TAMPA FACTS
Tampa enjoys a temperate, semi-tropical climate marked by an average winter temperature
of 62.5 degrees Fahrenheit and an average summer temperature of 81.4 degrees
Fahrenheit. Year-round average rainfall totals 46.7 inches.
Tampa is located on Florida’s west coast. Its central location makes it easy to get to the
beaches and all the attractions throughout central Florida.Orlando is located just 84 miles
east of the Tampa area. Hillsborough County is connected to Pinellas County and the
beaches by the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Howard Frankland and Gandy bridges.
Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay border Tampa. Tampa Bay, Florida’s largest open-water
estuary, stretches 398 square miles at high tide. The county’s two major rivers, the
Hillsborough and the Alafia, empty into Hillsborough Bay. Land elevation in the county
ranges from sea level to nearly 179 feet above sea level.
Tampa is Florida’s third most populous city (following Miami and Jacksonville);
Hillsborough is Florida’s fourth most populous county.
Tampa 293,920
Hillsborough 998,948
Tampa Bay Area 2.5 million
Hillsborough County encompasses 1,048 square miles of land and 24 square miles of
inland water area. Incorporated cities are Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. Major
unincorporated areas are Brandon, Ruskin, Dover, Valrico, Sun City Centerand Ybor (EE-bore) City.
Once a small Indian fishing village, which later became known as the “Cigar City,” Tampa
Bay is now one of Florida’s most invigorating travel destinations. In addition to its sandy
beaches and beautiful sunsets, the Bay Area shines with entertainment and world-class
attractions. Tampa Bay is home to rich history, opulent architecture and diverse Visitors
can feel the pulse which beats in the streets of Ybor City -Tampa’s nightlife capital and the
steel drums and majestic scenes on the Serengeti Plain of Busch Gardens.
Major Visitor Attractions
• Busch Gardens - 4 million + (estimated)
• Historic Ybor City - 2.6 million
• Ice Palace arena - 1.5 million
• Cypress Gardens - 900,000 (estimated)
• Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center - 634,000+
• Lowry Park Zoo - 613,000+
• Museum of Science & Industry -605,000+
• The Florida Aquarium - 591,000+
• Tampa Convention Center - 461,700+
• Adventure Island - 500,000+
• Roger’s Christmas House - 350,000+
• Salvador Dali Museum - 225,000
• Florida International Museum - 200,000
• Bok Tower Gardens - 170,000
• Fantasy of Flight - 100,000
• Tampa Museum of Art - 81,000+
• Henry B. Plant Museum - 50,000 (1998)
