A Dogs Life

Rent a canoe from Canoe Escape, located minutes from downtown Tampa. Take the whole family on a paddling adventure on the Hillsborough River that surrounds a 16,000 acre wildlife preserve. Pack a lunch and bring your camera to capture pictures of the alligators, snakes, turtles and birds you'll see on your adventure.

Hang out with a lizard at the Green Iguana. The funky nightlife hot spot brings the best local cover bands, high energy rock bands and DJ's spinning a mix of rock and hip hop. You'll find the crowd loves to hang out at the lakefront tiki bar and is always talking about a giant lizard guarding the door!

Tour a city built by dreamers and schemers at Ybor City Historic Walking Tours. You'll meet guide Lonnie Herman, spinner of tall tales about the city's shady past, colorful characters and sunny future. Tours depart weekdays, or by appointment, in front of the Vicente Martinez-Ybor statue at Centro Ybor.

Want to see a sea cow? Head over to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center. Stand on the observation platform to see hundreds of manatees swimming below, each weighing about 2000 pounds and measuring up to12 feet long. Afterwards, stroll down the 900 foot Tidal Walkway Nature Trail to see vibrant birds and animal life in their natural habitat.