Tampa Downtown

The bustling city of Tampa is one of the most visited spots in Florida and a great place to pick up a rental car to explore. This west coast city has more than amusement parks to keep you thrilled; it has world class museums, gorgeous beaches and more.

Tampa sits on Tampa Bay, which straddles Hillsborough River. This is a great place for beach bunnies who want nothing more than to while away their days swimming and sunbathing. For the more active, water sports and an aquarium provide worthwhile diversions.

A highlight for many is Busch Gardens, an African-style theme park just three miles from Tampa by Tampa Downtown rental car. There is no end of white-knuckle rides here as well as shows, animals, dining and shopping. If you can drag your kids away from this popular amusement park, you can also visit the Museum of Science and Industry with its IMAX theatre.

For those travelling without kids, the Tampa Museum of Art is a must. Located in Tampa Downtown, the museum houses Roman and Greek antiques as well as modern paintings, sculptures and photography.

By Tampa Downtown rental car you can also reach Ybor City, a lively hub that was once the Cuban cigar-making capital of the US. You can still find cigar outlets here today along with eateries, boutiques and breweries. The nightlife here is also fun, with Ybor Square and 7th Avenue East being the most vibrant parts of town.

Of course, no one comes to Tampa without checking out the best beaches. Most of the prime sandy stretches are only accessible by rental car, being a 20-minute drive from Downtown Tampa. The white sand Clearwater Beach is the most popular and has a great craft market at weekends.