VAMONDE Tampa

Explore some of Tampa Bay's coolest places that include Broadway, breweries, a Pirate adventure with a happy hour, wild animals and more! Whether you're in Tampa with a group of friends or your family, there's something for you in this experience. 




Cover photo by CityofStPete is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr.

Summertime in Tampa Bay: Best Places to stay cool

Stay cool by exploring mesmerizing coral reefs, sea turtles, and sharks found on our blue planet.

Since its opening in 1995, The Florida Aquarium has operated with a critical mission in mind: to protect and restore the blue planet. Its efforts focus on the coral reefs, sea turtles, and sharks found in Tampa Bay, The Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys, and Cuba. 

Through diving, research, and rescue efforts, they strive to restore Florida’s disappearing coral reefs, rehabilitate and return sea turtles to the ocean, and preserve the declining sand tiger shark populations. They work passionately every day to protect and restore the ocean's ecosystem. 

The Florida Aquarium is also dedicated to educating and inspiring the community about conservation action, such as supporting swallow-tailed kite population research, African penguin nesting in South Africa, and Lemur conservation in Madagascar. 

The Florida Aquarium offers a multitude of tours and aquatic adventures. Spot wild dolphins during a 75-minute cruise, interact with African penguins and watch them waddle and swim, or take a behind the scenes tour and talk to Aquarium experts about how the Florida Aquarium takes special care of the animals and plants. 

Bring a swimsuit and towel and swim or dive side-by-side with Florida native aquatic life like fish, sea turtles, and bonnethead sharks among others in the aquarium's largest tanks. Certified scuba divers over 15 can dive alongside sharks and moray eels. Operation times and days may vary for these unique in-water experiences. 

Get all your senses ready for a 4-D experience at the Florida Aquarium. This experience brings 3-D images to life with special effects like bubbles, snow, water mist, and seats that vibrate. The 15-minute films run several times per hour. Shows run daily from 10 am-4:30 pm and are included with a general admission ticket.

From freshwater springs to the open waters of the Florida Keys, the Florida Aquarium includes a simulated wetlands environment beneath a tall glass atrium, a coral reef ecosystem with 400 fish and other animals submerged in half a million gallons of natural seawater, and shallow bays and beaches. Interact with mesmerizing moon jellies at "Moon Bay" or sea dragons and pipefish at "Dragons Down Under."

Cover photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium. Information courtesy of flaquarium.org.

The Florida Aquarium

A food lovers' dream. Visit Tampa's neighborhood food hub for exceptional food and drinks.

Heights Public Market is a food-lovers dream—a neighborhood food hub and innovative concept in Tampa featuring restaurants that showcase top chefs and restaurateurs in the Bay Area. While exploring some of Tampa's finest food and drink options, you get stunning views of the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa skyline. 

Inside this 22,000 sq-foot industrial market, there is an open food hall with communal seating on a first-come, first-served basis. From Cuban cuisine, contemporary Ramen, to wood-fired pizza, there's something for everyone. An assortment of vegan, gluten-free, and kids menu options are also available. 

In the mood for a restaurant experience? Head over to Steelbach for Southern-inspired cuisine at this chophouse and whiskey bar with a view of Tampa's skyline. Enjoy EuroAmerican fare at Oak & Ola. Bask in waterfront views of Tampa's cityscape at the rooftop lounge M. Bird—a haven for tropical curated cocktails and sharable small plates. 

Just off the entrance to Heights Public Market, the entertainment workshop and demonstration kitchen, Show + Tell, hosts an array of events such as cooking classes, wine tastings, pop-up dinners, luncheon seminars, and entertainment workshops. 

Cover photo "Heights Public Market" by Photomatt28 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. via Flickr.

Heights Public Market

Get up close and personal with some of the world's largest and rarest animals at ZooTampa.

With over 1,300 animals, the award-winning ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern US, with over 1 million people visiting annually. ZooTampa operates with a purpose to protect, preserve, rescue, rehabilitate, and care for animals. Their personalized, immersive experiences give you a chance to connect with wildlife a little more deeply. Learn about some of the world's largest and rarest animals—Red River Hogs, Pygmy Hippos, African elephants, Florida Panthers, African painted dogs—and more. Now, instead of reading about them, you can see these animals for yourself!

ZooTampa is known for its signature, interactive animal encounters. Engage with African penguins behind-the-scenes, meet a giraffe and learn about all its quirks, get up close and personal with the largest land tortoise in the world, feed an Indian rhino, or take a few selfies with a koala friend! Travel tip: expect an extra charge for these experiences. 

In addition to getting up close with the animals, ZooTampa offers some innovative programs for kids, adults, and families. After your animal adventures, ride along the colorful Jungle Carousel or feel a refreshing splash down a three-story drop on Roaring Springs. For an open-safari expedition, climb aboard the safari tram for a 15-minute narrated ride with mesmerizing views of dozens of animals like the African elephant herd and Patas monkeys. 

Rejuvenate and refresh yourself through Yoga in the Wild. Begin by mingling with wildlife for half an hour and transition into a flow of stretches and cathartic poses, while breathing fresh air all around you. For ZooTampa members, the class is  $20 and non-members, $40. All levels are welcome! 

Join in for an all-inclusive night of beer, wine, spirits, and endless food at ZooBrews. Encounter wildlife while grooving to live music set in a luscious tropical garden. This wildlife event helps to support animal care, global and conservation research, and educational programs. Guests must be 21+!

Cover photo by Greg Goebel is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. via Flickr. 

ZooTampa

Hop on the Pirate Water Taxi to explore Tampa's greatest sights and attractions with breeze and ease.

If you've never traveled on a Pirate Water Taxi before—now you can. Hop on and off all day with the Pirate Water Taxi, and ride throughout Downtown Tampa with over 15 stops along the Channel District, Tampa Riverwalk, and Davis and Harbour Islands. This pirate-themed taxi pairs convenience with the ability to explore Tampa's greatest sights, attractions, museums, restaurants, and parks.

You can hop on at any of the Pirate Water Taxi locations. Purchase tickets onboard at any stop, online, or at the ticket booth located at Stop #7. Pirate Water Taxi vessels are available for private charters too, bring the whole gang together and host a birthday celebration, wedding, or social outing. Check online for the schedule and rates.

Hop on for Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 4–7 pm to enjoy cold drinks throughout Downtown Tampa. Water Taxi offers water, a selection of beer, and wine that is available for purchase by guests age 21+ with a valid ID. 

Ride the Pirate Water Taxi to Tampa Museum of Art for visual art and inspiration, Tampa Theatre for world-class entertainment, or get up close and personal with aquatic animals at The Florida Aquarium. With access to the Pirate Water Taxi, you can make your way to all sorts of destinations.

Take a stroll through the Riverwalk that extends from Channelside area to Tampa Heights along the east side of the Hillsborough River. This pathway is brimming with retail, restaurants, art, interpretive elements, parks, and open spaces. Here, you get a taste of Tampa's unique spirit and culture, all while staying cool. On the Riverwalk, you'll have access to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for playgrounds and Waterworks Park for shaded picnic areas.

Show your Pirate Water Taxi wristband for discounts at other West Palm Beach attractions. Ride the Pirate Water Taxi after 6 pm for discounted day passes! 

Photo cover courtesy of Pirate Water Taxi.

Pirate Water Taxi

Enjoy some of Tampa's coolest Broadway shows, concerts, and opera performances.

Opened in 1987, the Straz Center began as the dream of a community that was built on an abandoned gravel lot in a city that lacked cultural options. Now, the Straz Center is the largest performing arts center in the Southeast—offering concerts, opera, and Broadway shows, among many others—and is the only center with an on-site performing arts conservatory. The center boasts six performance venues, from an intimate rehearsal hall to a grand space that can accommodate more than 2,600 patrons.

For the Straz Center, arts education is a community priority—working closely with area public, private, and home school programs to enhance arts education for children throughout the seven-county Tampa Bay area. The conservatory offers extended in-school artist residencies, summer programs, and after school offerings to fill the gaps in arts education. From beginners to pre-professionals, the conservatory provides arts opportunities in music, dance, and theater for all ages and interests. 

The Straz Center prides itself on its high caliber of grand opera. Opera Tampa is the resident opera company of the Straz Center and features international performers, the full Opera Tampa Orchestra, and the Opera Tampa Chorus. Designed as a classic horseshoe opera house in the style of the grand opera houses of Europe, Opera Tampa takes center stage in the Straz Center’s Ferguson Hall and the Carol Morsani Hall. 

The Straz Center offers the finest of orchestra performances, concerts, opera performances, theatre, Broadway shows, and free public events. To complement the entertainment options, the Straz Center offers dining offerings too. Enjoy a moonlit dinner al fresco before or after a show at Maestro's On the River, which includes spectacular views of Hillsborough River. Or head to Maestro's Restaurant above the Jaeb Theater for premier tableside service to enhance your theater experience. Reservations are required. 

The Straz Center has several parking lots and a garage walking distance to the Straz Center that offers pre-paid parking. Pre-paid parking is sold based on the time of the show you’re attending. Visit their site to reserve a parking spot. 

Cover photo by Keir Magoulas is available on Visit Tampa Bay. 

The Straz Center

Stay refreshed and visit the Cigar City Brewing for award-winning ales and lagers

Cigar City Brewing was founded by Tampa fifth-generation Floridian, Joey Redner, in 2007 to bring Tampa's unique culture, history, and cuisine to an international audience. Since then, the brewery has gained international and national recognition in craft beer communities. 

The brewery offers award-winning ales and lagers, created with the sun and citrus for which Florida is known in mind, and takes elements from the cigar industry upon which Tampa was built. Cigar City Brewing thrives on the philosophy that when you give first-rate ingredients to first-rate people in a space where they are free to pursue their passion—impeccable beer is made. 

Cigar City Brewing is dedicated to serving and delivering the highest quality lagers and ales. Each beer is handcrafted with a conservative shelf life and includes a "Packaged On" date on the bottom of the can. With an expansive selection of flavors, from tropical inspired Jai Alai IPA to Cubano Espresso Brown Ale, this brewery creates various year-round, seasonal, and special-release beers. The beers contain gluten and gluten-derived ingredients and use no animal-derived ingredients in their clarification. Grab a beer on tap or take one to go! 

Find out how the finest raw ingredients and the cleanest tanks lead to dependable, high-quality beer at Cigar City Brewing.

There's plenty of things to discover here. Go on a brewery tour and taste a sampling of impeccably handcrafted beer and learn about the brewing process and the history of Cigar City Brewing. The tours last 35–45 minutes and run Wednesday–Sunday at 12 pm, 1:30 pm, 4 pm, and 5:30 pm. Along with your beer tasting experience, check out the food trucks for tasty cuisines, Thursday–Sunday. And if your tastebuds are ready for new flavors, stop by for Crowler Thursdays to taste a unique Crowler selection in the tasting room. 

Cigar City Brewing is environmentally friendly! With sustainability in mind, this brewery produces new cans with recycled aluminum to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Photo by Bernt Rostad is licensed under CC BY 2.0. via Flickr. 

Cigar City Brewing

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VAMONDE

Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of ten iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, 50 years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Summertime in Tampa Bay: Best Places to stay cool

The Florida Aquarium

The Florida Aquarium

Heights Public Market

Heights Public Market

ZooTampa

ZooTampa

Pirate Water Taxi

Pirate Water Taxi

The Straz Center

The Straz Center

Cigar City Brewing

Cigar City Brewing

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