Located on the banks of the St. John’s River, Jacksonville in Florida gets its name after the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson and is the largest of all cities in the contiguous United States.

Although the city is recognized throughout the world as a leading business hub, it attracts tourists nonetheless, because of its famed park system. Jacksonville’s chain of parks, preservation lands and long stretches of beaches and waterways has made it a favorite amongst tourists and sports lovers.

The city’s hospitality, warm climate year round and inexpensive facilities have further added to its popularity. In fact this is one place where tourists can find hotels ranging along various costs; from cheap and modest ones to star-rated ones.

It is also a major sport-hosting city as well as the location for numerous festivals year round. 111,669 acres of park space and 72 golf courses ensure that visitors never run out of options for activities. In short, Jacksonville can be called the ultimate destination for sand, surf, golf, art and nightlife all condensed together to lend it a unique charm of its own.

Some of the more popular attractions in Jacksonville are the Farmer’s Market in St. John’s Tower Center organized every Friday and the Tree Hill Nature Center, which is an ideal center for family outings and educational tours at cheap prices.

Besides the NBA team of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has in recent days added to the glory of the city and increased its popularity. Beach lovers and those captivated by water sports will surely love the pristine waters and beautiful beaches. In order to add more spice to beach festivities, each year the city organizes sand sculpting competitions. The city can also prove to be a very exotic and economical romantic getaway for all those who love to explore the deep blue seas on idyllic cruises. Another reason for Jacksonville’s recommendation to all tourists is the fact that, it is best place for trendy shopping at affordable prices.

The outdoor activities in Tampa, Florida guarantees a good time out as the tourists can sightsee and interact with the natural beauty of the place. No matter whether it is within the Tampa Bay area use Tampa as a jumping off point, the tourists are sure to find lots of outdoor activities in Tampa that suits a variety of interests. Some of the most popular Tampa outdoor activities include visit to several hot spots.

The Tampa, Florida Aquarium is the perfect place for the people who love marine life. It is a glass domed, three-storied aquarium that features exhibits related to Florida’s aquatic habitats and ecosystem. The exhibits include the Florida Wetlands Gallery, the Florida Bays and beaches Gallery, the Coral Reefs Gallery and plants and animals native to Florida. Rays, Sharks and other sea creatures can also be viewed at the aquarium.

Busch Gardens is on the outskirts of Tampa, Florida. The park is best known for its roller coaster thrill rides, but it also has one of the largest zoos in USA. There are several thousand animals like giraffes, Zebras, antelopes in the natural surrounding that complements the park’s theme.

The tourists who prefer to walk around in the great outdoors can seek out Florida’s highly-rated golf courses. Strolling through the University of South Florida’s Botanical Gardens can also be a good idea.

If water is what you prefer as a part of your outdoor activities in Tampa, a visit to Adventure Island might be a perfect choice. It features a wave pool for younger children, along with a variety of rides with rafts and tubes, cliff-jumping, and adventure camps.

Other outdoor activities in Tampa include visiting any of the numerous highly-rated beaches in the area. If traveling is OK with you, a visit to the Long & Scott Farms in Mount Dora, which features a country market and Scott’s Maze Adventures, can provide an extension of the outdoor activities in Tampa proper.