Attractions
Just a day trip from world-famous theme parks, the Tampa Bay area boasts plenty of attractions of its own, from thrill rides to aquarium dives.
to the Tampa Bay Area
Welcome to the sun-drenched, subtropical paradise that the University of South Florida calls home, from the white sands and blue-green waters of St. Petersburg and Sarasota to the thriving metropolitan community of Tampa. Whether you’re in town for a family vacation, touring USF, or preparing to start your life in Tampa Bay as a Bull, let us show you around.
Welcome to
Bulls Country
The Bulls’ primary stomping ground includes four counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota and Manatee) and the metro areas of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. USF students are drawn to our status as a premier research institution, but our sunny location is an incredible bonus.
Hillsborough County
Pinellas County
Things to Do in the Tampa Bay Area
The Tampa Bay area is quirky — we have an annual pirate festival, after all. That unique charm is enhanced by a unique landscape: everything from barrier islands to mangrove tunnels to hardwood swamps. Our range of activities is just as varied. To help you plan an unforgettable adventure in Bulls Country, we’ve compiled some of our favorites.
Food & Drink
Find something for everyone with a wide variety of options, from fresh-caught seafood to our famous Cuban sandwiches.
Sports
Cheer on championship teams or enjoy the plethora of water sport activities that Tampa Bay offers.
Nature & Outdoors
When you float in turquoise water or kayak through mangrove tunnels, you’ll understand why Tampa Bay attracts tourists year-round.
Arts & Culture
From outdoor rock concerts to world-class collections of surrealist paintings, the arts are thriving in the Tampa Bay area.
By The Numbers
THE BEST PLACE
Tampa is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live and one of Time Magazine’s World’s Best Places (2023).
SOAK UP THE SUN
St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine: 768. On average, Tampa Bay gets 246 days of sun each year.
#1 BEACH IN THE NATION
Sarasota is home to Siesta Key, #1 Best U.S. Beach (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
