About Tampa

Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrill rides and animal-viewing areas. The historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is a dining and nightlife destination. The first civilian Tampa residents were pioneers who settled near the fort for protection from the nearby Seminole population, and the small village was first incorporated as "Tampa" in 1849. Tampa is home to a variety of stage and performing arts venues and theaters. Tampa is home to several death metal bands. The Tampa area is home to a number of museums that cover a wide array of subjects and studies. The city of Tampa operates over 165 parks and beaches covering 1,186 acres (9.15 km1) within city limits; 41 more in surrounding suburbs covering 70,000 acres (180 km1), are maintained by Hillsborough County. These areas include the Hillsborough River State Park, just northeast of the city. Tampa is also home to a number of attractions and theme parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, Lowry Park Zoo, and Florida Aquarium.