Why Choose One of the Best Colleges in Tampa Florida
Saint Leo University is one of the premier colleges in Tampa. As one of the top universities in Florida, Saint Leo stands at a crossroads. We offer the best of all worlds: a friendly, small-town vibe that's just less than an hour from the vibrancy of downtown Tampa, our peaceful campus is surrounded by rolling green hills, dazzling palms, peaceful lakes, clear-water springs and all the entertainment, shopping and dining you'd expect from the state of Florida, one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Settle in and make yourself at home and find out what colleges in Tampa Florida are all about. When you're ready to explore, there's plenty of awesome stuff to see and do. Those experiences are highlighted below.
Benefits of Being One of the Leading Colleges in Tampa
5 minutes: Back Roads
Of all the universities in Tampa, Saint Leo offers the best of both worlds. Cosmopolitan culture and entertainment, and a friendly campus that feels like home. Head into nearby San Antonio for fish tacos, pork tamales and homemade chili at Pancho's Villa, or pick up a deli sandwich at the Jiffy Mart, or even grab a coffee at the shop on the corner. On the way back, stop at the local farm stand-open year-round for tree-fresh produce. The Abbey Tavern, adjacent to the Abbey Golf Course, does a killer buffalo chicken dip. Eddie's Roller Rink and the nearby motocross track offer some surprisingly fun old-school entertainment
10 minutes: Small Town
If small-town charm and hospitality are your thing, make sure to check out Historic Downtown Dade City, where classic architecture provides the backdrop for antique and vintage shops, clothing and jewelry boutiques, salons, spas, restaurants and cafés. Don't miss brunch at the Green Door on 8th, the kooky ambiance and fried alligator at Kafé Kokopelli, or main street's monthly First Friday live-music event (it's free). Pick up groceries and other necessities at Dade City's Winn-Dixie or Publix, or drive a few minutes south to Zephyrhills' Super Walmart, right by the movie theater and 32-lane bowling alley.
15-20 minutes: Shopping Central
Your one-stop-spot for retail, dining and nightlife, the Shops at Wiregrass is where you'll find department stores, a two-story Barnes & Noble, and shops from Hollister to Coach to GNC. Get your quick fix with frozen yogurt, soft pretzels and caramel lattes, or spend some time at restaurants including Moe's Southwest Grill, Yamato Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, Cantina Laredo, Pinchers Crab Shack, Grillsmith, Panera Bread and Red Robin. Night owls can enjoy late night food and beverage offerings at Primebar and The Brass Tap. Looking for something lower-key? The Applebee's on the way down to Wesley Chapel does half-off apps popular with Saint Leo's late-night crowd. More big-box shopping awaits at Grove at Wesley Chapel, which also features the Cobb Grove 16 Theatres where you can catch the hottest Hollywood blockbusters. Serious shoppers will enjoy the newest shopping destination, Tampa Premium Outlets, which features over 100 of the hottest brands in retail and an exceptional shopping experience. All of this just one or two exits south of Saint Leo!
30-45 minutes: Big City
In less than an hour you've got the entire city of Tampa at your fingertips. This means: internships, mentorships, and professional opportunities in one of the U.S.'s largest metropolitan areas. Also, you'll have opportunities to watch the sun set over the Bay; visit Busch Gardens theme park; enjoy historic Ybor City's all-night tastes, sights and sounds; catch major Broadway productions or operatic masterpieces at the Straz Center; browse Gucci, Burberry and Kate Spade at the high-end International Plaza mall; or try a hole-in-the wall Cuban, Ethiopian, Korean or Vietnamese eatery. And don't forget to root for Tampa Bay sports teams, including the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.
1 hour+: World-Class Entertainment
Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Clearwater and Saint Pete beaches. White sand, sunshine, jet skiing, parasailing, water biking. Mickey Mouse, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, CityWalk. Broadway shows at the Straz Center. Fishing off the pier. Camping under the stars. This is the Florida you've been dreaming about.