Some people skip the roller coasters entirely and head straight for Adventure Island water theme park next door to Busch Gardens. If you do decide to go that route, make sure you wear a bathing suit that will stay in place even after a mach-4 trip down a water slide. Whichever you choose, don't forget the sunblock. A sunburn during the day can make exploring Tampa's nightlife uncomfortable. Eateries in Florida are ultra-casual, so leave your ties and pantyhose at home.
Restaurants tend to cluster in Tampa.
Dale Mabry Highway, Fowler Avenue, Seventh Avenue, Kennedy Boulevard and Howard Avenue are the main drags for dining. Local specialties you should try are black beans and rice, paella, Cuban sandwiches, deviled crabs and seafood, of course. The area also has a substantial Thai and Italian representation. Nightlife in Tampa is concentrated in the newly revitalized Ybor City historic district . Just about every happening bar in town has pulled up stakes and moved to Ybor, or opened an outlet there.