Local Attractions

For a complete listing of events and attractions, visit the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau.

• IN-TOWN TROLLEY
  Take the historic streetcar to many destinations near the hotel, including Channelside and Ybor City.
• CHANNELSIDE
  A 5 minute walk from the hotel and adjacent to The Florida Aquarium, Channelside offers retail and dining establishments right on the river.
• YBOR CITY
  Once the cigar capital of the world, Ybor City is now a thriving community. Visit funky shops, themed nightclubs and restaurants to tempt any palate. Also visit http://www.ybor.org.
• TAMPA IMPROV
  Have a few laughs in Ybor City!
• BUSCH GARDENS
  Soar to new heights on the world's two tallest, inverted roller coasters, trek the plains of Africa or cool off on unforgettable white-water adventure rides. Adventure lives here at Tampa Bay's hottest attraction!
• LOWRY PARK ZOO
  Take a walk on the wild side and explore Tampa's best kept secret. Be sure to visit the new Wallaroo Station to experience a little of the outback!
• THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
  Encounter the wonders of Florida sea life! This is the site of the Opening Reception & Poster Session.
• MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
  Over 450 "minds-on" interactive activities and the latest in technological advances help to "make science real" for all ages.
• TAMPA MUSUEM OF ART
  Provides a broad range of art-related experiences with a collection including twentieth-century and contemporary art and a renowned collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.
• ADVENTURE ISLAND
  Tampa's Water Park featuring 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun.
• INTERNATIONAL PLAZA & BAY STREET
  Upscale retail and dining at its best!
• Art and Soul: the Cotanchobee Park and community art project.
  On your way to the Florida Aquarium and Channelside District, stop by the Cotanchobee Park and community art project to get a glimpse of how the City of Tampa is making community and history a focal point in its downtown redevelopment. Click here to read an article by a local newspaper on the significance of this effort.
• SS AMERICAN VICTORY MARINERS MEMORIAL
  Special Offer for Int'l Research Conference on Service Learning & Community Engagement Attendees; SAVE $3! Take a break from the Conference and ‘step back in time’ aboard the 62 year-old SS American Victory, a veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars under restoration into world-class mariners museum and cruising ship. The ship’s popular Restoration Tours allow visitors to view the on-going restoration aboard the functioning, 1940s-era merchant cargo vessel. Areas available for viewing include the cavernous cargo holds, radio and gyro compass rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, flying bridge, wheelhouse, mess rooms, engine room, captain’s quarters, crew cabins, chartroom, lifeboats and cargo equipment. The American Victory is next to the Florida Aquarium, in Tampa’s Channelside District, a short walk or trolley ride from the Tampa Convention Center and host hotels. Step Back in Time Aboard This Icon of America’s Merchant Maritime Might! Int’l Research Conference on Service-Learning & Community Engagement attendees can visit the SS American Victory for $5 per person! Present conference badge at the gangway to receive the discount. For further information contact the ship at 813-228-8766 or check out our website at www.americanvictory.org