Tampa Bay Metro

Tampa - St Petersburg Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is located in Central West Florida and consists of the the Tampa Bay areas with the counties of PinellasHillsboroughPasco and Hernando.

The Tampa Bay metro area offers a blend of urban amenities, beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene. There are several distinct areas within the metro region including St Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa.

Tampa is the largest city in the metro area and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. It is known for its downtown district, which includes the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and the Tampa Convention Center. The city offers a diverse range of attractions, including professional sports teams, museums, performing arts venues, and a lively restaurant and nightlife scene.

St. Petersburg, also known as St. Pete, is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, including St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto Park, which consistently rank among the best in the United States. St. Petersburg is also renowned for its thriving arts and cultural scene, with the Salvador Dali Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Mahaffey Theater being notable attractions.

Clearwater is another coastal city in the metro area known for its stunning beaches, including Clearwater Beach, which has been consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the United States. The city is home to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, famous for its resident dolphin, Winter, and the nearby Caladesi Island State Park, known for its pristine nature trails and secluded beaches.

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Tampa Bay is a haven for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The area also features numerous parks, nature preserves, and golf courses, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, bird-watching, and other outdoor pursuits. The Tampa Bay metro area hosts various cultural and entertainment events throughout the year. These include the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, a lively celebration with parades and parties, the St. Pete Pride Parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in Florida, and the Florida State Fair, showcasing agriculture, entertainment, and carnival rides. The area is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and Tampa Bay Rays (MLB).