I use to live out on Clearwater beach, and now live in Orlando. I have to say if you want to go to the beach Clearwater is the only one to consider. Also in the tampabay area is the Salvador Dali museum. It has the largest collection of his works. I'm not big into abstract art but the Salvador Dali museum is pretty cool. As mentioned before Busch Gargens is a must, crystal river springs is beautiful and there is a decient chance you will see some manatees, maybe even interact with them. If you are into airplanes there is a place called fantasy of flight. It is located about half way between Orlando and Tampa on I-4. They have a lot of cool planes.