Hotel at a Glance: Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

The Hillsborough River flows through downtown Tampa, past the University of Tampa, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The best way to see it is on the Tampa Riverwalk, a stone pathway that follows its banks for more than 2 miles. Getting to the riverwalk is easy from the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, since it’s just a few steps away. The 14-story hotel, located in the midst of the thriving Tampa River Arts District, also boasts nice views of the river.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms have been recently renovated, and come with views of either the city skyline or the river.
• Nearby attraction: The Straz Center for the Performing Arts is right across the street from the hotel. Upcoming shows include The Book of Mormon (Jan. 20–Feb. 1), Madama Butterfly (March 13–15), and Jay Leno (March 29).
• Seasonal American cuisine is on the menu at Waterworks Bar & Grill. The onsite eatery serves up fresh fish, steaks, and sandwiches.
• A free shuttle takes guests anywhere within two miles of the hotel, including the Tampa Convention Center and the Port of Tampa.
• Local artists display their work at the hotel’s art gallery.

Tampa, Florida: Sunny Days, Beaches, and Busch Gardens

Given that Tampa has more than 15 white-sand beaches and nearly 250 sunny days a year, it should come as no surprise that Forbes magazine ranked it the fifth best city in America for enjoying the outdoors. Set on the Gulf Coast, about 90 miles southwest of Orlando, the city offers abundant green spaces as well as year-round opportunities for fishing, surfing, and golfing on waterfront courses.

Roller coasters and exotic animals share real estate at Busch Gardens Tampa, a theme park designed to evoke the thrills of an African safari. Like a big cat sprinting after its prey, Cheetah Hunt—one of the park’s newer thrill rides—reaches speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. Back on solid ground, you can get up close and personal with more than 2,000 animals living in detailed replicas of their natural habitats.

The nearby Courtney Campbell Causeway provides easy access to Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg, picturesque towns located on the peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. They’re known for their festive seafood restaurants, as well as outdoor attractions such as dolphin-watching cruises and nature preserves. For shopping, head to Tampa’s International Plaza and Bay Street, home to luxury retailers such as Burberry and Tory Burch.

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