Tampa Area

Tampa, Florida, is situated on the Gulf Coast and provides residents with access to wildlife, sports, and nightlife that is unique. For someone from the northern United States moving to Tampa, Florida, you may be aware of some of these things, but others might surprise you.

We’ll start off with some more obvious things you can look forward to:

1. Warm Weather: Tampa’s year-round warm weather is a stark contrast to the colder climate of the northern states. Even during the winter months, Tampa experiences mild temperatures, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to escape the snow and freezing temperatures up north.

2. Abundance of Beaches: Tampa is known for its stunning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. New residents might be surprised by the sheer number of beautiful sandy beaches in the area, such as Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, with their crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets.

Now, on to some things you may not know about. 

3. Unique Wildlife: Tampa is home to an array of unique wildlife that might not be found in the northern states. The region is known for its alligators, which can be spotted in the swamps and marshes surrounding the city. Additionally, Tampa is a popular spot for birdwatching, as many migratory birds pass through the area.

4. Cuban Influence: Tampa has a significant Cuban influence, which can be seen in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural events. Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa, was once a thriving cigar-manufacturing hub and is still known for its Cuban and Latin American heritage. The presence of Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and strong coffee might surprise those from the northern states.

5. Thunderstorms and Lightning: Tampa is located in an area known as the “Lightning Capital of the United States.” The region experiences frequent thunderstorms and lightning strikes, which might be surprising to someone from the north who is not accustomed to such weather patterns.

6. Sports Culture: Tampa has a vibrant sports culture and is home to several professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays. The enthusiasm and fervor surrounding these teams, as well as the city’s passion for sports, might be unexpected to someone from the northern states.

Living in the Tampa area provides a unique experience of nature and culture. If you are moving to Florida, contact Community Mover to get a free moving quote!

Are you a new resident of the 53rd largest city in the US—also known as Tampa, Florida?

That’s right! If you’ve touched down here, you’re one of the 392,890 people who chose this hustling, bustling city in the sunshine state as their home. Luckily for you, there’s not only plenty to do in Tampa, but there are several day trips from Tampa worth your time and gas money.

Here are five of our favorite destinations. You can get there, enjoy your day, and drive back—all before the sun sets. No need to pack an overnight bag or fill your tank more than once!

1. The Dalí Museum 

The Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, is less than an hour away from Tampa. It features an “unparalleled collection” of Dalí’s most notable paintings, all housed in a beautifully-designed building.

The museum features a longstanding collection as well as rotating exhibits. Peruse the walls of artwork, and be sure to add your wish to the Wish Tree in the Avant-garden. 

2. Clearwater Beach

Grab all your favorite beach supplies and make your way to Clearwater Beach, where you’ll find soft, white sand, and plenty of shopping, restaurants, and fun attractions.

Take a walk down Pier 60, dine at any of the famous beach-side spots, or pay a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and see Winter—the dolphin with a prosthetic tail!

3. Rainbow River

Located about two hours north of Tampa is Rainbow River, where you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or tubing down the long, winding, relaxing river.

The river is about 6 miles long and takes up to four hours to do entirely. Or, you can get off at their halfway point and make it a shorter day. There are also plenty of swimming and snorkeling options for those who don’t feel like riding the river.

4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For all you theme park lovers out there, you’ve got to pay a visit to Universal Parks & Resorts’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando.

Located in the aptly-named Diagon Alley, this part of the adventure park is a wonderland for fans of the J.K. Rowling series. Enjoy Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, make your own custom wand, sip on some Butterbeer, and visit the whimsical village of Hogsmeade. 

5. Devil’s Den

Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring is located in Levy County, about 2 hours north of Tampa.

Walk down a small flight of wooden stairs into a den and snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal-clear spring water. The area is well-lit by a hole in its ceiling that provides natural light, offering just the exposure you need to see everything around you in the water. 

Which Day Trips From Tampa Will You Take?

If you made a move to the Tampa area, you’re a lucky one.

Tampa, Florida, is full of amazing things to do, and there are countless day trips from Tampa that make your new hometown that much better. In the meantime, we can help you adjust to your new home even more. Click here to check out our short- and long-term storage options. We offer immaculate, convenient storage solutions for new and established residents.

Are you new to the Tampa area and looking for an exciting way to explore? Pack up a backpack with water and snacks, and head out for a hike!

Tampa Bay is a beautiful city located on the gulf coast of Florida. With beaches galore and warm weather year-round, it might seem that Tampa is simply a coastal destination. That is definitely not the case.

The Tampa area is lush with activities both on the coast and inland. If you’re a fan of hiking, you don’t need to move to the mountains. Tampa has everything you need for hiking, whether it’s a quick summer stroll or a long fall adventure. Read on for some of our favorite hiking trails in Tampa. 

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

If you’re looking to escape the urban sprawl of Tampa, make the drive out to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

This 245-acre park is located on Lake Maggiore in St. Petersburg. Featuring over 3 miles of trails and boardwalks, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is truly a place you can get lost in. The ecosystems contained in the park include floodplain forest, freshwater marsh, and Pine Flatwoods. 

Boyd Hill is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so pack your binoculars and check out the wildlife. 

Lettuce Lake Park

On the north side of Tampa alongside the Hillsborough River, you’ll find Lettuce Lake Park, a 240 acre getaway with some beautiful nature. 

In addition to hiking and biking trails, Lettuce Lake has an extensive boardwalk system that will take you through swamps and cypress trees and get you up close with wildlife like herons and alligators. 

If you’re at Lettuce Lake Park, make sure to check out the observation tower to get a birds-eye view of the whole park. 

Fort De Soto Park

If you like to combine hiking with your beach days, Fort De Soto Park should be your go-to getaway from city life. 

Fort De Soto Park is located just southwest of St. Petersburg. The park is a sprawling 1,136-acres with five interconnected islands and some of the best beaches in America. 

If lounging on the beach isn’t your thing, Fort De Soto Park has over 7 miles of trails and pathways to explore where beautiful views are abundant.

Osprey and Pelican Trails

Honeymoon Island is a barrier island located just outside of Dunedin, and there you will find Osprey Trail and Pelican Trail. Both trails offer extensive views across the sound as well as the Gulf of Mexico. 

Osprey Trail leads you through a virgin pine forest complete with an underbrush of coastal plants.  

Pelican Trail winds its way around the perimeter of the peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico to the sound adjacent to Pelican Point and through mangrove marshes. 

Honeymoon Island is one of the last remaining areas with Florida slash pines, and Osprey Trail winds 2.5 miles through nesting colonies of osprey and pelicans. If you’re a bird lover, check it out. 

Bayshore Boulevard

This isn’t technically a hiking trail, but you moved to Tampa because you love the city.

Bayshore Boulevard wraps along the bay, offering 4.5 miles of paved pathways. It’s the perfect spot to go for a hike, run, or a leisurely stroll. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the water and Tampa’s stunning skyline. 

Beyond the Hiking Trails in Tampa

While there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails in Tampa, it’s not all the city has to offer. If you’re looking to make this amazing city your home, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re moving from across the world or just down the street, trust us to make your move as easy as possible.