Memorial Day is a time set aside to remember the sacrifices of the brave servicemen and women, who dedicated themselves to our Armed Forces and lost their lives in the process. We take this time to pause for reflection, remembering their sacrifices and understanding the freedom that we have because of them. Most people choose to spend Memorial Day with their loved ones around them and what better way to spend time with your loved ones than by hiring a boat in Tampa Bay and hitting the open water. Here are some great ideas to help you plan your day:
Visit the Tampa Bay Margarita and Music Festival
Sail your way through Tampa Bay until you reach Julian B Lane Riverfront Park where you will find a great open-air music festival for Memorial Day. There are a number of public docks available in the area, meaning that you can dock and head on foot to check out the live music and delicious food and drink offerings, exploring the different stages and stalls.
Spend Some Time At The Florida Aquarium
One of the best spots in Tampa is the Florida aquarium which is packed full of beautiful fish, coral reefs, and even penguins! Get up close and personal with some of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures in the stingray touch tank or have some fun with the family in the outdoor splash pad water area. Last year, on Memorial Day, the Aquarium offered free entry to anyone currently serving in the US armed forces, or any veterans as a way to thank them for their service. We expect them to do something similar this year so keep an eye on their website for details. Dock your boat near the aquarium and spend a couple of hours learning about the oceans around us – what a great way to spend the day!
Float Down the Hillsborough River Towards the Convention Center
One of the most beautiful places to go if you have chartered a boat for Memorial Day is along the Hillsborough River which moves through downtown Tampa. Downtown Tampa has a number of different events that run during Memorial Day that you can take in and absorb – spend your time floating down the river, taking in all that the day has to offer. Just make sure that you reach the Convention Center later on in the day to watch the beautiful fireworks display which reflects perfectly over the water – a great ending to a special day.
Remember the Reason We Take This Time…
While it is great to get some time off from work and spend it with your friends and family especially if you choose to spend it on a boat floating around the bay, it is important to not lose the meaning of Memorial Day. Take some time out of your day to reflect on the courageous efforts of those who stand in the face of danger to protect our nation’s freedoms – after all, that is what Memorial Day is all about.