Explore Central Florida: Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach

Central Florida is many things to many people. It serves as a hotspot for Spring Breakers on the beach. Retirees find comfort in the stable warm weather year ’round. Families flock to the multitude of theme parks. How do you summarize such a diverse region? A journey through central Florida, with its varied wildlife, plethora of attractions and unforgettable beaches will give you an experience you won’t soon forget.

Begin your sunny Florida adventure in Tampa. The wild region Hernando DeSoto and Panfilo de Narvaez explored in the 16th century while searching for gold is now Florida’s third largest metropolis. Tampa boasts a strong Latin community, numerous attractions and a diverse culture that lends a festive flavor to the city.

Make your first stop Ybor City, Tampa’s lively Latin Quarter. Once known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” Ybor City includes cigar shops, restaurants riddled with culinary delights and buildings rich in design and history. Learn the history of this National Historic Landmark District at Ybor City Museum State Park. On Saturdays, tour the Cigar Worker’s House Museum, “La Casita,” or take a walking tour of Ybor City. If you enjoy a good Cuban cigar, you’ll take pleasure in observing the hand-rolling process.

Since a 1960s embargo against Cuban tobacco caused a decline in production, Ybor City has evolved into a tourist destination. Stroll through Ybor Square, a cigar factory converted into a retail and dining area, where you can sample paella at the famous Columbia Restaurant, browse through antique shops and be sure to pick up a few cigars from one of numerous vendors. Nightlife in Ybor has a rhythm all its own, with jazz, flamenco, hip-hop and blues spilling out of the bustling bars and restaurants. If you want it, you’ll find it here. Rockers can jam to live bands every night of the week at The Green Iguana Bar & Grill. Or if an alehouse atmosphere is more up your alley, sample one (or more) of 150 beers from around the world at M.J. Barleyhoppers International Ale House and Grille.

Another Tampa must-see is the Florida Aquarium. Here you’ll come face to face with Florida’s sea life as well as some immigrants from other countries, such as the rare sea dragon from Australia. Displaying these magical-looking animals requires a special export permit, and the Florida Aquarium is one of few aquariums in the world to exhibit them. Children will delight in the Explore-A-Shore discovery zone, where they can play with larger-than-life models of their aquatic friends, participate in educational programs and have fun on a pirate ship complete with water cannons.

If you love swashbuckling pirates, plan your visit to Tampa during February, when you can attend the jovial Gasparilla Pirate Fest, named after well-known pirate Jose Gaspar, a buccaneer who terrorized the gulf waters around Tampa during the late 18th century. The festival began in 1904, with the first mock pirate attack on Tampa. This inaugural invasion has become a weeklong event that includes a boisterous parade, music and entertainment. The festival and parade are held along Bayshore Boulevard in downtown Tampa, overlooking Tampa Bay.

Before leaving Tampa, drop by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where the wild things are. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines wildlife with wild rides. Meet meerkats, hippos and Nile crocodiles in their Edge of Africa habitat, view gorillas in the mist at the Myombe Reserve or trek in the Serengeti Safari, stopping to feed giraffes (there is an extra charge for this tour). If that doesn’t satisfy your craving for the wild, step aboard Busch Garden’s latest attraction: SheiKra, the tallest dive coaster in the world, which features a 138-foot dive into a tunnel and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Those who prefer to stay on the ground will enjoy shows like KaTonga-Musical Tales from the Jungle.

Once you’ve absorbed some (not nearly all!) of Tampa’s culture, make your way toward Orlando, the internationally known home of Mickey Mouse. On your way, make a detour at the historic garden theme park, Cypress Gardens.

First opening in 1936, Cypress Gardens was known for its smiling, waving Southern Belles and exciting water ski shows, as well as the blooming tropical flowers that adorned the 16-acre grounds. Unable to compete with the bigger Florida attractions, the gardens closed in 2003, reopening a little over a year later as action-packed theme park (still surrounded by verdant gardens). While the park has a new look, you’ll still find familiar names and faces. The Southern Belles, who first served to detract visitors’ eyes from a less-than-lush garden one winter after an atypical freeze, still greet guests to the park. The Delta Kite Flyers, a free flight ride named after the famous water ski show from the park’s days gone by, takes you soaring through the sky. As for the namesake gardens: not even the effects of three hurricanes in 2004 could eradicate them. A banyan tree, planted in 1939, still stands sentinel in this Florida landmark park.

Another worthwhile visit is to beautiful Bok Sanctuary. Bok Sanctuary was the brainchild of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward W. Bok, who in 1921 envisioned “a spot of beauty second to none in the country” near his winter home in Lake Wales. Bok commissioned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. to make his dream a reality. The result is a serene backdrop of gardens that bloom year-round, a Singing Tower that houses a carillon and a sanctuary for rare plants as well as endangered animals such as the Gopher Tortoise and Florida Mouse.

On to Orlando. Sprouting from a fort built during the Seminole Wars in 1838, Orlando has grown to be one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. The tropical flora, diverse fauna and hundred-plus lakes draw nature lovers to Orlando’s parks. After the Twin Cities, Orlando’s metropolitan area possesses the most natural lakes in the country. The most famous animal in Orlando, one particular mouse, resides in the biggest park of all-the Walt Disney WorldÃ?® Resort. Mickey Mouse’s home, along with Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks, lures people from all over the world to Orlando each year.

In 2004, 40.65 million people flocked to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks and two water parks. Many families plan yearly trips to this sunny destination, and everyone has a favorite park. Take your time in deciding which (if not all) are your favorite.

The Magic KingdomÃ?® Park, with its landmark of Cinderella’s Castle, appeals to fans of classic Disney, especially small children. Make sure to check out the recently revamped favorite, “it’s a small world.” This boat ride through a world of singing, happy children will not only prove a refreshing antidote to summer’s frequently wilting heat; you’ll be humming the insistent tune all day.

At EpcotÃ?®, travel lovers can go ’round the world (in less than 80 days), savoring authentic gastronomy and entertainment in each “country.” If you plan your trip in October or early November, you’ll be able to sample an assortment of world cuisine and wine at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. After the sun sets, enjoy the spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show, held in the World Showcase Lagoon.

Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal KingdomÃ?® Theme Park presents an opportunity for animal lovers to observe a variety of animals roaming free in settings that approximate their natural habitats. Kids will love the Festival of the Lion King stage show, in which characters from “The Lion King” present the movie’s story of the circle of life through music, dancing and acrobatics.

At Disney-MGM Studios, a park that pays homage to the world of showbiz, horror junkies ride the popular Twilight Zone Tower of TerrorâÂ?¢ again and again. The exciting thing about this 13-story drop is that every time you ride, it’s a different experience. MGM Studio’s newest attraction, Lights, Motors, Action!âÂ?¢ Extreme Stunt Show, will thrill fans of action movies. Witness high-speed car chases, heart-pounding stunts and state-of-the-art pyrotechnics at this behind-the-scenes extravaganza. (Note: Most attractions at have height restrictions, so very young children will not be able to participate in many attractions at this park).

While the best time to visit the theme parks is October through April (shorter lines, cooler weather), summer is the season to take advantage of Disney’s two water attractions, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. Both offer wild, wet rides for all ages.

More fun and excitement await at the SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, each just a few exits further up I-4. SeaWorld, known for its aquatic animal attractions, features several thrill rides, including Journey to Atlantis, a water roller coaster that includes a 60-foot drop. Universal Orlando Resort’s two theme parks, Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, feature highlights like Marvel Super Hero Island (with the death-defying Incredible Hulk Coaster) and Fear Factor Live, where you can eat bugs and perform stunts in front of an audience. Islands of Adventure is geared toward pre-teens and teens, while Universal Studios has more for the whole family to enjoy.

Don’t leave Orlando without experiencing International Drive (locals call it I-Drive), located on the opposite side of I-4 from Universal Orlando. Here you’ll find anything a visitor to Orlando could want to do-from shopping at one of the numerous outlet malls to skydiving in a wind tunnel. While it would take a month or more to see and do all there is on I-Drive, take in as many of the kitschy tourist enticements, stores and restaurants as you can handle along this constantly busy stretch of tourist nirvana. Despite the ceaseless traffic and crowds, it’s worth cruising once.

If you enjoy the zany and unusual, make time for a stop at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium on International Dr. What began as an exhibit at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair has developed into a chain of museums that host some rather unusual displays. Take the self-guided tour through a maze of shrunken heads, a working model of a Rolls Royce made of matchsticks and other oddities from around the world.

Shopaholics and bargain hunters will be in heaven browsing one of I-Drive’s many outlet malls. Belz Factory Outlet Mall houses over 700,000 square feet of stores like Carter’s Children’s Wear, The Gap Outlet and Foot Locker, all with marked down prices.

More upscale shopping can be found at The Mall at Millenia, which offers such amenities as valet parking and foreign currency exchange. Many of the stores are geared toward the well heeled (Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co.), but you’ll also find old favorites like GAP, Crate & Barrel and The Body Shop. If for no other reason, go to marvel at the impressive architecture. Strolling through this mall is more like meandering through a museum.

Don’t think you’ve seen all of Orlando at this point. Head up through downtown, pass over Lake Ivanhoe, one of many picturesque lakes sprinkled throughout the Orlando area, on your way to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, located in the suburban community of Winter Park. The museum is tucked among the trendy shops and leisurely restaurants lining this pretty, brick-paved street.

Here, enjoy the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, known for his glassmaking. You can also find impressive pottery from the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century; the artists involved in this reform strove to bring creative craftsmanship back to everyday objects, such as vases.

While in Winter Park, do some Park Avenue window shopping; boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk cafes will all compete for your attention. Then take your shoes off and wriggle your toes in the lush grass of Central Park (somewhat smaller than the one in New York City). This appealing park hosts the annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival the third weekend in March. Ranked among the nation’s top outdoor festivals, it draws more than 350,000 people who come to view paintings, ceramics, photography and sculptures from around the world, as well as entertainment and activities for the entire family.

Leaving Orlando behind, head for some sun and fun in Daytona Beach. “The World’s Most Famous Beach” was named after Matthias Day, who built the first hotel here in 1874. It offers visitors an invigorating mix of sun, sand and speed. Racing fans flock to Daytona International Speedway to witness their favorite NASCAR, IROC and AMA events. But if racing’s not your thing, take advantage of the wide, sandy beaches and local museums.

You can fulfill your need for speed at Daytona USA, a motorsports attraction that puts you in the driver’s seat-literally. Get a behind-the-scenes peek of the Speedway, touring the garage area, pit road and the 31-degree high banks known all over the world. Then race Jeff Gordon’s stock car against a friend in Acceleration Alley.

For a bit of culture, check out the Museum of Arts and Sciences. One noteworthy exhibit is the collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia donated by the Root family, whose claim to fame is the unmistakable design of a Coca-Cola bottle. The Root Family Museum also features Florida’s largest assemblage of teddy bears; there are more than 800 stuffed bears in the exhibit. Art from the Americas, Cuba and China and a 120-seat planetarium round out the offerings.

Before winding down on the beach, make a brief-but-tasty detour to Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory. This scrumptious shop has been handcrafting fine chocolates since 1925. Take the factory tour and learn how they make chocolate-covered nuts and potato chips, truffles and other goodies. Better yet, free samples are available.

Now that you’re loaded up on chocolate, make way to the beach. Claim a spot to relax somewhere along the 23 miles of white sand, or indulge in one of the many recreational activities available. Explore the Liberty, a World War II-era freighter that sunk carrying a load of jeeps and other war-related items, or surf, sail or fish the Atlantic Ocean waters.

Continue the beach theme by checking out the second tallest lighthouse in the country. Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station is just a short drive south of Daytona. The lighthouse, with its spectacular view of the Atlantic coastline and the Halifax River, was built in 1883. As you mount the 203 steps, you will begin to appreciate how the first keepers once trudged up the same stairs, but also carried 40 pounds of kerosene to light the lamp every night. In addition to the lighthouse, you can explore the restored keeper’s home and a maritime museum on the grounds.

Now that you’ve experienced the best central Florida has to offer, you may not want to return home! But rest assured, there is still plenty more to see in the “Sunshine State!”