Whether you're on vacation or just taking a day trip, you're probably looking for excitement but one tourist attraction in Tampa has been rated one of the most boring in the world.
Usually when you're looking for something to do, boring isn't usually the goal. Not that I'm always looking for excitement, but if I'm wanting to get out and do something, I want to have a good time. Living in Fort Myers, usually my weekends are filled with beach days, kayaking, checking out festivals and happenings around town, maybe a trip to a local brewery. And while sitting on the beach doing nothing could be considered boring to some, give me a cold drink and a book, and it's very relaxing day to me. Boring to me would be an art museum, a drive on country roads with no destination in mind.
Maybe you're one not much for stimulation and if so, there's a tourist attraction in Tampa that has been rated one of the most boring in the world.
Tourist Attraction In Tampa Rated One Of The Most Boring In The World
When I think of the city of Tampa, I think big city excitement. I love taking day trips up there, whether it's to Busch Gardens, spending time on the Riverwalk, going to Ybor City, a sports game. There really is so much to do there. But Solitaried.com did a study looking at the most boring tourist attractions in the world and one in Tampa made the list. For the study, they looked at over 65 million Google reviews of popular tourist attractions around the world. Then they looked at how many mentions there were of words indicating it's boring.
Coming in at #7 on the list is Tampa's Museum of Science & Industry. On a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most boring, it was rated a 3.1. Other Florida tourist attractions that made the top 25 most boring list include:
19. Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science- Miami
21. Jungle Island- Miami
22. Skull Island: Reign of Kong- Orlando
23. Miami Seaquarium- Miami
To see the full list, click here
Florida has some amazing hotels, some of the best hotels in the USA, and I have been to many of them. Here in Estero I stayed at the Coconut Point Hyatt. In Naples I've been at both Ritz Carltons. The Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee has suites on the top floor that are just amazing.
Outside of Southwest Florida, my favorite in Orlando is The Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney. The place is so amazing you'll not even care if you make it to the park. I've stayed at the legendary Fontainebleau on Miami's South Beach, but I'd put them second behind the Junior Suites at W South Beach. That felt more like a luxury apartment that it did a hotel room.
So did any of those hotels make the top 25? No, they did not. Not that they aren't amazing in every way, but Florida is just on top of things when it comes to luxury accommodations. That's why they show up so often on these lists. As Zach Watson, senior travel editor at U.S. News states "The 2024 Best Hotels rankings offer travelers dependable options to stay for every type of trip, balancing location, amenities and quality service to ensure an enjoyable experience."
The Best Hotels in the USA
For the second year in a row, Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, takes the No. 1 spot, setting itself apart with its oceanfront pools, memorable dining and Mediterranean-inspired decor. The beautiful hotel is located on 4.5 beachfront acres in Miami’s Sunny Isles Beach. If you're planning on a stay, maybe check your finances first. The best price I could find for 2 adults was $1,599 a night. That's for a room that doesn't even face the ocean, but, as the website states, breakfast is included. Ok, I'm going to back off on judging that price too soon. The breakfast does look absolutely amazing.
Plus, I took a look ahead to see how much number 2 on the list is charging.
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida
The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida. A legendary Miami Beach-area hotel that offers guests stellar service and unique experiences at its world-class spa ranks No. 2. Now keep in mind, we are in full season here in Florida. These are going to be some of the most expensive rates of the year. That being said, I found an oceanfront room on booking.com for $2,720 a night. That view is incredible.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Always mentioned as one of the best hotels in the country, this Orlando resort takes the number 7 spot. Perhaps what's bringing it down a notch is the construction of a residential development nearby. I did see a "construction discount" on the price, so they're definitely aware of it. It's still a Four Seasons hotel, and it's still amazing.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Rounding out the top 10 of the list is the Faena Hotel. US News states "Rooms are decorated in a modern, South American style and come outfitted with sleek wooden furnishings and colorful accents." I did find a room for $1,140 a night, but spring for the extra and get the ocean view and a balcony. Because of the hotel's location, rates will also fluctuate based on events in the area.
The Setai Miami Beach
The Setai Miami Beach finds itself at number 11 on the list. If you enjoy the water, you're in luck. The hotel is not just on Miami Beach, but boasts three on-site infinity pools. I did find a room for $1,080 a night, but expect double that rate if you want the ocean view. This is the ocean view.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Down a few spots, to number 17, is The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. This resort, 10 miles north of South Beach has amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. And being a Marriott hotel, likely boast some of the cool tech like the W South Beach has like automated controls of the lights, blinds, and thermostat. Best price I could find was $1,299 a night but if you know someone who works for Marriott, ask them about the hotel's "friends and family" discount.
The Breakers Palm Beach
Finishing up their top 25 list, at number 25, is The Breakers Palm Beach, an Italian Renaissance-style resort on the coast. if you're looking for an active stay, this is where you'll find it. Two golf courses, four pools, and 10 Har-Tru tennis courts. If you'd rather relax, they have a private beach. So, if you want a top notch resort hotel on the Atlantic, but don't want Miami, here it is. There's also a lot of history, here. I did see Booking.com have a room for $1,290 a night. But again, I'm writing this in February, when rates are usually the highest.
The full list of 25 can be found here.