Tampa, Florida

What's the difference between Tampa and Tampa Bay? Tampa Bay has become the term used to refer to the communities along the bay – of which Tampa is one. Tampa Bay, with average annual temperatures of 72F (22C), is located on Florida's West Coast. It has enough miles of blue water and white sand to satisfy the beach bum in all of us. Three of the beaches are among the top 10 in the US.

Tampa, with about 303,447 residents, is Florida's third-largest city. And Tampa Bay is Florida's largest and most affluent metro area. With so many people – and money to spend – it's not surprising that there's a lot to do.

Sports fans can take in a Devil Rays baseball game, a Lightning hockey game, or a Buccaneers NFL game. And if you like racing, check out the thoroughbred racing at the Tampa Bay Downs and the greyhound racing at the Tampa Greyhound Track. And when you're tired of watching others, why not head out to one of the many golf courses or tennis courts.

Got kids? With so many choices, you'll be driven crazy trying to decide what to do with them: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Lowry Park Zoo, Museum of Science & Industry, The Florida Aquarium, and more!

At night, you won't be bored. Clubs and bars have live music to suit most tastes: reggae, rock, blues, country, punk, salsa and jazz. Head out to Channelside, International Plaza's Bay Street, SoHo, and Ybor City. If you're going to Ybor City, remember – no cars on 7th Avenue on weekend nights, as thousands of music fans help to make the area one big street party.

Want something more artsy? How about The Gorilla Theatre, the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Bay Symphony – or see what's showing tonight at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, which is a four-theater complex hosting opera, ballet, concerts, and theater.

So if you're looking for a sunny, happening destination in which to settle, think about Tampa.

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