Michelin stars and manatees to Jolly Roger mayhem – Tampa Bay is full of surprises

THE CITY of Tampa holds one kind of Tampa Bay experience, but the region offers so much more. 

Tampa brings the swagger and the bay ties it all together with a big bow.

Step out on the Tampa Riverwalk and enjoy parks and museums along the way

The best way to start is along the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile waterfront promenade that stitches together the city’s parks, museums, bars and restaurants like a thread of neon. 

By day, you can bike or stroll under swaying palms...