle service, bar and lounge areas, along with outdoor pool and patio settings. Gay travelers will also find a variety of gay friendly hotel accommodations by Busch Gardens and along the gorgeous white sandy beaches local to the area. The Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, located downtown, is a great choice. Gay friendly accommodations include a pool, a Jacuzzi, private balcony options, three gay friendly restaurants, and scenic downtown views. The Pasa Tiempo Bed & Breakfast Resort is another wonderful place to stay during your visit to Tampa. Perfect for honeymoons or romantic getaways, this bed and breakfast has breathtaking scenery and a naturalistic feeling. Tropical gardens, lush greenery, birds, and colorful flowers are abundant within this private gay friendly resort. There are waterfront rooms available and a dock area that is perfect for sunset viewing.
There are also many gay friendly restaurants in the Tampa area. Gay friendly places to eat include Bern’s Steak House. Hot smoldering beef platters offer mouthwatering melting taste in this gay friendly Tampa restaurant. There are 25 different types of caviar and a huge wine cellar with some of the best-aged wines in the state. Japanese food fanatics will love Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill. This gay friendly Tampa restaurant has some of the best sushi in town and a customer-oriented atmosphere that delivers. For pizza, be sure to eat at Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza. LGBT travelers from New York and Chicago simply rave about the delicious quality of this tantalizing pizzeria. For more information about gay friendly things to do in Tampa, be sure to go to the Florida Tourists Guide quick links section.
Chris Barry, FHR Creations
