The Tampa Bay area can be a wonderful place to get away for a romantic vacation. There are many fun activities that couples can enjoy without breaking the bank. Food, fun, history and nature are all available in this beautiful destination.
When the Tampa Electric Company (TECO) built its Big Bend Power Station officials were surprised to see that manatees were attracted to the clean warm water discharged into the bay. Sixteen years later it was designated an official manatee sanctuary and the Manatee Viewing Station was born. The viewing station provides an excellent opportunity to see the gentle, beautiful creatures that serve as the unofficial mascot of Florida. The station is open November 1 through April 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is when visitors are most likely to see them at play. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. All donations go to the upkeep of the center.
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
6990 Dickman Road
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
813-228-4289
tampaelectric.com
If couples are looking for even more wildlife encounters, they should go down to the Big Cat Rescue Corporation to see over 100 exotic cats of 14 species from around the world including the endangered Florida Panther. Many different tours are available. The day tour is only $25 per person, Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. Saturday tours are available at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For those who want to see the cats in action, on Friday and Saturday a feeding tour is available for $50 per person at 4:30 p.m. where there can see the cats chow down. Night tours are also available and if guests have a little more cash in their pocket, the Keepers Tour lets them get up close and involves them in the care and handling of the big cats for $100 per person.
Big Cat Rescue Corporation
12802 Easy Street
Tampa, FL 33625
813-920-4130
bigcatrescue.org
The Tampa Theatre is one of the most beautiful theaters in the country. Under a faux night sky, couples can sit facing a old world style villa and view a staggering assortment of new and old, foreign and domestic films. But it wouldn't be a theater without live performances of plays and musicians. The pre-performance organ music is also a lovely way to steep yourself in it's romantic charm.
Tampa Theatre
711 Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
813-274-8286
tampatheatre.org
Couples who get hungry after exploring can savor the most delicious Caribbean-style cuisine this side of the Bermuda Triangle. A five-minute walk down to Twig Street is all it takes to sample the great food at the Jerk Hut. Affordable menu options range from the familiar to the exotic (ox tails and curried goat).
Jerk Hut Caribbean Restaurant
207 E. Twiggs St Tampa, FL 33602
813-223-4473
jerkhut.com
