You probably have a free weekend in Tampa, you might want to plan your time fastidiously. There’s a lot to see and do in Tampa, you actually don’t wish to miss any of the good things. Fortunately, you’re in the best place; this 2-day itinerary will present you the highlights and whet your urge for food for extra.
Many individuals ask if 2 days in Tampa is sufficient, and whereas I feel it’s, you’re not going to see every thing. I’ve visited Tampa numerous instances, and I nonetheless don’t consider I’ve exhausted all corners of town. However, a weekend break in Tampa will present you a number of the finest bits, and will definitely put a smile in your face.
For a weekend away, you’d wrestle to discover a higher place. You’ll want comfy sneakers, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart filled with recollections by the tip. You’ll additionally get to attempt a number of the most scrumptious meals round.
Weekend in Tampa (2-Day Itinerary)
That will help you get essentially the most out of your time, I’ve devised a 2-day itinerary for Tampa. This may present you a few of my favourite elements of town with out carrying you out within the course of. Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that if you wish to see extra, you’ll merely have to return.
This metropolis is large, and distances between sights will be massive. In the event you can rent a automotive, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that gives you the proper first glimpse into this glorious vacation spot. The one query is once you’ll return.
Day 1 in Tampa
Your weekend in Tampa is about to start, so get these comfy strolling sneakers on and put together for a whirlwind day and evening. Let’s begin in Downtown – the guts and soul of town.
Day 1: Morning
They are saying that breakfast is an important meal of the day, so naturally, that’s the place we’ll begin. Considered one of my favourite spots in Downtown is the aptly named Tampa Breakfast. The Portobello mushroom tower is a favourite of mine, however the menu is massive and fairly priced, with unbelievable espresso, (you’ll want the caffeine for the day forward!).
When you’re fueled up, it’s time to wander down Riverwalk. This can be a promenade that goes for two.4 miles, full of views, parks, eateries, and outlets. It’s a good way to get your bearings and absorb the colourful ambiance of town; in actual fact, you may’t do Tampa in two days with out beginning right here.
Subsequent, it’s time to discover historical past on the fascinating Tampa Bay Historical past Heart. Filled with interactive reveals and occasions all year long, you may find out about days passed by. By this level, you’ll be hungry and prepared for lunch.
Day 1: Afternoon
No weekend in Tampa can be full with out hitting Ybor Metropolis and making an attempt the well-known Cuban sandwich, however earlier than that, it’s time to eat and stroll. The Ybor Metropolis Meals Strolling Tour is one in all my favourite issues to do, and for 3 hours, you’ll snack and study on the go. A useful information gives you the low-down on Ybor Metropolis itself and its distinctive historical past.
As soon as your tour has completed, spend just a little extra time exploring the colourful cigar outlets. Your information may have informed you that this was as soon as the Cigar Capital of the World, and there are nonetheless many outlets to go to and buy your personal Cuban cigars. Even for those who aren’t a smoker, it’s a terrific picture alternative and an opportunity to seize a present for somebody again residence.
Earlier than you head again to your lodge to dress for the night, there’s one factor you might want to do: pattern the Cuban sandwich. You should still be full, however you want to do this, it’s a ceremony of passage in Tampa. Your vacation spot is among the finest eating places in Tampa, the well-known Columbia Restaurant. Locals flock right here, so you understand it’s good.
Day 1: Night
By this level you’re unlikely to be hungry in any respect, so let’s forgo dinner and soar straight into night leisure. A very enjoyable factor to do is the Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour. It takes only one hour, and for those who’re spending the weekend in Tampa with mates, it’s a must-do; I didn’t see any ghosts, however I actually loved it. See extra ghost excursions in Tampa right here.
To complete off the night, head to one in all Downtown’s well-known craft beer spots. The Depraved Pour is one in all my favourite bars in Tampa, and you’ll even pour your personal beer from an enormous vary. Alternatively, The Pint & Brew is the best place for craft beer followers, with a large domestically brewed choice, all with quite amusing names.
After that, it’s time to stumble again to your lodge, as your first day is full. Your toes could also be throbbing, however you’ve lined some severe floor and also you’ll definitely sleep nicely.
Day 2 in Tampa
It’s now the second day of your weekend away in Tampa, and it’s time to pack much more into your time. Right this moment, you’re going to start out with a brief outing, earlier than returning to Downtown to complete off your 2 day break.
Day 2: Morning
First issues first, it’s time to eat. Samaria Cafe in Downtown is one other of my common breakfast haunts, with scrumptious sandwiches created from scratch. The do-it-yourself chocolate croissant is divine, however the Grand Slam breakfast will fill you up till nicely into the afternoon. I’d advocate taking a number of the croissants for later — you don’t wish to miss them.
Subsequent up in your 2-day journey to Tampa, we’re going to leap within the automotive (or taxi) and drive for 40 minutes to St. Pete Seaside, {one of the} finest seashores in Tampa. You’ll be able to both select to spend a couple of hours swimming and sunbathing, or you may take my recommendation and be part of this 2-Hour Speedboat Journey. You’re positive to get your adrenaline pumping, the view is breathtaking, and also you may even see dolphins.
All of that recent sea air may have made you hungry, so head to Rick’s Reef for a light-weight lunch. I like the chilled-out really feel of this place, and so they serve nice espresso. The gator bites are additionally scrumptious, in addition to their crab cake sandwich.
Day 2: Afternoon
Leap again into the automotive and head again over to Tampa, the place you’re going to go to the Huge Cat Rescue Sanctuary. This place actually opened my eyes, and I realized a lot about rescuing and caring for sick and orphaned huge cats. Take a tour with a information and study extra about their unbelievable rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen lots to this point throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not achieved but. Subsequent up is the Henry B Plant Museum again over in Downtown. The primary time I visited right here, I used to be shocked at how a lot historical past there’s within the native space, in addition to the earliest days of tourism. The constructing dates again to 1891 and is superbly preserved.
Spend a few hours exploring the museum and the encompassing streets, earlier than venturing again to your lodge. Tonight is your final evening, and you might want to really feel recent for all of the enjoyable you’re about to have.
Day 2: Night
Whether or not it’s a romantic weekend in Tampa otherwise you’re visiting with mates, it’s going to be a busy one.
I recommend beginning your last night in Tampa aboard a tiki boat! Hop on a tiki boat and luxuriate in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. You can too select to do that later within the night, and even throughout the day. Discover out particulars right here.
For meals, head to Ulele -one of the most well-liked eating places in Tampa. The menu is full of dishes impressed by meals from the native space, all cooked on an enormous grill; I extremely advocate the tocobaga tuna and the fire-roasted rooster.
When you’re full and able to go, make a journey to Tampa Theater. You’ll be able to catch a present or just discover the constructing, which dates again to 1926. There are lots of occasions held right here all year long, so test what’s on earlier than you go to so that you don’t miss out.
Stuffed with tradition and able to get pleasure from the remainder of the night, CW’s Gin Joint is your last vacation spot. It’s a good suggestion to order a desk beforehand as this spot will get very busy – when you see the opulence inside, you’ll perceive why. It’s not all about gin both, because the cocktails listed below are like nothing you’ve tried earlier than and the reside jazz is unbelievable.
Find out how to Get to Tampa
The best and hottest technique to get to Tampa from wherever outdoors of Florida is to fly. Tampa Worldwide Airport is large and serves all main home airways in the US, in addition to internationally.
As soon as on the airport, it’s very straightforward to get to Downtown and past; the Line 30 bus serves the airport and all main neighborhoods often, or you may take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
In the event you’re touring from Orlando, you may both drive by way of the I-4W, take the Greyhound bus (1 hour 40 minutes), or the prepare, which can take simply over 2 hours. Click on right here for bus info, and click on right here for prepare info. Exploring each Orlando and Tampa is a superb concept in my view.
After all, a weekend break in Tampa is a brief period of time, so it’s advisable to rent a automotive if attainable. You are able to do this from the airport once you arrive, or you may go to any main automotive rent retailer within the metropolis, resembling Enterprise, Sixt, or Alamo. You’ll want a full, clear driving license, and a bank card. Click on right here to go looking for the very best worth on rental vehicles.
I get pleasure from strolling round Tampa as a lot as attainable and whereas some points of interest aren’t walkable, Downtown and Channelside are simply linked, even so far as Ybor Metropolis. The native bus community can also be very straightforward to make use of, or you may alternatively use Uber or Lyft. Click on right here for bus info.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Tampa
In your two-day journey to Tampa, you’re going to wish a central place to remain, and several other neighborhoods match the invoice. Channelside and Downtown are the simplest locations for a brief weekend break, however Ybor Metropolis can also be a terrific choice. Right here’s the place to remain in Tampa for a weekend away:
Downtown Tampa: For a weekend in Tampa, I’d advocate Downtown. It’s a full of life, busy space however it’s extraordinarily central and gives nice nightlife with unbelievable gastronomy. A lot of the metropolis’s main sights are very straightforward to achieve from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a prime choose and boasts a unbelievable restaurant.
Channelside: In the event you’d quite not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the proper place to remain. You’ll be able to stroll instantly onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally residence to many upmarket motels, providing you with an opportunity at full R&R. I completely loved my keep at Le Meridien Tampa.
Ybor Metropolis: An incredible base for a weekend getaway in Tampa is Ybor Metropolis – a foodie’s dream. There’s nice nightlife right here, though barely much less frenetic than Downtown, and it’s definitely cheaper. Historical past followers may also get pleasure from this a part of town. Lodge Haya is extremely really useful.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to Tampa
With simply two days in Tampa, you’re going to wish some insider info to assist your journey go as easily as attainable. I’ve bought loads of expertise in visiting this metropolis, so let me impart a few of my gems of knowledge to you:
1. Gown for consolation, not model: I can’t emphasize this sufficient. Certain, you wish to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and meaning you might want to transfer shortly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go together with comfy sneakers and clothes that will help you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automotive if attainable: I discussed this just a little earlier, however it’s such an essential level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you could have for those who lease a automotive in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa could be very straightforward; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a peaceful expertise. Whereas public transport is sweet, it might not at all times run to schedule, and it might probably add pointless stress to your day. Alternatively, go together with Uber/Lyft, or common taxis.
3. Plan your go to on the proper time of yr: Tampa is an all-year-round metropolis, however if you wish to keep away from attainable hurricanes and crowds, it’s a good suggestion to seek out out when’s finest so that you can go to. I benefit from the months between January to Could because the climate is delicate, loads is happening, but it’s attainable to get a terrific deal on a lodge.
In the event you go to between June to November, there’s the potential for poor climate as a consequence of hurricanes, though don’t let that fully dictate your alternative. Discover out extra in our publish on the finest time to go to Tampa.
4. Keep in mind solar safety: I’m providing you with this tip from private expertise as a result of I don’t need your weekend journey to Tampa to be ruined by sunburn. Merely strolling round within the solar is sufficient to get burnt, so at all times put on solar safety, carry a bottle of water, and put on a hat. It’s higher to be ready. Secure not sorry and all that!
5. Reserve tables at eating places: A number of the extra laid-back eating places may have walk-in tables accessible, however if you wish to go to a top-class spot, I like to recommend you name the day earlier than and reserve a desk. You don’t wish to have your coronary heart set on an eatery, solely to have your 48 hours in Tampa ruined by lack of availability.
6. Keep away from public holidays: If you wish to see as a lot as attainable, it’s finest to keep away from public holidays. At these instances, town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily tough. You’ll additionally see queues for the most well-liked points of interest, which can maintain up your time and trigger you to overlook out.
7. Keep away from the lightning: The primary time I noticed Tampa lightning I used to be shocked; it was one way or the other lovely however terrifying all on the identical time. Lightning storms are frequent throughout the entire of Florida; for those who see any, don’t panic, simply go inside a restaurant, bar, or museum, and by the point you come out, it is going to have gone. Don’t be tempted to say outdoors and take footage, particularly for those who’re in an open area.
8. Layers are your good friend: It’s by no means that chilly in Tampa, even throughout its so-called ‘winter’, however you’ll want a jacket within the evenings outdoors of July and August. Take layers and pack evenly; there are some unbelievable purchasing alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll wish to save area on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Move: The Riverwalk Attraction Move permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s definitely price trying into if in case you have your coronary heart set on any specific sights whereas decreasing queueing time too. Click on right here for particulars.
10. Take guided excursions wherever attainable: Tampa has plenty of hidden historical past and tradition, and the easiest way to find out about all of it is by way of a educated information. After all, you may discover by yourself steam, however a information will enrich your go to to an entire new degree. In the event you loved your expertise, bear in mind to tip: round 20% is at all times a great rule of thumb. Click on right here for excursions.
FAQs A couple of Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed here are some solutions to incessantly requested questions on a weekend getaway in Tampa, FL:
A weekend in Tampa is a brief period of time, however it’s attainable to get a style of town in that point. By basing your self centrally, e.g. in Downtown or Channeside, you’ll be capable of see extra, together with the well-known Riverwalk.
A mix of nature, meals, nightlife, historical past, and tradition is the very best place to start out. A weekend in Tampa will probably be fast-paced and tiring, however it’s attainable to see lots for those who’re organized along with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however definitely not sufficient to see every thing town has to supply. See it as a taster after which go to once more at a later date.
Downtown or Channelside are the very best locations to remain for those who solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and minimize down on touring time. There are numerous motels in each areas.
A fastidiously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa received’t break the financial institution. It depends upon what you wish to see, however you may tailor your go to to any price range.
November is an effective time to go to Tampa. At this level, the hurricane season is coming to an finish, and the climate is heat, with out being overwhelming. There’s additionally much less humidity to have an effect on your go to. On the flip facet, July is extraordinarily scorching.
Riverwalk is among the finest issues to do once you spend the weekend in Tampa. You’ll be able to stroll, discover, and see lots in a brief period of time, and it doesn’t value something until you go inside an attraction or restaurant.
Each Tampa and Miami are unbelievable locations to go to in their very own proper, and it depends upon what you wish to see and do. Whereas Miami is primarily about nightlife, Tampa gives extra for households and is an all-rounder kind of vacation spot.
There’s loads for {couples} to do in Tampa. Meals excursions, the Riverwalk, spending time at a shocking Tampa Bay seashore, having fun with the sundown, and wonderful nightlife are all on supply.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you various days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Seaside is palms down probably the greatest in Tampa Bay. In the end, Tampa itself has much more happening and extra number of actions.
Take pleasure in Your Weekend Journey to Tampa
I’m not going to lie, a weekend in Tampa is a brief period of time to discover this vibrant metropolis. There’s a lot to see and try this even per week would problem you to see every thing. However a weekend is best than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this full of life metropolis.
A very good tip is to rent a automotive; that method you don’t waste time ready for buses or strolling. Don’t be frightened of driving in Tampa, (if I can do it, anybody can!). And in the long run, you’ll be pleased about how a lot you get to expertise throughout your action-packed weekend.
Whether or not you’re searching for a romantic break, a fun-filled time with mates, or one thing else totally, you’ll discover it in Tampa. This can be a metropolis that regularly surprises me in the very best method, even in spite of everything these years.
