Tampa

Tampa has its cruise port right downtown on the Hillsborough River, close to the Ybor City neighbourhood, the old cigar-manufacturing district. The buildings along Seventh Avenue in Ybor City date from the late 1800s, when Cuban, Italian, and Spanish immigrants ran hand-rolling cigar factories. The Columbia Restaurant, opened in 1905, still serves Cuban-style black beans, plantains, and their version of the Cuban sandwich. A free streetcar connects the port area to Ybor City and the convention centre. The Tampa Riverwalk, a waterfront path along the river, connects several museums, restaurants, and parks. The Florida Aquarium near the port is solid. Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park with roller coasters and animal exhibits, is about 20 minutes north by taxi. St. Petersburg's Salvador Dalí Museum, across the bay, houses the largest Dalí collection outside Spain. Clearwater Beach, about 45 minutes west, has white sand and calm Gulf water. The currency is US dollars, and most places accept cards.