Moving to North Tampa, FL? From beautiful beaches and waterfront parks to fascinating museums and thrilling attractions, Tampa offers an abundance of sights and activities for you to discover right in your new hometown. This blog will help guide you through the very best of Tampa—from tourist favorites to hidden local gems. Make your move to Tampa simple with the help of our mover’s guide, and see how Mini-Maxi Storage can support you as you set up your new home.
Average Home Value: $277,700
Average Rent: $1,249
Our community is ranked the top 30 best places to retire in all of America, and it is easy to see why. Tampa continues to grow as an attractive city. Along the west coast of Florida, it offers residents scenic views and adventures for every walk of life. With a population of more than 400,000 within city limits and around 3 million in the metro area, Tampa provides both vibrant urban living and charming neighborhoods. While the cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, it remains more affordable than many other Florida destinations like Miami. Tampa offers great amenities like museums, performing arts, pro sports teams, outdoor recreation, a lively food scene and beautiful weather that appeal to residents. Job growth in fields like healthcare, finance, technology and hospitality provide economic opportunity. Diverse neighborhoods like Ybor City, Hyde Park and Seminole Heights offer distinct vibes.
With its beautiful beaches and abundance of sunshine, Tampa is a popular destination for vacations. But there are many attractions beyond the shores that make Tampa an exciting and varied place to visit. Home to thrilling theme parks, fascinating museums, interactive animal encounters, and more, Tampa offers something for travelers of all ages and interests.
For family-friendly thrills, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay should be at the top of your list. From roller coasters to animal exhibits, this amusement park provides an unforgettable experience. Feel the adrenaline rush on Montu, North America’s tallest inverted roller coaster. Get up close with rhinos, giraffes, elephants and more on the park’s animal tours. With exciting rides, shows, and encounters, Busch Gardens promises a full day of fun.
And speaking of animal tours, you and your family can gain some fascinating insights into Florida’s marine life with a visit to The Florida Aquarium. Exhibits like Stingray Beach allow you to touch and feed the friendly rays. See sharks, sea turtles, playful otters and more in the aquarium’s massive tanks. Interactive programs like swimming with the fishes in Explore A Shore are fun for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to get hands-on with Florida’s incredible aquatic world. Continue the fun with your animal-loving kiddos with a trip to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park. This impressive zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals and provides a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike. Get up close with Florida wildlife like panthers, manatees, and alligators in naturalistic habitats. You can also hop on the safari tram ride for zoo-wide views and live narration.
See the local community at its best during one of the many neighborhood events that take place throughout the year! The Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa hosts exciting annual events that let you immerse yourself in local culture. The Florida State Fair in February promises headline concerts, thrilling carnival rides, tasty fair food, livestock shows, exhibits, and more. Throughout the year, festivals, expos, and markets happen at the fairgrounds. It’s a perfect place to experience Tampa traditions and community.
Take advantage of all Tampa has to offer!
With its location on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa offers plenty of stunning beaches to enjoy. Just a short drive from the city, you can find beautiful stretches of sand to soak up the sunshine and enjoy beach days.
One of Tampa’s most popular beaches is Clearwater Beach, located just west of downtown on a barrier island. Soft white sand and calm Gulf waters make it ideal for swimming, shelling, and beachcombing. Activities like jet ski rentals, boat tours, and parasailing add to the fun. You can also stroll scenic Pier 60 and grab a bite at one of the nearby beachfront eateries. Annual events like the Clearwater Super Boat Races draw big crowds.
For a bit more solitude, head north to Honeymoon Island State Park. Named one of the best beaches in the U.S., Honeymoon Island dazzles with its untamed natural beauty. Nature trails wind through the lush maritime forest, spotting ospreys and roseate spoonbills. The beach offers pristine sand, gentle surf, and fun finds like sand dollars. Concession stands provide refreshments. The park also allows leashed pets, a bonus for traveling dog owners.
On the causeway to Davis Islands, Tampa residents flock to Beach Drive’s Picnic Island Park. This long, narrow peninsula features a pretty stretch of sand facing the downtown Tampa skyline. It’s a popular spot for laying out, kayaking, paddleboarding and taking in the views. The dog beach here is another highlight.
Whether you seek an action-packed scene or a quiet natural escape, Tampa bay has a picturesque beach getaway for everyone.
If you are moving to the area or looking at a vacation home in the Tampa Bay area, consider Mini-Maxi Storage to support your move. We can help you store your belongings securely as you settle into your new space and begin unpacking. Our self storage units are all drive-up accessible with secure recording cameras monitoring the facility 24/7, so you never have to be worried about leaving your items. We are conveniently located right off Interstate 275 by Walmart in Lowry Park North. Visit us in person to see our different storage options and talk though your storage needs with one of experts.
You can also rent your storage unit with us online in just a few easy steps. Use our helpful resources to find the space and size you need. Get started with Mini-Maxi Storage today by checking out our storage selection online!
About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.