If in case you have a free weekend in Tampa, it is advisable plan your time rigorously. 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 proper 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 believe it’s, you’re not going to see every thing. I’ve visited Tampa numerous occasions, and I nonetheless don’t imagine I’ve exhausted all corners of town. However, a weekend break in Tampa will present you among 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 sneakers, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart stuffed with reminiscences by the top. You’ll additionally get to attempt among 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 can present you a few of my favourite components of town with out carrying you out within the course of. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to do not forget that if you wish to see extra, you’ll merely have to return.
This metropolis is large, and distances between sights might be giant. If you can hire a car, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that provides you with the proper first glimpse into this excellent 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 snug strolling sneakers on and put together for a whirlwind day and night time. Let’s begin in Downtown – the guts and soul of 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 among 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. It is a promenade that goes for two.4 miles, full of views, parks, eateries, and retailers. It’s an effective way to get your bearings and absorb the colourful ambiance of town; in actual fact, 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. Full of interactive reveals and occasions all year long, you’ll be able to find out about days passed by. By this level, you’ll be hungry and prepared for lunch.
Day 1: Afternoon
No weekend in Tampa could 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 study on the go. A useful information provides you with the low-down on Ybor Metropolis itself and its distinctive historical past.
As soon as your tour has completed, spend somewhat extra time exploring the colourful cigar retailers. Your information could have instructed you that this was as soon as the Cigar Capital of the World, and there are nonetheless many retailers to go to and buy your personal Cuban cigars. Even in case you aren’t a smoker, it’s an excellent 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 is advisable 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 without doubt one of the finest eating places in Tampa, the well-known Columbia Restaurant. Locals flock right here, so you already know 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 in case you’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 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 domestically brewed choice, all with reasonably 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 actually sleep effectively.
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. At this time, 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 constructed from scratch. The selfmade chocolate croissant is divine, however the Grand Slam breakfast will fill you up till effectively into the afternoon. I’d suggest taking among 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 automobile (or taxi) and drive for 40 minutes to St. Pete Beach, among the finest seashores in Tampa. You’ll be able to both select to spend just a few 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 may 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 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
Bounce again into the automobile 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 realized a lot about rescuing and caring for sick and orphaned large cats. Take a tour with a information and study extra about their unbelievable rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen loads up to now throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not accomplished 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 night time, and it is advisable 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 mates, it’s going to be a busy one.
I recommend beginning your ultimate night in Tampa aboard a tiki boat! Hop on a tiki boat and revel in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. You can too 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 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 suggest 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 numerous occasions held right here all year long, so examine 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 ultimate 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 stay jazz is unbelievable.
The best way to Get to Tampa
The best and hottest solution to get to Tampa from anyplace outdoors of Florida is to fly. Tampa International Airport is large and serves all main home airways within 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 commonly, or you’ll be able to take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
When you’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 practice, which can 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 for my part.
After all, a weekend break in Tampa is a brief period of time, so it’s advisable to hire a car if doable. You are able to do this from the airport once you arrive, or you’ll be able to go to any main automobile rent retailer within the metropolis, resembling Enterprise, Sixt, or Alamo. You’ll want a full, clear driving license, and a bank card. Click here to search for the most effective value on rental automobiles.
I get pleasure from strolling round Tampa as a lot as doable 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 also 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 wish a central place to remain, and a number of other neighborhoods match the invoice. Channelside and Downtown are the best locations for a brief weekend break, however Ybor Metropolis can also be an excellent choice. Right here’s the place to remain in Tampa for a weekend away:
Downtown Tampa: For a weekend in Tampa, I’d suggest Downtown. It’s a full of life, busy space nevertheless it’s extraordinarily central and affords nice nightlife with unbelievable gastronomy. Many 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: When you’d reasonably not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the proper place to remain. You’ll be able to stroll straight onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally residence to many upmarket resorts, supplying you with an opportunity at full R&R. I completely loved my keep at Le Meridien Tampa.
Ybor Metropolis: An awesome 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 actually cheaper. Historical past followers may even get pleasure from this a part of town. Hotel Haya is very really helpful.
Ideas 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 doable. I’ve bought loads of expertise in visiting this metropolis, so let me impart a few of my gems of knowledge to you:
1. Costume for consolation, not type: I can’t emphasize this sufficient. Positive, you wish to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and meaning it is advisable transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go together with snug sneakers and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automobile if doable: I discussed this somewhat earlier, nevertheless it’s such an necessary level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you may have in case you rent a car in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa may be very straightforward; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a relaxed expertise. Whereas public transport is nice, it might not all the time run to schedule, and it might 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 12 months: Tampa is an all-year-round metropolis, however if you wish to keep away from doable 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, loads is occurring, but it’s doable to get an excellent deal on a lodge.
When you go to between June to November, there’s the potential for poor climate as a result of hurricanes, though don’t let that utterly dictate your alternative. Discover out extra in our submit on the most effective time to go to 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 all the time put on solar safety, carry a bottle of water, and put on a hat. It’s higher to be ready. Protected 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 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 doable, it’s finest to keep away from public holidays. At these occasions, town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily troublesome. You’ll additionally see queues for the preferred 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 by some means stunning however terrifying all on the similar time. Lightning storms are frequent throughout the entire of Florida; in case you see any, don’t panic, simply go inside a restaurant, bar, or museum, and by the point you come out, it’s going to have gone. Don’t be tempted to say outdoors and take footage, particularly in case you’re in an open house.
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 calmly; there are some unbelievable purchasing alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll wish to save house on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Go: The Riverwalk Attraction Go permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s high spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s actually price trying into when you’ve got your coronary heart set on any explicit sights whereas lowering queueing time too. Click here for details.
10. Take guided excursions wherever doable: Tampa has plenty of hidden historical past and tradition, and one of the best ways to find out about 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 a complete new stage. When you loved your expertise, bear in mind to tip: round 20% is all the time an excellent rule of thumb. Click here for tours.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed here are some solutions to regularly requested questions on a weekend getaway in Tampa, FL:
A weekend in Tampa is a brief period of time, nevertheless it’s doable to get a style of 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 mix of nature, meals, nightlife, historical past, and tradition is the most effective place to start out. A weekend in Tampa might be fast-paced and tiring, nevertheless it’s doable to see loads in case you’re organized together with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however actually 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 most effective locations to remain in case you solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and reduce down on touring time. There are numerous resorts in each areas.
A rigorously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa gained’t break the financial institution. It depends upon what you wish to see, however you’ll be able to tailor your go to to any finances.
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 aspect, July is extraordinarily sizzling.
Riverwalk is without doubt one of the finest issues to do once you spend the weekend in Tampa. You’ll be able to stroll, discover, and see loads 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 affords 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 surprising Tampa Bay seashore, 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 fingers down among the finest in Tampa Bay. Finally, 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 superb tip is to rent a automobile; that approach you don’t waste time ready for buses or strolling. Don’t be terrified of driving in Tampa, (if I can do it, anybody can!). And ultimately, you’ll be thankful for 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 mates, or one thing else solely, you’ll discover it in Tampa. It is a metropolis that frequently surprises me in the absolute best approach, even in any case these years.
