If in case you have a free weekend in Tampa, it’s essential plan your time rigorously. There’s so much to see and do in Tampa, you actually don’t wish to miss any of the good things. Fortunately, you’re in the fitting 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 all the things. I’ve visited Tampa numerous instances, and I nonetheless don’t consider I’ve exhausted all corners of the town. However, a weekend break in Tampa will present you a few 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 snug footwear, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart filled with reminiscences by the top. You’ll additionally get to attempt a few of the most scrumptious meals round.
Weekend in Tampa (2-Day Itinerary)
That can assist you get probably the most out of your time, I’ve devised a 2-day itinerary for Tampa. It will present you a few of my favourite components of the town with out sporting you out within the course of. Nonetheless, it’s vital 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 may be giant. If you can hire a car, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that offers you the proper first glimpse into this excellent vacation spot. The one query is while you’ll return.
Day 1 in Tampa
Your weekend in Tampa is about to start, so get these snug strolling footwear on and put together for a whirlwind day and evening. Let’s begin in Downtown – the center and soul of the town.
Day 1: Morning
They are saying that breakfast is crucial meal of the day, so naturally, that’s the place we’ll begin. One in every 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 giant 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, filled with views, parks, eateries, and outlets. It’s a good way to get your bearings and absorb the colourful ambiance of the town; in truth, you’ll be able to’t do Tampa in two days with out beginning right here.
Subsequent, it’s time to discover historical past on the fascinating Tampa Bay History Center. Filled with interactive reveals and occasions all year long, you’ll be able to study 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 City and making an attempt the well-known Cuban sandwich, however earlier than that, it’s time to eat and stroll. The Ybor City Food Walking Tour is certainly one of my favourite issues to do, and for 3 hours, you’ll snack and be taught on the go. A useful information offers you the low-down on Ybor Metropolis itself and its distinctive historical past.
As soon as your tour has completed, spend a little bit extra time exploring the colourful cigar outlets. Your information could 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 an incredible photograph 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 it’s essential do: pattern the Cuban sandwich. You should still be full, however you want to do that, it’s a ceremony of passage in Tampa. Your vacation spot is among the best restaurants 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 bounce 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 buddies, it’s a must-do; I didn’t see any ghosts, however I actually loved it. See more ghost tours in Tampa here.
To complete off the night, head to certainly one of Downtown’s well-known craft beer spots. The Wicked Pour is certainly one of 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 regionally brewed choice, all with somewhat amusing names.
After that, it’s time to stumble again to your lodge, as your first day is full. Your ft could also be throbbing, however you’ve lined some severe floor and also you’ll definitely sleep properly.
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 now, 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 produced from scratch. The selfmade chocolate croissant is divine, however the Grand Slam breakfast will fill you up till properly into the afternoon. I’d advocate taking a few 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 Beach, {one of the} best beaches in Tampa. You may both select to spend a couple of hours swimming and sunbathing, or you’ll be able to take my recommendation and be a part of this 2-Hour Speedboat Adventure. You’re positive to get your adrenaline pumping, the view is breathtaking, and also you would possibly even see dolphins.
All of that contemporary sea air could have made you hungry, so head to Rick’s Reef for a light-weight lunch. I really like the chilled-out really feel of this place, they usually serve nice espresso. The gator bites are additionally scrumptious, in addition to their crab cake sandwich.
Day 2: Afternoon
Bounce again into the automotive and head again over to Tampa, the place you’re going to go to the Big Cat Rescue Sanctuary. This place actually opened my eyes, and I discovered a lot about rescuing and caring for sick and orphaned large cats. Take a tour with a information and be taught extra about their unbelievable rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen quite a bit to date throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not finished 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 fantastically 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 it’s essential really feel contemporary 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 buddies, it’s going to be a busy one.
I recommend beginning your closing night in Tampa aboard a tiki boat! Hop on a tiki boat and revel in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. It’s also possible to select to do that later within the night, and even throughout the day. Find out details here.
For meals, head to Ulele -one of the preferred restaurants in Tampa. The menu is filled with 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 may 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 verify what’s on earlier than you go to so that you don’t miss out.
Filled with tradition and able to get pleasure from the remainder of the night, CW’s Gin Joint is your closing 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 here are like nothing you’ve tried earlier than and the reside jazz is unbelievable.
The right way to Get to Tampa
The simplest and hottest option to get to Tampa from wherever outdoors of Florida is to fly. Tampa International 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 frequently, or you’ll be able to take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
For those who’re touring from Orlando, you’ll be able to both drive through the I-4W, take the Greyhound bus (1 hour 40 minutes), or the prepare, which is able to take simply over 2 hours. Click here for bus information, and click here for train information. Exploring each Orlando and Tampa is a superb thought in my view.
After all, a weekend break in Tampa is a brief period of time, so it’s advisable to hire a car if potential. You are able to do this from the airport while you arrive, or you’ll be able to go to any main automotive rent retailer within the metropolis, comparable to Enterprise, Sixt, or Alamo. You’ll want a full, clear driving license, and a bank card. Click here to search for the very best value on rental automobiles.
I get pleasure from strolling round Tampa as a lot as potential and whereas some points of interest aren’t walkable, Downtown and Channelside are simply related, even so far as Ybor Metropolis. The native bus community can be very straightforward to make use of, or you’ll be able to alternatively use Uber or Lyft. Click here for bus information.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Tampa
In your two-day journey to Tampa, you’re going to want a central place to remain, and several other neighborhoods match the invoice. Channelside and Downtown are the best locations for a brief weekend break, however Ybor Metropolis can be an incredible 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 energetic, 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 high decide and boasts a unbelievable restaurant.
Channelside: For those who’d somewhat not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the proper place to remain. You may stroll immediately onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally residence to many upmarket inns, supplying you with an opportunity at full R&R. I completely loved my keep at Le Meridien Tampa.
Ybor Metropolis: An important 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 will even get pleasure from this a part of the town. Hotel Haya is very really useful.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to Tampa
With simply two days in Tampa, you’re going to want some insider data to assist your journey go as easily as potential. I’ve received 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 type: I can’t emphasize this sufficient. Certain, you wish to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and meaning it’s essential transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go along with snug footwear and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automotive if potential: I discussed this a little bit earlier, however it’s such an vital level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you have got for those who rent a car 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 will probably add pointless stress to your day. Alternatively, go along with Uber/Lyft, or common taxis.
3. Plan your go to on the proper time of 12 months: Tampa is an all-year-round metropolis, however if you wish to keep away from potential hurricanes and crowds, it’s a good suggestion to search out out when’s finest so that you can go to. I benefit from the months between January to Could because the climate is gentle, a lot is occurring, but it’s potential to get an incredible deal on a lodge.
For those who go to between June to November, there’s the potential for poor climate attributable to hurricanes, though don’t let that fully dictate your selection. Discover out extra in our submit on the best time to visit Tampa.
4. Keep in mind solar safety: I’m supplying 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 could have walk-in tables obtainable, 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 potential, it’s finest to keep away from public holidays. At these instances, the town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily troublesome. You’ll additionally see queues for the preferred points of interest, which is able to 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 stunning however terrifying all on the similar 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 would 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 frivolously; there are some unbelievable buying alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll wish to save area on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Cross: The Riverwalk Attraction Cross permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s high spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s definitely value wanting into when you have your coronary heart set on any explicit sights whereas decreasing queueing time too. Click here for details.
10. Take guided excursions wherever potential: Tampa has lots of hidden historical past and tradition, and one of the simplest ways to study all of it is through a educated information. After all, you’ll be able to discover by yourself steam, however a information will enrich your go to to an entire new degree. For those who loved your expertise, keep in mind to tip: round 20% is at all times a superb rule of thumb. Click here for tours.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed here are some solutions to ceaselessly requested questions on a weekend getaway in Tampa, FL:
A weekend in Tampa is a brief period of time, however it’s potential to get a style of the town in that point. By basing your self centrally, e.g. in Downtown or Channeside, you’ll have the ability to see extra, together with the well-known Riverwalk.
A combination 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 potential to see quite a bit for those who’re organized together with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however definitely not sufficient to see all the things the 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 lower down on touring time. There are numerous inns in each areas.
A rigorously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa gained’t break the financial institution. It is dependent upon what you wish to see, however you’ll be able to tailor your go to to any finances.
November is an efficient 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 aspect, July is extraordinarily sizzling.
Riverwalk is among the finest issues to do while you spend the weekend in Tampa. You may stroll, discover, and see quite a bit 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 is dependent 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 a lot for {couples} to do in Tampa. Meals excursions, the Riverwalk, spending time at a surprising Tampa Bay seaside, having fun with the sundown, and wonderful nightlife are all on provide.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you quite a lot of days in Clearwater, nevertheless, Clearwater Beach is palms down the most effective in Tampa Bay. In the end, Tampa itself has much more occurring 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 all the things. However a weekend is best than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this energetic metropolis.
A great tip is to rent a automotive; that means you don’t waste time ready for buses or strolling. Don’t be scared of driving in Tampa, (if I can do it, anybody can!). And ultimately, you’ll be pleased about how a lot you get to expertise throughout your action-packed weekend.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a romantic break, a fun-filled time with buddies, or one thing else totally, you’ll discover it in Tampa. This can be a metropolis that frequently surprises me in the absolute best means, even in spite of everything these years.
