Sam Rkaina

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When you think of places to visit in Florida, there’s probably one that immediately springs to mind – Orlando. From Disney to Universal, the city is synonymous with the Sunshine State, perhaps even more so than Miami. But what if you’re tired of roller coasters and fancy a destination that has something to offer beyond theme parks?

With a growing food scene, diverse neighbourhoods and a striking waterfront area, Tampa may well be the place for you.

Norwegian has this week launched its first direct flights to the city known as The Big Guava.

In a little under nine hours from London, you could be basking in 30C heat as late as October.

A population of around 370,000 people (three million in the Tampa Bay area) makes this appealing city more manageable than many of the American big hitters, and unlike a lot of US cities – Orlando, for example – you can get about easily on foot.

To this end, you might want to start your visit with one of the city’s most appealing features – the Tampa Riverwalk.

Some 40 years in the making, the walkway follows the route of the Hillsborough River for 2.4 miles.

Apart from being a pleasant pedestrian and cycling route, it is peppered with restaurants, bars, art galleries and other pitstops as it connects many of the city’s key cultural and entertainment venues.

If you don’t fancy a stroll, there are a number of other enjoyable ways to traverse the water, including Pirate Water Taxis and even paddleboarding.

Urban Kai Paddleboarding offers a number of locations. You can board in the city along the Hillsborough itself or just out of town in an idyllic spot in Tampa Bay (urbankai.com, 1hr lessons $50pp).

Also along the riverwalk route, you’ll find the impressive Tampa Museum of Art and Heights Public Market, a warehouse full of more than a dozen local food sellers that’s become a lively community hub.

Indeed, you certainly won’t go