Time & Temp

Things to do around Tampa Bay & Anna Maria Island, Florida. ATTRACTIONS

Things to do:
Visitors can enjoy the natural side of Bradenton & Anna Maria Island by visiting its many parks or public beaches. Anna Maria Island has 3 fishing pier with restaurants, 3 public beach with picnic tables, near by public tennis courts, a playground, Community center Island Player theater & the Island Branch of the Manatee Public Library.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ATTRACTIONS

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society 
Address: Pine Ave in Anna Maria  collects, researches, preserves and displays artifacts pertaining to earlier times on Anna Maria Island. Call 778-4198 for information 

The Island Players,
Address: corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, is a small company that has loyal patrons and volunteers. Call 778-5755 for information.

SEAFOOD SHACK SHOWBOAT CRUISES 
4110 127th St. W Cortez rd at bridge 941-794-1236

Old Jail

Anna Maria Island Art League, 778-2099

Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island, 778-6694

Art League 778-2099

Woman's Club of Anna Maria Island 778-1670

Cortez Fishing Fleet Fleet
4330-127th St. W. Bradenton, FL Phone: 941/794-1223 Fast, 65-foot boat with narrated cruises, beachcombing, shelling and trips to historic Egmont Key. Four, six and nine hour fishing trips with an electronic fish finder. License, bait and tackle included, keep your catch. Open 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily, reservations recommended. 

Cortez Parasail
12507 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, FL Phone: 941/795-2700 Ride the "Flyin’ Bandit!" Take off and land directly from the towing vessel. Eight years experience with U.S.C.G. licensed captains and crew. Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.  

Cortez Watercraft Rentals
4328-127th St. W. Bradenton, FL Phone: 941/792-5263 Wave runners (jet skis), pontoon boats, fishing boats for cruising the Bay and Intracoastal waterway. Great for reaching those isolated beaches. Open 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. 

Fun and Sun Parasail & Water sports
Cortez Bridge, Bradenton, FL Phone: 941/795-1653 0 feet, tandem or single. Fully insured and U.S. Coast Guard inspected. Open 7 days a week, call for hours. 

Pioneer Water sports
S.W. end of Cortez Bridge Anna Maria Island, FL Phone: 941/778-9760
Wave runner rentals, safe family fun, daily & hourly rentals, eco-tours. Featuring the new Yamaha three-seater waveventures and Seadoo three-seater watercraft.  

Longboat Pass Parasail
Bradenton, FL Phone: 941/792-1900 Take off from the back deck of the boat, land soft and dry. Long-time operation has flown thousands, the oldest was 93 years old! Coast Guard licensed crew. Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily. 

Sun Hovercraft Rides
12507 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, FL Phone: 941/792-1290 Propelling itself with air, the hovercraft is capable of sailing over water or land. The craft makes for an exceptionally smooth ride. Seating six comfortably, it provides a unique way to experience the beauty of Sarasota Bay. View Historic Cortez Village and the Kitchen Flats. Nature is observed up close at Bird Key Sanctuary Island in the Bay itself. Redfish, trout, Snook and mullet swim beneath while pelicans and herons fly above. Included in the tour are the local barrier islands of Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach. Based at the Cortez Fishing Center, enjoy these exciting excursions. Also, safety need not be a concern. The Hovercraft is regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard and operated by a licensed captain.

  Theatrical groups

The Island Players,
Address: corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, is a small company that has loyal patrons and volunteers. Call 778-5755 for information.

Manatee Players' Riverfront Theatre
Address:102 Old Main St., Bradenton Call 748-5875 for information. stages quality productions - from dramas to musicals, Sondheim to Shakespeare - that sometimes feature casts and sets almost as big as traveling Broadway shows. 

The sound of music
Community music groups also prove amateurs - with the love of their craft - can create music for themselves or for appreciative audiences. Local organizations include: Bradenton Early Music Society, 748-4511; Gloria Musicae Singers, 758-5140; Goodtime Jazz Club, 794-6714; and Manatee Community Band, 792-8921.

Bradenton Ballet Repertory
is a year-old group that features young dance students as well as older guest artists. 

BRADENTON ATTRACTIONS

DESOTO NATIONAL MEMORIAL 
Address: North end of 75th Street, Bradenton.  Phone: (941) 792-0458. Hours:9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. Commemorating Hernando De Sotos landing in Florida, exhibits, nature tours and a visitor center depict the significance of his expedition in the history of North America. Be sure to catch the early weapons (crossbow and gunpowder rifle), blacksmithing and cooking demonstrations given by rangers dressed in period costume. 

PIRATES COVE FUN PARK
5410 14St. W. (U.S.41) Bradenton   phone 941-755-4608 Go-Kart Grand Prix Track, Miniature Golf, Bumper boats, LASER TAG, Video Game Room & snack room

  Cultural and natural history exhibits, starshows and laser light shows in Bishop Planetarium, a well-equipped telescopic observatory and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Home to Snooty the manatee. 

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM & BISHOP PLANETARIUM/PARKER AQUARIUM 
Address: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. FL 34205-8604 Phone: 941/746-4131 Fax: 941/747-2556 Website: http://www.sfmbp.org/  E-mail: sfmbp@aol.com   Phone: (941) 746-4131. Cultural and natural history exhibits, Star gazing, space exploration  star shows and laser light shows in Bishop Planetarium, a well-equipped telescopic observatory and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Home to Snooty the manatee. Hours: Star shows featuring the constellations of the season are held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 2:45 PM. A "tonight show" is featured Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, followed by telescopic observing. The observatory is open Friday and Saturdays from 9 to 10 PM weather permitting. All ages will find something they'll love here, from Snooty, the oldest manatee born in captivity to laser light shows set to rock music. The museum itself features prehistoric exhibits, Florida Native Americans, Spanish explorer artifacts and Cracker settler paraphernalia. Snooty, the 800-pound manatee, swims around in his huge, new aquarium. There is a feature show in the planetarium daily at 1:30 and 4 PM. Also, on Saturdays, children can view The Little Star that Could followed by hands-on museum activities. World-acclaimed laser light shows are an incredible treat for all . A sound system blasts you with your favorite tunes (rock, country, alternative and even Big Band) as you lean back in the reclined theater seats and witness a creative display of lighting wizardry. 

MANATEE AIRBOAT TOURS 
Address: 12310 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 795-5353.Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, tours leave on the hour.If you're looking for adventure and love exploring the natural side of Florida, Manatee Airboat tours offers just the ticket. Running daily from Perico Harbor Marine near Leverocks restaurant and Galati Marine on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, the tour is a great way to introduce the kids to the wildlife of the area, or to enjoy viewing the areas beautiful birds and other creatures.

MANATEE VILLAGE HISTORICAL PARK
Address: 604 15th St. East, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 749-7165.
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 1:30 to 4:30 PM. From October through May, enjoy a guided tour, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Cost: Admission is free.
Visit Manatee County's first courthouse, built in 1860, and a number of original historic structures including a settlers home, Wiggins Store, Bunker Hill schoolhouse and the newest addition, Potters Barn. You'll find it tucked away just east of downtown; take Manatee Avenue, which turns into S.R. 64.

Art League of Manatee County
Address: 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.746-2862 A more traditional art setting - one that fits images of paintings hanging on walls and sculptures sitting on pedestals

Ray's Canoe Hideaway on the Manatee River
1247 Hagle Park Rd.  Bradenton, FL 34202  Phone: 941/957-3909 Toll free: 888/57CANOE, Fax: 941/957-3031 Explore Bradenton's "Singing River" by canoe or kayak. Year round, easy paddling adventures in a pristine, subtropical, jungle-like environment. Find secluded sandy river beaches to picnic, fish, sunbathe, observe wildlife, or hunt fossils on our lazy river. Florida State Canoe Trail, Gulf Coast Heritage Trail/Blueway site.

ELLENTON ATTRACTIONS

GAMBLE PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE 
Address: 3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton. Phone: (941) 723-4536. Hours: Open Thursday - Monday. Tours start at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m..This is the only Confederate memorial in the state. Highlights are the collection of antebellum furnishings and an 1890s farmhouse. The Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation State Historic Site serves as a memorial to a way of life and an economic system that existed before the War Between the States. Gamble Mansion is the only surviving plantation house in south Florida. The mansion was the home of Major Robert Gamble and headquarters to an extensive sugar plantation of over 3,500 acres. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin took refuge in the house after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. It was designated the Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial in 1925 to commemorate its significant history. In 1925, the mansion and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state. Today, it is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. 

SARASOTA ATTRACTIONS

Circus Sarasota
777 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota, FL 34236-4047 Phone: 941/924-7054 Fax: 941/924-4414 Website: http://www.circussarasota.org/  E-mail: ncspa@gte.net  The creation of Circus Sarasota is the first step in realizing the dream of enhancing, producing and propelling the circus arts in Florida and beyond. Our one-ring European-style circus features international circus stars. Visitors to Sarasota will have the opportunity to witness affordable family entertainment, and see that Sarasota is the circus capital of the United States. The legacy continues. Performances December 26, 1999 to January 23, 2000.  Hours: Office open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; performance times vary.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
 This museum is the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), one of the greatest business tycoons of his day. The museum includes a 22-gallery Art Museum; Museum of the Circus; Ca'd'Zan, The Ringlings' mansion; courtyard; gardens and grounds.  On displays Renaissance European, modern and Venetian Gothic artworks in its 22 galleries. Close by is Ca' D'Zan, the 30-room Venetian-Gothic mansion that Ringling occupied for about 10 years. Expansive gardens and a circus museum also are part of the complex, which is open year-round. Admission to the complex is free for children under age 12 (admission to the art museum is free on Saturdays); For more information, call (941) 359-5723.

JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 
Address:5401 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243-2161 Phone:(941) 351-1660.or 359-5723 941/359-5700 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/660-4278 Fax: 941/359-5745 Website: http://www.ringling.org  E-mail: ringling@concent-ic.net 
 Hours: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission to galleries is free on Saturdays. What a grand experience awaits you at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The art galleries brim with Old Masters, a collection that includes five world-renowned tapestry cartoons by Peter Paul Rubens. Marvel at the Late Medieval and Renaissance works by Italian and northern European Renaissance artists, in addition to French, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish Baroque paintings. The Ringlings acquired a majority of the collection. Tour through their winter home,
Ca D'Zan, an opulent mansion that blends everything from Italian and French Renaissance, Baroque, Venetian Gothic and modern architecture. The mansion was completed in 1926 and is set to be repaired and restored to its 1920s appearance. Stroll through the lovely sculpture garden courtyard and the Rose Garden, perfect spots for snapping photos.
The Circus Galleries offer a collection of circus memorabilia, a fitting tribute to John Ringling, who collected art work as the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus became "the Greatest Show on Earth."

Asolo Theatre Company
5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243-2141 Phone: 941/351-8000 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/361-8388 Fax: 941/351-5796 Website: http://www.asolo.org/  E-mail: asolo@asolo.org  A superb destination theatre. The Asolo celebrates its 41st anniversary this year.  Hours: Call for hours and show schedules.

The new Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, across the street from the complex at 5401 Bay Shore Road. The original theater, which lies close to the museum, was shipped in pieces from Italy by Ringling. It now is used for the art museum's lecture series.

BELLMS CARS & MUSIC OF YESTERDAY 
Address: 5500 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota. Phone: (941) 355-6228.Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. a collection of restored and antique cars, music makers (hurdy-gurdies, calliopes and a 30-foot Belgian organ) and antique games and machines.

Key Sailing
2 Marina Jack Bayfront Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236-8919 Phone: 941/346-7245 Fax: 941/346-6495 Website: http://www.exploringsarasota.com/5.htm  E-mail: treedsail@aol.com   Half-day and full-day sailing adventures. Dolphin sightings and sunset sails on the beautiful Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico on a 1989 Morgan 41 sailing vessel.  Hours: Open year-round.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-7726 Phone: 941/366-5731  (941) 366-5730 Fax: 941/366-9807 Website: http://www.selby.org  E-mail: gadkins@virtu.sar.usf.edu  Nine bay front acres, more than 20,000 tropical plants, including an outstanding collection of orchids and bromeliads; museum; hands-on learning center; greenhouse; and 20 distinct garden areas.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.. every day, closed Christmas. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children older than 5. This flower-lovers oasis on Sarasota Bay features one of the worlds largest collections of orchids (more than 5,000) and is the only botanical garden in the world that specializes in epiphytic plants (plants that live on moisture in the air). A couple of short walking trails and 20,000 plants, including bromeliads, bamboo and banyans, are featured along with the historic Selby mansion (now a gift shop) and a Museum of Botany and the Arts. Scientists here are responsible for saving species from extinction. Resident kids and adults should check out the ongoing horticultural-related classes; don't miss the once-a-year plant sale.

Mote Marine Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy. Sarasota, FL 34236-1004 Phone: 941/388-4441 Toll Free (Worldwide): 800/691-MOTE (6683) Fax: 941/388-4242 Website: http://www.mote.org E-mail: info@mote.org  Ten new exhibits, working research labs, touch tank and interactive Sea Cinema. Come face-to-face with a shark or visit with resident manatees and endangered sea turtles. Eco-tours of Sarasota Bay available.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 

MOTE MARINE SCIENCE AQUARIUM Welcome to Mote Marine Laboratory! Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway just south of Longboat Key. Phone: (941) 388-1385. or 1-800-691-6683 Hours:. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This aquarium/museum filled with wonders of the local seas. Its not very large, and only takes a couple of hours to see, but Mote Marine is packed full of interesting displays. The main attraction, a shark tank, features shark species that typically swim around in the same waters you do  The touch tank is neat; you can handle creatures such as rays and sea urchins. A variety of small aquariums throughout the building displays amazing sea life. Its a super educational opportunity for all ages 

PELICAN MAN BIRD SANCTUARY 
Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, Florida 34236-1000 Phone: (941) 388-4444 Fax: (941) 388-3258 Email: pelican@pelicanman.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. What started as one mans mission to save injured pelicans has developed into a full-scale sanctuary operation for more than 200 species of injured birds. Dale Shields, known around here as the "Pelican Man," welcomes donations but doesn't charge admission. Its a good chance to get up close to our native birds, providing another important lesson for the kids . Take your time and look for the unusual like the crow that talks. 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bayshore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34234-5211 Phone: 941/355-1112 Toll Free (U.S.): 877/861-6547 Fax: 941/355-1222 Website: http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/  E-mail: sarasotajg@aol.com  Acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails for leisurely strolls and picture taking. Jungle animal exhibits, reptile encounters and bird shows, Gardens of Christ, shell museum, kiddie jungle and cafe. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 

SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS 
Address: Bayshore Rd., two blocks west of U.S. Hwy. 41, Sarasota. Phone: (941) 355-5305. Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Cost:$9 for adults, $5 for children. Annual pass for $12. This peaceful retreat is one of our favorite places to go any time of year, Cool, shaded trails wander through some of the most well-kept, lush, tropical vegetation around. Banana trees, hibiscus and rose gardens, towering palms, ferns and crotons are just some of the flora encountered on a stroll through the "jungle." As with most Florida attractions, you'll enjoy some family entertainment such things as bird shows with 70-year-old Cockatoos that ride bikes on tight wires or alligator shows featuring 500-pound gators jumping three feet in the air.  The other native Sarasota critters, such as our friendly snakes are safely behind glass to keep the fright-effect at a minimum. But the snakes are fascinating, Bird watchers will be in heaven here. Around every bend are different feathered friends -- families of ducks waddling through the palmettos, peacocks and flamingos, (most roam or fly freely). Photo opportunities are abundant  Jungle Gardens can easily be experienced in 4 hours if you plan your time around the bird and reptile show schedules given to you with your ticket. 

Golden Apple Dinner Theatre
25 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236-5786 Phone: 941/366-5454 Toll Free (U.S. & Canada): 800/652-0920 Fax: 941/364-9100 Website: http://www.hellodolly.org  Candlelit prime rib dinner and Broadway musical entertainment with shows such as Ain't Misbehavin', Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady. Second location in Venice. Hours: Call for showtimes. 

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE TOUR 
Address: 61 North Pineapple, Sarasota. Phone: (941) 366-8450.Hours: By appointment. Cost: $2. Since its by appointment only, not many people know about this inexpensive tour that takes you behind the scenes of the opera. Your tour guide will lead you through the wardrobe department, where all of the wigs and costumes are constructed. An interesting history of the acoustically perfect Edwards theater, built in 1926, and a chandelier that graced Twelve Oaks in Gone With the Wind are included in the highlights. 

MYAKKA CITY ATTRACTIONS

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK AND WILDLIFE TOURS  Park--Welcome Address: S.R. 72 (Clark Rd.) 14 miles east of U.S. Hwy. 41, 9 miles east of I-75. Phone: (941) 361-6511. Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset. Cost: $2 per person or $4 for two to six people. Airboat and tram tours run $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12 If you can only fit in one attraction, this is probably the one to choose. You have the chance to glimpse local natural wonders in their most primitive state, such as bald eagles perched high in the moss-draped oaks or alligators sunning on the shores of the Myakka River. Land tours aboard a tram run December through May, and drivers give excellent narration of native plants. Airboat rides run all year you'll learn all about the water birds and other water critters on these tours. The tours offer a good break from walking, biking or canoeing.

HERRMANNS LIPIZZAN RANCH 
Address: Singletary Rd., Myakka City. Phone: (941) 322-1501. Hours: Shows are at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday. Cost: Free.
From January through April, the Lipizzan stallions come home to entertain audiences free of charge! Actually, this is their training home, much like the baseball stars, before they travel the country performing.

PARISH ATTRACTIONS

FLORIDA GULF COAST RAILROAD MUSEUM 
Address: 12355 U.S. 301 North, Parrish. Phone: (941) 722-4272. Hours: Trains depart at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. on Saturdays, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. on Sundays. Experience a blast from the past on this 1950s train excursion featuring air-conditioned lounge cars and open-window coaches. The round-trip through rural southern Florida lasts about an hour.

ARCADIA ATTRACTIONS

Canoe Outpost  
 Peace River 2816 NW County Rd 6611  Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: 941/494-1215 Toll free: 800/268-0083  , Fax: 941/494-4391
Web Site: http://www.canoeoutpost.com Paddle the beautiful Peace River and enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, fossil hunting, along with canoeing and kayaking on Florida’s most popular State Canoe Trail. Half day, full day, and overnight wilderness trips. See the true Florida with Canoe Outpost, Florida’s oldest & largest outfitter. Be a Peace Paddler! 

OSPERY ATTRACTIONS

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT 
Address: 500 N. Tamiami Tr., Osprey. Phone: (941) 966-5214.Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Retreat to the Old Florida the first settlers experienced. Lush, tropical vegetation surrounds refurbished pioneer dwellings on 30 acres. Take a 90-minute tour and walk through the lives of John and Eliza Webb, a New York couple who came here to homestead in 1867, where they became farmers, entrepreneurs and innkeepers for winter visitors. You'll visit their citrus packing house and boarding house. Mary's Chapel sits nearby, constructed by the Webbs in honor of a young music student who died while staying at the Webbs. The next generation glimpse features a bay front home with a turn-of-the-century kitchen; wealthy Chicago business woman Bertha Palmer bought the property in 1912 and planted magnificent gardens. Her family donated the property to the Gulf Coast Heritage Association in 1980. An archaeological exhibit, the only Indian shell midden in the United States that you can walk into, reveals bones, shells and other refuse from ancient life on the coastline. A video highlights other archaeological finds made on the grounds. A tram is available for physically handicapped.

St. Petersburg

Florida International Museum
100 2nd St N St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3312 Phone: 727/822-3693 Toll Free (U.S.): 877/JFK-SHOW Fax: 727/898-0248 Website: http://www.floridamuseum.org   E-mail: floridamuseum@mindspring.com  World premiere of "John F. Kennedy: The Exhibition." Multi-media and architecturally enhanced exhibition galleries give visitors a full experience of the personal and public life of the 35th president. Nov. 12, 1999 - May 25, 2000.  Hours: Call for hours.

Pier
800 2nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3512
Phone: 727/821-6164 Fax: 727/821-6451
Website: http://www.stpete-pier.com 
Retail shops/carts, a food court, restaurants, observation deck, an aquarium, sightseeing cruises, Great Explorations Hands-On Museum, simulator rides, Waverunner/bicycle rentals, fishing, miniature golf, and the HMS Bounty (seasonal). 

Pier Aquarium
800 2nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3512 Phone: 727/895-7437Fax: 727/821-6451E-mail: pierstpete@aol.com  Nine aquariums, marine life exhibits, guided tours and hands-on programs.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon. - Sat., noon - 6 p.m. Sun.

Sunshine Skyway State Fishing Pier
11101 34th St S St. Petersburg, FL 33711 Phone: 727/865-0668Fax: 727/906-8085 Park and fish on the world's longest fishing pier. A unique fishing location, directly off I-275 between St. Petersburg and Bradenton on Tampa Bay. View of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. No fishing license required. Complete bait shop. Rod rental available. Hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Starlite Cruises
3400 Pasadena Ave. South St. Petersburg, FL 33707-4489
Phone: 727/462-2628 Toll Free (U.S. & Canada): 800/444-4814 Fax: 727/446-4814 Website: http://www.starlitecruises.com E-mail: info@starlitecruises.com  Two vessels cruise the inland waters: one from the St. Pete Beach area, the other from the Clearwater Beach Marina. Sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises are available. 

TAMPA ATTRACTIONS

Adventure Island
10001 Malcolm McKinley Dr. Tampa, FL 33612-6401
Phone: 813/987-5660 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/4-ADVENTURE
Fax: 813/987-5443 Website: http://www.adventureisland.com 
A family water park featuring 25 acres of tropical entertainment including 17 water attractions and a championship volleyball complex. outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas. Guests can conquer speed slides, float along on a rambling river or take advantage of 12 beautiful white sand volleyball courts. Open March through October Hours: Hours vary by season.
Adventure Island
4500 E Bougainvillea Ave Tampa, FL 33617-3443  Phone: 813/987-5660 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
3605 E Bougainvillea Ave Tampa, FL 33612-6433
Phone: 813/987-5082 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/372-1797
Fax: 813/987-5189 Website: http://www.buschgardens.com  

Busch Gardens 
Busch Gardens 3000 E Busch Blvd Tampa, FL 33612-8734   Phone: 813/987-5082 Guests of all ages have a variety of experiences exploring 335-acre African-themed family entertainment park,  The most popular attraction on Florida's west coast, visitors experience a unique combination of thrilling rides, zoological habitats and live entertainment. featuring world-class animal habitats, thrilling rides and live entertainment.  Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. with extended hours summers and holidays.

Florida Aquarium
701 Channel side Dr  Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: 813/273-4000 Fax: 813/209-2077 Website: http://www.flaquarium.org  E-mail: dcurtis@flaquarium.org  You'll come face to face with more than 6,000 aquatic plants and animals native to Florida.  
Explore Florida's water story from underground source to open sea. See thousands of native plants and animals including fish, rays, sharks, birds, otter, alligators - in air-conditioned comfort. Outdoor "Explore a Shore" exhibit offers fun for kids of all ages including hands-on live pool teeming with sea creatures Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

Henry B. Plant Museum
401 W. Kennedy Blvd. at The University of Tampa Tampa, FL 33606-1450
Phone: 813/254-1891 Fax: 813/258-7272 Website: http://www.plantmuseum.com  E-mail:  j.twachtmann@alph.utampa.edu    Interprets the turn-of-the-century 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel. A national historic landmark in the heart of downtown Tampa. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tues. - Sat.; noon - 4 p.m. Sun.

Salvador Dali Museum  Salvador 

MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
4801 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33617-2017 Phone: 813/987-6000 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/995-MOSI (6674) Fax: 813/987-6310 Website: http://www.mosi.org  E-mail: blittle@mosi.org  The largest science center in the Southeastern U.S. Home of the only IMAX Dome theater in Florida. Experience the Gulf Coast Hurricane, The Saunders Planetarium and the BioWorks Butterfly Garden. More than 450 hands-on activities. 
Hours: Open 9 a.m. 365 days, closing hours vary.

Lowry Park Zoo
7530 North Blvd. Tampa, FL 33604-4756  Phone: 813/935-8552 Fax: 813/935-8634  E-mail: jim.scilligo@lowryparkzoo.org     Animals in natural habitat settings, exotic birds and a petting zoo. See more than 14 species of primates, the rare Indian rhino, Sumatran tiger, bald eagles, black bear, bison, manatees and more. Birds of Prey show daily and Jungle Carousel Ride.  Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

Stage Door Dinner Theater
15212 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33613-1450 Phone: 813/910-0221 Fax: 813/910-7304 Website:   E-mail: the_stage_door@yahoo.com  Broadway-style musical revues and sumptuous buffet catered by The Walden Lakes Country Club. Hours: Box office open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tampa Bay History Center
225 S. Franklin St. (adjacent to Tampa Convention Tampa, FL 33602-5329Phone: 813/228-0097Fax: 813/223-7021 Galleries display Tampa Bay's archaeological, industrial, military, agricultural, and Native American past.  Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place (exit 25 off I-275)
Tampa, FL 33601 Phone: 813/229-STAR (7827)
Toll Free (U.S.): 800/955-1045 Fax: 813/222-1057
Website: http://www.tampacenter.com 
E-mail: allison.masters@tbpac.org 
The largest performing arts center south of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and one of the top ten in the country. 
Hours: Call for performance schedule.

Tampa Museum of Art
600 N. Ashley Dr. Tampa, FL 33602-4305
Phone: 813/274-8130 Fax: 813/274-8732
Website: http://www.ci.tampa.fl.us/dept_Museum  E-mail: tm22@cl.tampa.com 
Some of Tampa Bay's best art exhibitions, downtown on the river. Features the Southeast's largest collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan objects plus traveling and permanent exhibits of contemporary art. 
Hours: Call for hours.

Ybor City State Museum
1818 E. Ninth Ave. Tampa, FL 33605-3818 Phone: 813/247-1434 Fax: 813/242-4010 Website: http://www.ybormuseum.org E-mail: mnchavez@gte.net Features exhibits on Ybor City, the cigar industry and immigrants who settled in Tampa. Tour includes a cigar worker's historic shotgun house. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

Clearwater

Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd. Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2064 Phone: 727/446-2587 Fax: 727/447-3033 Website: http://www.pirateflorida.com  E-mail: cptmemo@pirateflorida.com
Join the fun aboard the family attraction, the Pirate's Ransom. Frequent sightings of playful dolphins. Pirate fun and games. Free beverages. 
Hours: 10 a.m.; 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Open daily year-round.s: 

Original Dolphin Encounter Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd., Slip #5 Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2000
Phone: 727/442-7433 Fax: 727/462-9786 Website: http://www.dolphinencounter.org/ See these marine mammals in their natural habitat while relaxing aboard the double-deck 125-passenger Clearwater Express. This sightseeing tour provides a scenic view of Gulf beaches. Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Madeira Beach 

John's Pass Village and Boardwalk
150 Boardwalk Place  Madeira Beach, FL 33708   Phone: 727/391-7373 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/944-1847  Fax: 727/398-7188
An old fishing village transformed into an attraction with 110 shops, restaurants and water-sport purveyors. Hours: Open year-round. Hours vary.

Plant City 

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Rd. Plant City, FL 33565-6101 Phone: 813/717-9865 Fax: 813/707-9776 Website: http://www.dinoworld.net 
E-mail: dinowrld@gtemail.net More than 100 life-sized model dinosaurs reflecting modern scientific theories are displayed in a natural landscape.