Florida Villas - Tampa Bay – A Guide
If you are thinking of renting one of the luxury Florida villas available in Tampa, check out our guide to the city.
Why rent Florida villas in Tampa?
The west coast city of Tampa is proof that not all the action in Florida is at Disneyworld. This vibrant waterfront city has it all in one place – sports on the beach, canoeing down the river, cafes and art galleries and, of course, you can still roar down roller coasters.
At the heart of Tampa’s revitalisation is the historic heart of the old cigar industry – Ybor City.
Transport - Air
If you are renting one of the luxury Florida villas in the Tampa Bay area, you will more than likely be flying into Tampa International Airport, the region’s main airport which is 13 miles west of downtown Tampa. The alternative airport is the nearby St Petersburg-Clearwater International.
If you are taking the bus from the airport into town, the 40 minute trip costs just a couple of dollars on public transport, whereas private shuttle buses charge ten times that.
Buses and Trains
Interstate buses anywhere in Florida can be time consuming. To get to Tampa you will travel through Alabama or Georgia. Bus rides you can take within Florida from Tampa include a four-hour trip to Orlando, a nine hour trip to Miami and four hours to Gainesville. If you want to travel further afield within America, then Amtrak trains will take you as far as Los Angeles or New York.
Car rental
If you are staying in one of the Florida villas in Tampa you might want to hire a car, but be aware of the high taxes on rental cars in Florida.
What’s to see?
If you are renting one of the Florida villas available in Tampa Bay you will probably be taking in the breathtaking Gulf Coast, but it’s worth spending time in the city too.
Features include:
- Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St
Built in 1926, this beautiful theatre is decorated with a star-spangled ceiling and mythological statues. It’s the place to go for independent and classic films and concerts.
- Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is probably the most popular attraction for visitors renting one of the Florida villas in the area. If you want to loose your lunch, don’t eat before taking on the scariest rides in Florida – including an inverted roller coaster with a 104 foot vertical loop ‘n’ puke. The African-themed safari is a big hit. If you are looking for theme parks, you can get a discount ticket for admission into Busch Gardens and the neighbouring Adventure Island theme park.
Staying in Florida villas in Tampa
Other must see attractions if you are staying for some time in Tampa or renting one of the Florida villas in the area, includes:
- Florida Aquarium, Downtown
- Museum of Science & Industry, Temple Terrace
- Tampa Museum of Art, Downtown
Florida is the top destination for attractions, sights and scenes. Florida Villas Direct offer first class accommodation in and around Disney and The Gulf Coast, where white sands and emerald waters await you. All our Florida villas are privately-owned and looked after by local management companies. Standard features include air con, master bedroom en-suite, cable TV and fully equipped kitchens with washer dryers. Let our experience and knowledge of Florida assist you in booking your holiday home. Call us on 44 (0)1798 345900.