Everything RVers Need to Know About Florida's Pirate Festival Gasparilla

 

Are you an RVer who headed to south Florida for the winter? Perhaps you're en route now or looking for a reason to go. To those travelers seeking warmer days, Tampa is calling all RVers to its annual (and very famous) pirate festival, Gasparilla. Since 1904 Tampa has hosted an array of pirate events ranging from parades to a monumental fireworks show, live music at street fest and more. The event is free to all participants and is rich in history. Come learn about the legendary pirate Jose Gaspar and join in this festive community event in January 2020. Check out details on the festival below.

 


All photography: Visittampabay.com

 

WHAT IS GASPARILLA?
Legend has it, Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar terrorized the coastal West Florida during the late 18th and 19th century. He was revered as the "last of the Buccaneers." The story remains that when he died, he left his buried treasure along the Florida coast, a fortune that has yet to be found.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND THE FESTIVAL?
It is reported that in 2019 around 500,000 people attended the pirate festival.

HOW MANY EVENTS ARE THERE?
There are a number of events during Gasparilla that the community can attend. January 25th pans out as an interactive play of sorts. With the Captain and his buccaneers riding in across the waters of Hillsborough Bay to invade and take over the City of Tampa around 11:30 AM, you can watch the Gasparilla Invasion unfold right before your very eyes through out the day! The annual reenactment will have you on your toes. From Tampa's mayor surrounding the Key to the City to a pirate victory celebration, you won't want to miss a moment of the action. Check out the details below to make sure you're not missing any part of the event!

 



 

GASPARILLA INVASION
This is where it all begins. Watch the Captain invade Tampa with your own eyes!
When: January 25, 2020
Where: Starts at Seddon Channel and ends at the docks of the Tampa Convention Center
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

GASPARILLA PARADE OF PIRATES Presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla
Details: "To celebrate the capture of the City of Tampa, the Captain and his Krewe share their wealth - glittering beads, treasures and doubloons - with a lively and enthusiastic crowds along the 4.5 mile parade route." - Gasparilla Pirate Festival
When: January 25, 2020
Where: Parade begins at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard. It continues along Bayshore Boulevard to Brorein Street, turns east on Brorein Street, then north on Ashely Drive, ending at Cass Street and Ashley Drive.
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM

PIRATE FEST 2020
Enjoy live music throughout the day along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. The music lineup will be released here in mid-January.

 



 

ARE THERE ANY CHILDREN'S EVENTS?
Details: Yes! The Children's Gasparilla Parade has been celebrated since 1947. The amazing parade includes over 100 units ranging from krewes to marching bands, primary and secondary school organizations and more.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2020
Where: Bayshore Boulevard
Time: 3:30 PM - 6 PM
Bonus: If you're looking to see some a firework extravaganza, stick around after the parade!

LA MESA RV STORES IN FLORIDA
Looking for a La Mesa RV in Florida? You're in luck! We've got three locations across the south. Check them out below.

LA MESA RV FT. MYERS
Address: 9650 Kelly Tractor Drive | Ft. Myers, Florida 33905
Details: Known for our selection of pre-owned diesel pushers with everyday low prices and bonus, Ft. Myers is pet friendly!
Service Department: To make a service appointment click here.

LA MESA RV ORLANDO
Address: 4441 Orange Boulevard | Sanford, Florida 32771
Details: Our only Florida location that currently offers new Tiffin Motorhomes and Grand Design fifth wheels.
Service Department: To make a service appointment click here .

LA MESA RV PORT ST. LUCIE
Address: 8650 North West LTC Parkway | Port. St. Lucie, Florida 34986
Details: Features La Mesa RV's only innovative custom paint and body shop as well as an indoor air conditioned show room.
Service Department: To make a service appointment click here.

 



 

RV RESORTS AND CAMPGROUNDS IN AND NEAR TAMPA
Looking for a place to park your camper while attending the festivities? Check out our list of campgrounds in south Florida to book your stay before you get on the road.

Bay Bayou RV Resort
Details: Premier waterfront resort on Double Branch Creek with a quick drive to Gulf beaches.
Address: 8492 Manatee Bay Drive | Tampa, FL 33635
Daily Rate: $48 - $90
Pet Friendly: Yes
Full-Hook Up: Yes

PSL Village
Details: PSL Village is located on the Florida's treasure coast and surrounded by tons of attractions including fine dining, shopping and coastal activities.
Address: 3600 SE Mariposa Ave | Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952
Daily Rate: $41
Pet Friendly: Yes
Full-Hook Up: Yes

Treasure Coast RV Resort
Details: This independently owned Florida RV Resort is located one-mile off the interstate and provides easy access with the tranquility of a small lake on a beautiful property.
Address: 2550 Crossroads Parkway | Fort Pierce, FL 34945
Daily Rate: $57 + tax
Pet Friendly: Yes
Full-Hook Up: Yes

Want to know what's in store for our La Mesa RV family in 2020? Check out our recent posting featuring LMRV 2020 Events, Rallies, New RVs, Manufacturers and More.