For your convenience, an on-site Resort Transportation Service is available and is located in the lobby at Island Grand. You can visit their desk or call 866.403.3303 for rates and availability. Click here for more transportation options.
Tampa
Adventure Island– 30-acre seasonal water park features speed slides, bayou with floats, twisting flumes, waterfalls, wild ocean waves, sunbathing, picnic area and outdoor café. Plan to stay for as long as you would stay at a pool or beach. Tickets available at the concierge desk. Tampa, 45 minutes. 888.800.5447
Busch Gardens – 300-acre African themed family entertainment park offering thrilling rides, exotic shops, ethnic restaurants, live entertainment and animal shows. An air-conditioned monorail guides visitors through one of North America’s largest wildlife collections and endangered species habitats. Tickets available at the concierge desk. Group facilities for up to 300. Tampa, 45 minutes. 888.800.5447
Florida Aquarium– The Florida Aquarium displays one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of marine life, ecosystem models and laboratory exhibits. The Florida Wetlands section includes a Cypress swamp, sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests and streams teeming with unusual fish. The bridge over the indoor beach and bay to the Florida Offshore area leads to a live coral reef and its colorful marine inhabitants. Interactive exhibits throughout. Tampa, 40 minutes. 813.273.4000
Lowry Park Zoo – One of the largest natural habitat zoos in North America, with a primate center, manatee aquarium, Florida wildlife center, Asian domain and aviary. Named the number one children’s zoo in America. Allow five hours to tour the zoo. Tampa, 45 minutes. 813.935.8552
Clearwater/St. Petersburg
Clearwater Marine Aquarium – A working aquarium dedicated to environmental education, marine research and marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release. Rescued otters, sea turtles and the famous dolphin “Winter” have found a permanent home here. "Winter" has recently caught national attention and will star in Dolphin Tale, a full length motion picture based on her story starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick, Jr., coming out September 2011. Hourly animal care and training presentations, informative exhibits on animal rescue, behind-the-scenes tours and underwater viewing of sharks and native fish. Clearwater Beach, 25 minutes. 727.441.17990
Florida Botanical Gardens – The natural wonder of this site, comprised of 160 acres, also provides a natural habitat for Florida’s fabulous wildlife. See a unique blend of Florida native plants and beautiful exotic tropicals, displayed in both natural and formal gardens. Located in Pinewood Cultural Center. Largo, 25 minutes. 727.582.2100
Fort De Soto Park – True to a beach that has been ranked number one in the continental United States, Fort De Soto Park offers 1,136 acres and 7 miles of waterfront. A unique area made up of 5 islands, the park features a fort built during the Spanish-American War on the largest of the islands, Mullet Key. Two fishing piers, camping areas, a concession stand, bathroom facilities and covered picnic shelters are available. There are popular biking and skating trails, along with rental facilities for canoes, kayaks and bicycles. Fort De Soto Park is also a great place to bring your furry friend. The Paw Playground is rated among the best and dogs love it. The dog park has large fenced areas for both large and small dogs, including dog showers. After running around, your dog can cool off at the dog beach, where they are allowed off leash. Located on the south end of the Pinellas Bayway. St. Petersburg, 10 minutes. 727.893.9185
The Pier – An inverted five-story pyramid that stretches a half-mile into Tampa Bay. Surrounding an assembly of indoor and outdoor eateries, festive bars and shops are an aquarium, observation deck and a restored trolley system offering shuttle rides. Valet parking available. Tour buses welcome. St. Petersburg, 20 minutes.
727.821.6164
Orlando
Central Florida Attractions – Just 90 minutes away are Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, City Walk, Sea World, and more. The concierge can provide detailed maps and phone numbers and admission tickets to Sea World.