Before the Outback Bowl game starts New Year's Day, what will students be doing with all that free time in Tampa?

Besides being home to the Outback Bowl, Tampa boasts having the best beaches and the largest roller coaster in the state of Florida.

"We always brag about how we live in a place where people come for a week," said Mike Schulze, director of communications and sponsorship for the Outback Bowl. "We are very privileged."

With more than 30 miles of beaches, there's no excuse not to be a beach bum -- unless you forgot your bathing suit.

And while a couple days of taking in the sights and spending the day in sun may wear out even the most adventurous, the nightlife and New Year's plans present plenty of reasons to go out on the town.

Put On Your Shades, Day Tripper

Ybor City, about six miles from Raymond James Stadium

Those who live and work in the area (pronounced e-bore) describe this historical community as a mini-New Orleans. Best known for its history in the cigar manufacturing industry and its Spanish roots, Ybor City has much to offer. Visitors can still experience the community's cigar history at the Ybor Musuem and more than five different cigar-handling shops on 7th Avenue, Main Street.

Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive

Take a walk under the sea at the largest aquarium in the state of Florida. Visitors can walk with African black-footed penguins or take a swim with fish. If you are really adventurous and are certified in scuba diving, you can swim with sharks. Hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $17.95, admission for seniors is $14.95 and admission for children under 12 is $12.95.

Channelside, downtown Tampa

A one-stop for shopping, restaurants and bars. The area is notorious for its night scene, targeting the 18- to 28-year-old crowd with various restaurants and bars.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 40th Street/McKinley Ave.

Best known for the largest roller coaster in the state of Florida, the park is a mix of amusement park and Disney's Animal Kingdom. The park is usually open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Buy tickets at the gate $61.95 for adults and $51.95 for children. Busch Gardens Team Outing will take place on Dec. 28.

Don't Forget Your
Bathing Suit

General Beach Information

While some beach-goers from this area may be more familiar with purchasing beach tags to spend a day on the beach, no beach tags are required on Tampa Bay Beaches. Those who want to park close to the beach can use pay-to-park meters where they can pay about $1 for three hours, or they can use meter parking for a couple of quarters. There are free parking spaces outside of metered areas, but they are farther away from the beaches.

Clearwater Beach

The beach, which offers plenty of space to lounge out and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, is the most popular for the college-age crowd. The Outback Bowl Beach Day will take place Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Clearwater Hotel. Both of the college marching bands will play and cheerleaders will participate in a tug-of-war competition.

Fort De Soto

This area is considered more secluded than Clearwater. It's one of the largest parks in the area and includes beaches, campgrounds and fishing piers.

For more beaches in the area go to www.floridasbeach.com.

Spice Up Your Night

Ybor City

Showcasing its rich culture by day, Ybor City turns into an entertainment district by night. Popular favorites include Coyote Ugly Saloon, 1722 East 7th Ave., and Green Iguana Bar and Grill, 1708 E. 7th Ave. Beer fans can fulfill their taste buds at the Ybor City Brewing Company, 2205 North 20th Street, which features Moose Killers.

Channelside

If you want a mix of top-40 music, live music and a Spanish flair, this is the place to be. Favorite hot spots in The Shops of Channelside include Banana Joe's, Stump's Stopper Club, Tina Toppa's, Margarita Mama's and Hooters.

Satisfy Your Taste Buds

Average price for an entrée: $ =10, $$ = 20, $$$ = 30

Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City, Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg

More than 100 years old, Columbia Restaurant has the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the state of Florida and the largest Spanish/Cuban restaurant in the country. $$ - $$$

Bern's Steak House, 1208 S. Howard Ave.

Make sure you make your reservations early, steak lovers -- the steakhouse is a favorite local hotspot. The steakhouse offers restaurant tours and includes a room solely reserved for featuring desserts upstairs. Bern's also has a large caviar menu. $$$ +

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Clearwater Beach

Take a break from the sun and head over to the local burger chain located right on the beach. Besides flipping burgers, their She Crab soup is a local favorite. $

Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, St. Petersburg

The eatery is considered a local icon. Guests can watch the sunset as they eat grouper sandwiches and listen to live music. $- $$

Dale Mabry Highway leading to Raymond James Stadium

When you can't figure out what to eat, take a couple of trips up and down this boulevard. Restaurants include Chili's and Johnny Greenos.

Ring in the New Year Tampa-style Dec. 31

TECO Energy Parade and Band Blast, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Seventh Avenue in Ybor City

The annual event will feature both college marching bands and cheerleaders.

Light Up Tampa Bay, Channelside and the Florida Aquarium

Before the ball drops, visitors can explore the various restaurants and bars and enjoy live music and fireworks.

St. Petersburg First Night, 2 p.m. to midnight, St. Petersburg

The 14th annual event will feature 33 stages of music entertainment, ranging from Bluegrass to Cuban to Brazilian music, along with two fireworks shows. Churches and museums will be open to the public, and bars and restaurants will be serving all night long.