I lived in Tampa for 3 years and I loved it. The one thing I remember was the summer rain. Almost everyday from mid June to August it rains late afternoon. I’m not talking about regular drops falling, I’m talking about bad pourings and thunderstorm. But, don’t let it stop you, it won’t go more than an hour, maybe 30 to 40 minutes.
All accurate, except you NEVER FEED THE GATORS. Not only is it against the law, it makes the Gators look for handouts, which endangers humans and pets. Tourists think it cute, until one gets bit.
My family moved outside Tampa about 40 years ago from NJ. That was our first warning. Any body of water more than 4-6 inches should be regarded as having a gator. And just like the proverbial lions, tigers, and bears, oh my, this is the local apex predator. Been giving the same warning for years. It's surprising how many people would have never thought of that.
Gators can be extremely dangerous especially around May thats mating season. A friend of mine actually got killed by a gator sitting and got attacked. So be very careful 3 people died that year.
As a resident here of 50+ years, spot on!!!! And remember tourists: if you are at the beach and see you are getting red, it's too late. You're in for a world of hurt later on! I did think of 1 more don't: DON'T FEED SEAGULLS!!!!!!! Even if there is only one, if you give it food you will be surrounded by hundreds in the blink of an eye!!! Please trust us on this!
iRedstoneFox we went to downtown and checked out Ybor. We were just there for 2 days so didn’t crazy explore. Went axe throwing, to Lowry’s barcade, and the aquarium.
I'd also like to add, don't walk around MLK Blvd at night, though I think that applies to every MLK Blvd around the country. I also wouldn't advise walking back to the hotel at night after Busch Gardens, get an uber or anything else except walk. And avoid Walmarts, especially the one on Fletcher, opt for Publix if you need food, Target if you need general items.
All true. Tampa has a LOT of neighborhoods that are less than desirable and you can stumble into one REAL quick, and you need to be just as quick turning your butt around somewhere.
As a resident of Tampa for over 20 years...this video is right on the money! Sincerely, one of the locals going 90 in the left lane annoyed at the tourists LOL
I visited Tampa in 2016 and was impressed! It’s my favorite place in the country. I never thought I’d like it, but I fell in love quick. I traveled all over the area and it was breathtaking. Tampa is my new home soon. The people were friendly throughout the whole area, driving wasn’t bad for me coming from the northeast, and the scenery is just amazing. Just beware, some of the worst crime areas are around Busch gardens so don’t let it get you down. You can have fun and be safe. I’m in law enforcement so I pay attention.
Can u please give me some suggestions on how to avoid getting into trouble? I am an international student coming to Tampa to pursue masters at USF for two years.
One more thing to add to your list with the hurricanes. I've lived somewhere near or on the Gulf Coast for 55 of my 60 years. If the authorities tell you to evacuate please evacuate! Don't stay in the area. They tell you to evacuate for your own safety. Believe me they do not want the tourists to leave but if they ask you to they're doing it for your own good!
@@woltersworld my pleasure! I discovered your channel a couple of months ago when researching for our trip to Germany. We are fortunate enough to have a friend of my late father in law allowing us to stay with them for 18 days! I've never been to Europe so you can imagine how excited I am being 60 years old and my first trip. I am a absolute history nut and I don't know where to start. She lives near Frankfurt. I'm devouring all the information I can in the more I do the more confused I yet hahaha anyways..... You're Dead on with all of your tips for the Tampa area. I'm from the New Orleans area. It amazes me when people travel to areas where there are alligators and they are "surprised" that there are alligators! Stay safe and keep these wonderful videos coming please! By the way as a grandma I can say you have two beautiful children!
I've lived my whole life in Tampa and I have traveled a good deal over the past ten years. Whenever I return, I realize how good we have it here in the bay area. Thanks for the accurate research and tips for the visitors.
I’m a student at The University of Tampa...you did an amazing job! Drivers are crazy here. Visitors should also see the Henry B Plant Museum ! And also do the entire river walk
This is actually a pretty solid list. I'd add "Don't forget to do the Stingray Shuffle" at the beach. It's not sharks you need to worry about, it's stingrays. And regarding hurricane season; Tampa rarely gets hit directly, but each summer does bring some drama and there will be the occasion where we are in the Cone of Uncertainty, which causes everybody to run out and buy up all the supplies and even evacuate the beach communities just as a precaution. The peak month is September, but October can be busy too for the gulf coast. Also, it WILL rain every day for about 30 minutes in the late afternoon during the summer. Usually with lots of lightning, so be prepared to deal with that.
EXCELLENT video. Only other advice is to be SUPER careful if you do go clubbing in Ybor. In addition to the normal dangers of clubbing (sexual assault, skipped drinks, bar fights etc.) It's blocks away from some really dangerous neighborhoods. Park as close as possible (or ideally avoid driving at all) and get out of there by 3am. Between that and the traffic I'd say honestly, just be on defense mode at all times when you're not in a theme park, museum or hotel room lol.
And the little bastards can fly. We also have mutant ninja grasshoppers, they are caller lubbers if ya want to look them up, they are huge and like to jump straight at you if you spook em.
rapid 520 There are some alligators but only if you live near by a lake, and you should be safe even then because you might at least see them in the lake but they don’t come out, so just stay out of the lake, kids are fine there, I was born and raised there and it’s safe
rapid 520 yes I must say that the bugs are deff a con here especially during the summer and the humidity other than that it’s great weather all year long and laid back with activities that are heat for kids 😌
As a lifelong resident of Tampa the video is spot on. Concerning " Cuban Sandwiches " Cubano ??? since the silver ring closed in Ybor city many years ago its really hard to find a great Cuban sandwich. One that I really like is from La Segunda bakery on 15th street, they make the BEST original Cuban bread for their cuban sanwiches which are "pressed". The bakery makes tons of sandwiches and pastries and is wonderful. There are so many reasons to live in Tampa and these are but a few ! Can we say Gasparilla invasion every year …. Love it here !!!
And as a native Tampa, Floridian I must say that I hate how comfortable everyone is about wearing flip-flops with everything. Seriously I have friends who wore flip-flops to prom 🤦🏽 😒
Hi I’m from NYC looking to move with my pre teen son.. if you don’t mind can you inform me of what area’s would you recommend with good schools, and Diverse.
Also don't forget an umbrella or rain poncho during summer months. Rain hits fast and hard,then leaves quick as well. Especially if outside. Great video.
Hey There Fellow Travelers! If you like our Tampa Don'ts or are just heading down to Florida we actually have a "Don'ts of Florida" video to help you out. ruclips.net/video/mn-ZwAsDIaM/видео.html All the best on your travels!
Dude you killed it in this video. 100% spot on with everything. I just want to emphasize your sunscreen point. I cant tell you how many times I've seen tourists burnt to a crisp on their first day here and it ends up ruining their trip. Read up on SPF and how to protect yourself. The heat is relentless here.
Having lived in Phoenix for 12 years and Clearwater for 4...you can ALWAYS spot the tourist because they think they can get a tan in one day and end up looking like a lobster.
Live in Tampa and the traffic thing is HILARIOUS 😂 TOO ACCURATE. I went to the DC MD area to visit and was shocked that people actually drove like they were supposed to.
@@therealtampadude9175 Me too! Lived there until l I was 36, been in Tampa Bay Area for 25 years. I think the drivers are bad here due to educational levels, or their brains got sunburned!
Great job on this video! I’ve lived in Tampa and the surrounding Tampa Bay areas for 30 years and everything u said was spot on! A lot of helpful information u provided. U know ur stuff!
I live in Tampa and another thing that you have to know is if someone's lights aren't on and it's dusk do not flash your lights to let them know because someone's been shot for doing that.
This guy is right on, budget tips are great, like in Chicago, don't pay to go up the Hancock, go to the bar on 96 for free and maybe have a drink for the same cost as observatory.
I'm originally from Queens, NYC, now in WI with my husband, but lived in FL for 10 years. I LOVE LOVE how u included the traffic tips. DEFINITELY ACCURATE!! LOL
Born and raised in Brandon/St.Pete, Fl. You will get a sunburn during a rainstorm, Gators run faster than you think, Tampa drivers are psycho, and Publix subs are always a good lunch.
I lived in the tampa/st.pete area for 6 years and loved it. I unfortunately live in miami now, and the traffic here makes tampa traffic look pleasant by comparison.
I am a good example of that local pissed off by drivers xD. Also you should mention not to go past 7th ave passed a certain time cuz it’s still a little dangerous in residential ybor
Another tip, since he brought up January, it can be cold in those months. Florida’s winters are weird, it can be 30 degrees at night, but then 80 degrees in the afternoon. Also, we get cold snaps that can last a few days or for the month. The later being a bit rarer.
Besides the beach, don't ever walk anywhere without shoes on. The ants will eat your feet. Don't feed them or any other wild animal you see. Fort De Soto is an awesome place to spend a day if you want beach but not tourist trap. Great video.
Stayed in a cool house on the alafia last summer. Took my old jet ski to Clearwater every single day and basically lived on the water. Met a bunch of cool people on the sandbars who I'm still friends with today. Awesome place to live I'd imagine
I live right by and used to volunteer at MOSI (the museum of science and industry). I loved it as a kid, but they've taken most of their exhibits and programs away because they're moving to a new location soon. What's there is good though. They still have the imax dome, the butterflies, the obstacle and zipline, along with some of the other old exhibits. Of course, if you're reading this years in the future ,when they've settled into the new downtown location, that may be a different story. They may restore their former glory. But it is a nice museum in general.
Good looking Cuban sandwich @4:45. The way you described the bread as kind of sweet makes me think of Cubano's little sister, the *_Medianoche_* which has the same ingredients but made with a sweet egg bread. And you don't have to wait until midnight to order one. 👍
Robert Fernandez well yea you can’t compare the the food in Tampa with Miami lol Miami’s food will sag always taste more authentic everything is soo good 😻😛
If your PRIMARY vacation destination is DISNEYWORLD do not arrrive via Tampa Intl. airport. Go directly to Orlando. They have a huge international airport and tons of hotels with vacation package plans. If you have enough time (and $$$$) to stay in Florida and visit both cities then where you land and depart is not a big deal. Have fun and bring lots of sunscreen & bug spray! (BTW -screened "Florida Rooms" are also called "lanais")
Oh yay, you guys are in our side of town. Enjoy Florida. It's too hot here in my opinion. 🙋🏽♀️😊🥵 check out St.Petersburg too. All of your tips are true! Ug with traffic Orlando is more like two hours. I hate the traffic. Florida has tons of breweries. Great video!
Just to let everyone know it may take you more than an hour to get to Disney from Tampa. It depends on what time of day you go and accidents. I-4 gets really backed up at times. Great video.
Just watched your Vancouver video yesterday for a trip we are taking next week. Afterwards I was thinking “There should be a video like that for Tampa”. Today this was in my RUclips feed. Spot on.
I think Busch gardens does that because they also have a Busch gardens in Virginia. The one in Virginia is called Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the one in Tampa is named Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Kinda the same process with Universal Studios and Seaworld. They state the name of the location with it.
An additional very important DON'T: Don't go to the Fletcher Ave Walmart. Ever. It's the shadowy place we (locals) don't go. I'm a 6'4" 250lb dude, and a tweaked-out homeless man chased me all the way back to my car with a knife the last time I was there.
A few additional comments on this informative video - hurricane season doesn't really affect Tampa 6ntil mid to late August through October - if you visit in the summer you WILL encounter strong afternoon storms -dehydration is a serious concern, especially when drinking alcohol - lock your doors His description of traffic is accurate! If you can handle the humidity there are tons of activities in the Tampa area!
Hi Mark. I'm a Florida native from Tampa. Been here all my life. I love it. I enjoyed your video because it's so true. I hope you do one for DO in Tampa. But yest the traffic and drivers are terrible all over the state. I got a dash cam for myself and my husband and we make compilation videos of the insane things we encounter day to day. Currently working on June and July's eps. You might like them. I try to make them fun and funny.
His description of drivers and traffic are mostly accurate. I have seen more people do things here in the past 7 years than I had ever seen in 36 years of driving in Ohio. Don’t be surprised if somebody makes a sudden left turn in front of traffic from the right turn lane. Or a right turn from the left turn lane. An accident can cause hours of delays. Law enforcement will close lanes to deal with it but they never ever direct traffic. When lanes are closed it’s a free for all with drivers trying to merge and other drivers trying to prevent it.
@@YourTampaRealtors It’s because Floridia is a peninsula. All the idiots come down the map and get stuck here because of the surrounding water. Then they get boats and drive them like idiots.
I've been living in Tampa and Hillsborough County continuosly since 1978 and the message is 100% spot on. On the beaches though Siesta Key and Lido Beach down in Sarasota are worth the drive.
Can u suggest how to avoid getting into trouble in Tampa and to be safe? I will be coming to Tampa to pursue my masters and I am not from America and this is my first time coming to the US.
Ft. DeSoto in St. Pete and CMA in Clearwater are great family things to do, and don’t leave out a trip to Sarasota. As always, defensive driving skills is a must!
As a resident of Tampa for 10 years, I agree with everything he said
Thank you Matt!
Mark did a video of my home area in New Orleans. He did it perfect justice too. I thoroughly enjoy all his videos.
Seconded.
He only forgot "Don't mess with any ant hills".
From zephyrhills
Thank you for bringing up the traffic!!! Tampa has some of the worst and most aggressive drivers in Florida.
Seriously it's a bit of every kind of traffic at the same time :)
Orlando traffic it terrible as well.
I thought that was Miami....
Kimberly Risley Maybe Floridians are just aggressive drivers in general. 😂
Well at least I don't have to worry about Pennywise travelling to my town
As a local for 20 + years, 100% accurate.
bout to say the same thing
im born and raised here and gotta say you absolutley nailed it and seriously people please be careful on roadways and with our wildlife
Same thing
LOL he totally nailed it regarding turn signals. Nobody fucking uses them around here!
The wildlife in the hood
Yes true I also live here😊
I lived in Tampa for 3 years and I loved it. The one thing I remember was the summer rain. Almost everyday from mid June to August it rains late afternoon. I’m not talking about regular drops falling, I’m talking about bad pourings and thunderstorm. But, don’t let it stop you, it won’t go more than an hour, maybe 30 to 40 minutes.
Hector Otero summer time is hurricane season here allways rainy
And then everything gets dry again.
@@joshuasnore3600 then hot and humid
I was born and raised in Tampa, and this review is actually spot-on and accurate.
All accurate, except you NEVER FEED THE GATORS. Not only is it against the law, it makes the Gators look for handouts, which endangers humans and pets.
Tourists think it cute, until one gets bit.
Frank Gary exactly! once u hand feed a gator they never unlearn that humans feed them and won’t go hunting on their own anymore ):
Sounds like democrats
My family moved outside Tampa about 40 years ago from NJ. That was our first warning. Any body of water more than 4-6 inches should be regarded as having a gator. And just like the proverbial lions, tigers, and bears, oh my, this is the local apex predator.
Been giving the same warning for years. It's surprising how many people would have never thought of that.
@@chrisvinci5417 stfu
Gators can be extremely dangerous especially around May thats mating season. A friend of mine actually got killed by a gator sitting and got attacked. So be very careful 3 people died that year.
As a resident here of 50+ years, spot on!!!! And remember tourists: if you are at the beach and see you are getting red, it's too late. You're in for a world of hurt later on! I did think of 1 more don't: DON'T FEED SEAGULLS!!!!!!! Even if there is only one, if you give it food you will be surrounded by hundreds in the blink of an eye!!! Please trust us on this!
Lynnie L. we fed them a small amount of wasabi, 5 minutes later they left us alone, problem solved ;)
@Emily sunburn
Don't forget the Dali museum in St Petersburg.
William Jewell I came here to say the same thing. Dali Museum is nice.
Yes, the building is so cool, as are the exhibits.
I would personally recommend the art museum over by the Ringling over the dali
My fav!
the Dali Museum is maybe the greatest museum on the planet dedicated to the work of a single artist. Must-see.
I had no idea how much was in Tampa until I went in April. Tampa is hella underrated!
what you think of pinnelas
the weird part sticking out of tampa bay (clear water, st petersburg, safety harbor, palm harbor, and tarpon springs)
iRedstoneFox we went to downtown and checked out Ybor. We were just there for 2 days so didn’t crazy explore. Went axe throwing, to Lowry’s barcade, and the aquarium.
More overrated imo. Tons of great things to do but the people shitty and zombie like. Very remedial
I'd also like to add, don't walk around MLK Blvd at night, though I think that applies to every MLK Blvd around the country. I also wouldn't advise walking back to the hotel at night after Busch Gardens, get an uber or anything else except walk. And avoid Walmarts, especially the one on Fletcher, opt for Publix if you need food, Target if you need general items.
Nebraska/Waters is another one
Don't be skrrrd loll I feel ya tho
All true. Tampa has a LOT of neighborhoods that are less than desirable and you can stumble into one REAL quick, and you need to be just as quick turning your butt around somewhere.
I agree with you but I would add don’t walk around drunk at all and carry a tactical solution everywhere
Never do Walmart in general. Unless you want to see people in pajamas. Ugh
As a resident of Tampa for over 20 years...this video is right on the money! Sincerely, one of the locals going 90 in the left lane annoyed at the tourists LOL
Don't go to Ybor for a Cuban sandwich. GO to West Tampa Sandwich shop or Michelle Faedo's
La Segunda Bakery in Ybor is #1 for me. I’m 42 and agreed with ya on that until I finally got one 2 months ago
@@johnnylovescondiments6593 Exactly. Le Segunda makes the bread for many of the other places that sell Cubans, too.
Floridian on Kennedy
I forgot about Michelle Faedo's so good.
Yo, the best places are gas stations on Hillsborough. Secret gems
I visited Tampa in 2016 and was impressed! It’s my favorite place in the country. I never thought I’d like it, but I fell in love quick. I traveled all over the area and it was breathtaking. Tampa is my new home soon. The people were friendly throughout the whole area, driving wasn’t bad for me coming from the northeast, and the scenery is just amazing.
Just beware, some of the worst crime areas are around Busch gardens so don’t let it get you down. You can have fun and be safe. I’m in law enforcement so I pay attention.
Can u please give me some suggestions on how to avoid getting into trouble? I am an international student coming to Tampa to pursue masters at USF for two years.
One more thing to add to your list with the hurricanes. I've lived somewhere near or on the Gulf Coast for 55 of my 60 years. If the authorities tell you to evacuate please evacuate! Don't stay in the area. They tell you to evacuate for your own safety. Believe me they do not want the tourists to leave but if they ask you to they're doing it for your own good!
Good added comment Lisa. Thank you
@@woltersworld my pleasure! I discovered your channel a couple of months ago when researching for our trip to Germany. We are fortunate enough to have a friend of my late father in law allowing us to stay with them for 18 days! I've never been to Europe so you can imagine how excited I am being 60 years old and my first trip. I am a absolute history nut and I don't know where to start. She lives near Frankfurt. I'm devouring all the information I can in the more I do the more confused I yet hahaha anyways..... You're Dead on with all of your tips for the Tampa area. I'm from the New Orleans area. It amazes me when people travel to areas where there are alligators and they are "surprised" that there are alligators! Stay safe and keep these wonderful videos coming please! By the way as a grandma I can say you have two beautiful children!
You must not be from Tampa we never get the bad parts of the hurricanes and as a native we never freak out either
@@RochellB46 ong they just like a regular storm lmao
Don't go to university mall!
I hate that mall i go to citrus park mall
Lmao agreed!!!!
🤣
University. Mall is played out half empty and boring been here all my life 👍✌
Haven't they demolished it? Or are they still "planning"?
I miss Tampa... He is so accurate!!! I left Tampa 5 years ago and I absolutely miss the diversity and friendly people of Tampa.
I've lived my whole life in Tampa and I have traveled a good deal over the past ten years. Whenever I return, I realize how good we have it here in the bay area. Thanks for the accurate research and tips for the visitors.
I’m a student at The University of Tampa...you did an amazing job! Drivers are crazy here. Visitors should also see the Henry B Plant Museum ! And also do the entire river walk
This is actually a pretty solid list.
I'd add "Don't forget to do the Stingray Shuffle" at the beach. It's not sharks you need to worry about, it's stingrays.
And regarding hurricane season; Tampa rarely gets hit directly, but each summer does bring some drama and there will be the occasion where we are in the Cone of Uncertainty, which causes everybody to run out and buy up all the supplies and even evacuate the beach communities just as a precaution. The peak month is September, but October can be busy too for the gulf coast.
Also, it WILL rain every day for about 30 minutes in the late afternoon during the summer. Usually with lots of lightning, so be prepared to deal with that.
EXCELLENT video. Only other advice is to be SUPER careful if you do go clubbing in Ybor. In addition to the normal dangers of clubbing (sexual assault, skipped drinks, bar fights etc.) It's blocks away from some really dangerous neighborhoods. Park as close as possible (or ideally avoid driving at all) and get out of there by 3am. Between that and the traffic I'd say honestly, just be on defense mode at all times when you're not in a theme park, museum or hotel room lol.
Sounds like Memphis FL
From Memphis TN
He's right about the driving. I moved from FL years ago and have to get used to "Tampa driving" when I come back to visit 💯
The Salvador Dali museum is my favorite hidden gem of the Bay Area. Highly recommended!
As someone who grew up in Orlando and moved here in 2019, Tampa’s traffic is by far the worst.
As a Tampa resident, he is spot on! FYI Palmetto bugs are 2-3 inch long cockroaches! They're real!
And the little bastards can fly. We also have mutant ninja grasshoppers, they are caller lubbers if ya want to look them up, they are huge and like to jump straight at you if you spook em.
Born and raised in Tampa and still here lol 🥰
Kaylin Valiente , is it true about the alligators and bugs? How safe is it for kids?
Yup love it here as well 😍
Same!
rapid 520 There are some alligators but only if you live near by a lake, and you should be safe even then because you might at least see them in the lake but they don’t come out, so just stay out of the lake, kids are fine there, I was born and raised there and it’s safe
rapid 520 yes I must say that the bugs are deff a con here especially during the summer and the humidity other than that it’s great weather all year long and laid back with activities that are heat for kids 😌
I am from Slovakia, I have never were in USA but I like these kind of videos >;)
Thank you Lukas!
Damn Obito is Russian?
Come on over! Tampa is a great town!
@@DaKillaCroc859 what????
"Dont expext anyone to agree on who has the best cuban sandwich." Cough cough La Segunda
YES! I actually do agree with you on that one
cough Cuban Breezes cough
Cough cough las palmas
Kuba
Cough cough the food truck with a crab on it
As a lifelong resident of Tampa the video is spot on. Concerning " Cuban Sandwiches " Cubano ??? since the silver ring closed in Ybor city many years ago its really hard to find a great Cuban sandwich. One that I really like is from La Segunda bakery on 15th street, they make the BEST original Cuban bread for their cuban sanwiches which are "pressed". The bakery makes tons of sandwiches and pastries and is wonderful. There are so many reasons to live in Tampa and these are but a few ! Can we say Gasparilla invasion every year …. Love it here !!!
And as a native Tampa, Floridian I must say that I hate how comfortable everyone is about wearing flip-flops with everything. Seriously I have friends who wore flip-flops to prom 🤦🏽 😒
Flip flops. Ugh.
I wear sandals or sneakers.
🤦🏾♂️
Hi I’m from NYC looking to move with my pre teen son.. if you don’t mind can you inform me of what area’s would you recommend with good schools, and Diverse.
Right!! Flip flops and SLIDES!!! 🙄🙄🙄😒😒😒
Another don’t - don’t feed the seagulls on the beach! It’s a sure sign that you’re a tourist and if they poop on me I’m gonna be pissed lol
Yeah I learned the hard way to NEVER have a picnic at Clearwater beach 🤣🤣🤣
Agreed
We have a lot of seagulls in Chicago cuz of the lake…I hate them so much
Also dont feed the homeless they will definitely take a dump on you
if your gonna go to a amusement park go to bush gardens 100% better than the other in my opinion
Fr, a lot better than Disney and cheaper. For older kids and young adults anyway.
Also don't forget an umbrella or rain poncho during summer months. Rain hits fast and hard,then leaves quick as well. Especially if outside. Great video.
Hey There Fellow Travelers! If you like our Tampa Don'ts or are just heading down to Florida we actually have a "Don'ts of Florida" video to help you out. ruclips.net/video/mn-ZwAsDIaM/видео.html All the best on your travels!
Dude you killed it in this video. 100% spot on with everything. I just want to emphasize your sunscreen point. I cant tell you how many times I've seen tourists burnt to a crisp on their first day here and it ends up ruining their trip. Read up on SPF and how to protect yourself. The heat is relentless here.
Born and raised Floridian. I drove Uber and lyft for 2yrs and I swear I gave this same advice every day. Enjoy our city!!!
i lived my whole life in tampa every times he says *anything* im like
yes correct
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Dont forget to visit University of Tampa, you can sit under cool trees and on the porch of the main area that used to be a hotel.
Having lived in Phoenix for 12 years and Clearwater for 4...you can ALWAYS spot the tourist because they think they can get a tan in one day and end up looking like a lobster.
Tampa Bay native here. Wolter's World is spot-on again! That is why I trust their reviews around the world every time.
Live in Tampa and the traffic thing is HILARIOUS 😂 TOO ACCURATE. I went to the DC MD area to visit and was shocked that people actually drove like they were supposed to.
I grew up in the DMV, and you are correct.
@@therealtampadude9175 Me too! Lived there until l I was 36, been in Tampa Bay Area for 25 years. I think the drivers are bad here due to educational levels, or their brains got sunburned!
I love the energy! thank you for the information. 🙏🏼
Watch out for motorcycles! The life you save might be MINE!
Yes, drivers here never pay attention. They are so worried about taking selfies while behind the wheel or texting. Stay safe!
I been living here in Tampa for over 6yrs now and you nailed it!!!
I was born in Tampa (St Joe’s), but haven’t lived there since I was three. After watching this video, I really want to go back.
Great job on this video! I’ve lived in Tampa and the surrounding Tampa Bay areas for 30 years and everything u said was spot on! A lot of helpful information u provided. U know ur stuff!
I live in Tampa and another thing that you have to know is if someone's lights aren't on and it's dusk do not flash your lights to let them know because someone's been shot for doing that.
This guy is right on, budget tips are great, like in Chicago, don't pay to go up the Hancock, go to the bar on 96 for free and maybe have a drink for the same cost as observatory.
deviled crab and the tampa cuban sandwich, miami’s cuban sandwich is different
We visited the Tampa area recently and spent a good bit of time in our car, because all the sites we picked out to visit were in different areas.
This is so accurate love this dude
I'm originally from Queens, NYC, now in WI with my husband, but lived in FL for 10 years. I LOVE LOVE how u included the traffic tips. DEFINITELY ACCURATE!! LOL
Things left out on this video include Hyde Park Village, and all the bars and restaurants on Howard Ave.
I've lived in the area for 8 years, that was a great review. Spot on. Tampa is growing like mad, also surrounding area Pasco county.
Born and raised in Brandon/St.Pete, Fl. You will get a sunburn during a rainstorm, Gators run faster than you think, Tampa drivers are psycho, and Publix subs are always a good lunch.
It's better not to use your turn signals. If you do, it's a signal for the other driver to speed up and block you.
yes so true
LOL so true!
Tampa FaSholy underrated. I’m from NY, lived in ChiTown and Cali but Tampa Bay is a gem (Esp St Pete).
I lived in the tampa/st.pete area for 6 years and loved it. I unfortunately live in miami now, and the traffic here makes tampa traffic look pleasant by comparison.
I am a good example of that local pissed off by drivers xD. Also you should mention not to go past 7th ave passed a certain time cuz it’s still a little dangerous in residential ybor
Another tip, since he brought up January, it can be cold in those months. Florida’s winters are weird, it can be 30 degrees at night, but then 80 degrees in the afternoon. Also, we get cold snaps that can last a few days or for the month. The later being a bit rarer.
So on point re the 3 types of drivers in Tampa! Just one more: uninsured drivers. It seems 2 b a rampant problem here. Make sure ur covered.
1 in 5 Floridian drivers are driving without insurance. ONE in f'ing FIVE.
Yup. Uninsured motorist coverage is a MUST!
As a new Tampa resident(July 2020) I agree 100% with everything he said...
Don't forget the TB Buccaneers, TB Lightning & TB Rays (St Pete).
Don't forget the Rowdies!
I’m 18 years old and I’ve spent my entire life in Tampa, and this dude is spot on and everything he said is straight up true
Besides the beach, don't ever walk anywhere without shoes on. The ants will eat your feet. Don't feed them or any other wild animal you see. Fort De Soto is an awesome place to spend a day if you want beach but not tourist trap. Great video.
Stayed in a cool house on the alafia last summer. Took my old jet ski to Clearwater every single day and basically lived on the water. Met a bunch of cool people on the sandbars who I'm still friends with today. Awesome place to live I'd imagine
Wow I’m a resident & he made Tampa sound so cool yet I’m always bored lol. Don’t go to Ybor alone at night. It can get crazy for safety purposes.
What’s wrong with you?! I live in Missouri now that boring! Lols😂
@@vickilavoie2516 you’ve got St Louis! Isn’t that where the ribs are?? I’ll take that good food any day! 😂
Right he made it sound better than what it actually is. Half the murders out here are guys shooting women.
I live right by and used to volunteer at MOSI (the museum of science and industry). I loved it as a kid, but they've taken most of their exhibits and programs away because they're moving to a new location soon. What's there is good though.
They still have the imax dome, the butterflies, the obstacle and zipline, along with some of the other old exhibits.
Of course, if you're reading this years in the future ,when they've settled into the new downtown location, that may be a different story. They may restore their former glory. But it is a nice museum in general.
Good looking Cuban sandwich @4:45. The way you described the bread as kind of sweet makes me think of Cubano's little sister, the *_Medianoche_* which has the same ingredients but made with a sweet egg bread. And you don't have to wait until midnight to order one. 👍
Tosh T I love media noche sandwiches 🤤
Robert Fernandez well yea you can’t compare the the food in Tampa with Miami lol Miami’s food will sag always taste more authentic everything is soo good 😻😛
Best cuban sandwich in Florida is at The Ridge market in buckhead ridge..!
Thank you for this video!! Really great tips!!!
If your PRIMARY vacation destination is DISNEYWORLD do not arrrive via Tampa Intl. airport. Go directly to Orlando. They have a huge international airport and tons of hotels with vacation package plans. If you have enough time (and $$$$) to stay in Florida and visit both cities then where you land and depart is not a big deal. Have fun and bring lots of sunscreen & bug spray!
(BTW -screened "Florida Rooms" are also called "lanais")
Also, they are called bird cages!
I clicked on this 100% prepared to get mad about inaccuracies but nope, everything was absolutely spot on
Good tips, Mark. And definitely sunscreen & expect the unexpected when driving
Yep :)
Oh yay, you guys are in our side of town. Enjoy Florida. It's too hot here in my opinion. 🙋🏽♀️😊🥵 check out St.Petersburg too. All of your tips are true! Ug with traffic Orlando is more like two hours. I hate the traffic. Florida has tons of breweries. Great video!
Just to let everyone know it may take you more than an hour to get to Disney from Tampa. It depends on what time of day you go and accidents. I-4 gets really backed up at times. Great video.
Just watched your Vancouver video yesterday for a trip we are taking next week. Afterwards I was thinking “There should be a video like that for Tampa”. Today this was in my RUclips feed. Spot on.
I will go anywhere to avoid that mess named Orlando, even drive in Tampa.
Everything he tells you is TRUE.
Thank you so much!! This really helped understand the geography and how it works to visit.
It ticks me off when everybody refers to the city of Tampa as Tampa Bay. Even commercials for Busch Gardens make that mistake.
I think Busch gardens does that because they also have a Busch gardens in Virginia. The one in Virginia is called Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the one in Tampa is named Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Kinda the same process with Universal Studios and Seaworld. They state the name of the location with it.
nice place. thank you for visiting.
He left out the most important “dont” .. don’t drive down MLK Blvd.
That's anywhere
Traffic wise you are
Or Nebraska ave
Depends on what part of MLK.
or bruce b downs
If you visit the area you might want to across the bridge as well downtown St Pete and the beaches resorts and museums.
An additional very important DON'T: Don't go to the Fletcher Ave Walmart. Ever. It's the shadowy place we (locals) don't go. I'm a 6'4" 250lb dude, and a tweaked-out homeless man chased me all the way back to my car with a knife the last time I was there.
😂😂😂
A few additional comments on this informative video
- hurricane season doesn't really affect Tampa 6ntil mid to late August through October
- if you visit in the summer you WILL encounter strong afternoon storms
-dehydration is a serious concern, especially when drinking alcohol
- lock your doors
His description of traffic is accurate!
If you can handle the humidity there are tons of activities in the Tampa area!
After covid, don't miss going to see one of our great sports teams play.
Hi Mark. I'm a Florida native from Tampa. Been here all my life. I love it. I enjoyed your video because it's so true. I hope you do one for DO in Tampa. But yest the traffic and drivers are terrible all over the state. I got a dash cam for myself and my husband and we make compilation videos of the insane things we encounter day to day. Currently working on June and July's eps. You might like them. I try to make them fun and funny.
His description of drivers and traffic are mostly accurate. I have seen more people do things here in the past 7 years than I had ever seen in 36 years of driving in Ohio.
Don’t be surprised if somebody makes a sudden left turn in front of traffic from the right turn lane. Or a right turn from the left turn lane.
An accident can cause hours of delays. Law enforcement will close lanes to deal with it but they never ever direct traffic. When lanes are closed it’s a free for all with drivers trying to merge and other drivers trying to prevent it.
Agreed, but a solid 90% of the drivers on the roads in Tampa moved here from some place else and brought their crappy driving habits with them.
@@YourTampaRealtors It’s because Floridia is a peninsula. All the idiots come down the map and get stuck here because of the surrounding water. Then they get boats and drive them like idiots.
Aren’t some of those people that moved here your customers? I googled you, you are from Michigan!@@YourTampaRealtors
@@CHiett-cb4fu so, kind of like stalking!! ?? Yes I am from MI. 37 YEARS AGO and it 's quite possible some are customers. Thanks for the input.
I've been living in Tampa and Hillsborough County continuosly since 1978 and the message is 100% spot on. On the beaches though Siesta Key and Lido Beach down in Sarasota are worth the drive.
Thank you
... I go to UT and have lived here for a long ass time it’s weird watching a video about it
Nicole Diaz lol same i go to saint leo and this was weird to watch but it’s accurate for the most part.
I don't know a lot of Tampa natives that go to UT. Usually it's out of towners. Interesting
Been here for over 16 years, go to Ybor almost every weekend, and everything he said is spot on. This area is the best in Florida, hands down.
Can u suggest how to avoid getting into trouble in Tampa and to be safe? I will be coming to Tampa to pursue my masters and I am not from America and this is my first time coming to the US.
Also, Don't say:
"That's not how we do it up North. I'll show you the right way".
Northerners are SOOO annoying when they say stuff like that!!!! LOL
I hate that sooooo much
I tell them since you don't like it go back home, it's that simple!
We will show you that I-75 and I-95 go north!!!!
The right way here is our way, and if you don't like it, you can hit the highway!
Ft. DeSoto in St. Pete and CMA in Clearwater are great family things to do, and don’t leave out a trip to Sarasota. As always, defensive driving skills is a must!
Pretty good hockey team too!!!
We have the BEST hockey team..............................."GO BOLTS"
I'm a snowbird for the first time this winter in Tampa and I apologize for my less-than-speed-limit driving LOL. Freeway driving here is rough!
Aw you were in Tampa, would’ve been dope to meet you and your family I’ve been watching for years haha
I was born and raised in Tampa, and this all checks out
#1 beach rule: Don't leave your garbage on the beach. Pick up after yourselves.
20+ years in Tampa, this man is spot on
Did you manage to visit plant city while you were there? That’s my home town, and parksdale has some of the best strawberry shakes around!
Born and raised. It can be raining on one side of the street and sunny on the other. Or rain when it sunny out in general.