Florida is a great destination for vacations. The state has lots of great attractions, miles and miles of beaches, and it's called "the Sunshine State" for a reason! And one great place to visit (though often neglected) when you're on vacation is Tampa.

Tampa and its surrounding communities are growing quickly, offering lots of great opportunities for residents. However, it offers lots of opportunities for tourists, as well. In addition to the beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is known for its numerous, gorgeous golf courses, and salt water fishing.

All along the Tampa area beaches you can find businesses who will take you into the Gulf for fishing, and the perfectly landscaped golf courses of the areas can be found nearby no matter where your hotel is located. And because of the great fishing and golfing that exists, Tampa hosts many great events that appeal to golfers and fishers (both professional and amateur).

Since many of the surrounding communities are appealing to residents, vacationing families don't have far to look for upscale shopping and fine dining opportunities. This offers something different from the traditional beach burgers and souvenir shops, giving you a different experience on your vacation. Sure, you can buy tee shirts and have cheap tacos, but you can also buy fine jewelry and eat at a gourmet restaurant, all in the same city!

Throughout the year, Tampa is host to many events. One of the most popular is Gasparilla, an annual pirate festival held in Tampa. There are parades, concerts, food, and rides, and even a pirate "invasion." Gasparilla is held in January every year, so those looking to get away from the snow and cold have the perfect excuse!

One of the advantages to vacationing in Tampa is that it's not the number one vacation destination in Florida. This may make it a better choice for people who want to get away from crowded chaos and have a relaxing time. But if you want a taste of something a little more "tourist" in nature, keep in mind that Tampa is only an hour and a half from Walt Disney World.

If you do a search for "top Florida vacations," Tampa may not rank high on the list, but don't discount it! The beautiful city has lots of beaches, great activities and events year round, and everything you could need to make your next vacation the vacation of your dreams!