You probably have a free weekend in Tampa, you have to plan your time fastidiously. There’s a lot to see and do in Tampa, you actually don’t need to miss any of the good things. Fortunately, you’re in the suitable 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 occasions, and I nonetheless don’t imagine I’ve exhausted all corners of town. However, a weekend break in Tampa will present you a number of the greatest 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 reminiscences by the tip. You’ll additionally get to strive 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 can present you a few of my favourite elements of town with out carrying you out within the course of. Nevertheless, 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. Should you can rent a automotive, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that gives you the right first glimpse into this glorious 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 comfy strolling sneakers on and put together for a whirlwind day and night time. Let’s begin in Downtown – the center 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. 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 massive and fairly priced, with implausible 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, filled with views, parks, eateries, and retailers. It’s an effective way to get your bearings and take in the colourful environment of town; actually, you possibly can’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 Middle. Filled with interactive reveals and occasions all year long, you possibly can 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 Metropolis and attempting 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 every of 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 a little bit extra time exploring the colourful cigar retailers. Your information can have advised 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 individual Cuban cigars. Even if you happen to aren’t a smoker, it’s an incredible picture alternative and an opportunity to seize a present for somebody again house.
Earlier than you head again to your lodge to dress for the night, there’s one factor you have to 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 likely one of the greatest 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 leap straight into night leisure. A extremely enjoyable factor to do is the Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour. It takes only one hour, and if you happen to’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 every of Downtown’s well-known craft beer spots. The Depraved Pour is one in every of my favourite bars in Tampa, and you may even pour your individual beer from an enormous vary. Alternatively, The Pint & Brew is the best place for craft beer followers, with an enormous domestically brewed choice, all with fairly 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 coated some critical floor and also you’ll actually 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. Immediately, you’re going to begin 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 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 need 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} greatest seashores in Tampa. You’ll be able to both select to spend just a few hours swimming and sunbathing, or you possibly can take my recommendation and be a part of this 2-Hour Speedboat Journey. You’re certain to get your adrenaline pumping, the view is breathtaking, and also you would possibly even see dolphins.
All of that recent sea air can 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, 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 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 discovered a lot about rescuing and caring for sick and orphaned massive cats. Take a tour with a information and study extra about their implausible rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen quite a bit to date throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not completed 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 encircling streets, earlier than venturing again to your lodge. Tonight is your final night time, and you have 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 counsel 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 even 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 preferred eating places 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 hen.
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 various occasions held right here all year long, so test 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 dwell jazz is unimaginable.
How one can Get to Tampa
The best and hottest method 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 simple to get to Downtown and past; the Line 30 bus serves the airport and all main neighborhoods often, or you possibly can take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
Should you’re touring from Orlando, you possibly can both drive through the I-4W, take the Greyhound bus (1 hour 40 minutes), or the practice, which is able to take simply over 2 hours. Click on right here for bus data, and click on right here for practice data. Exploring each Orlando and Tampa is a good thought for my part.
In fact, 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 while you arrive, or you possibly can go to any main automotive rent retailer within the metropolis, similar to 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 perfect worth on rental vehicles.
I get pleasure from strolling round Tampa as a lot as attainable and whereas some sights aren’t walkable, Downtown and Channelside are simply related, even so far as Ybor Metropolis. The native bus community can be very simple to make use of, or you possibly can alternatively use Uber or Lyft. Click on right here for bus data.
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 simplest 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 full of life, busy space nevertheless it’s extraordinarily central and provides nice nightlife with implausible gastronomy. A lot of the metropolis’s main sights are very simple to achieve from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a prime choose and boasts a implausible restaurant.
Channelside: Should you’d fairly not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the right place to remain. You’ll be able to stroll immediately onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally house 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 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 actually cheaper. Historical past followers will even get pleasure from this a part of town. Resort Haya is extremely really useful.
Ideas 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 attainable. I’ve acquired 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 need to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and meaning you have to transfer shortly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk entails some mileage, so go along 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 a little bit earlier, nevertheless it’s such an essential level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you’ve got if you happen to hire a automotive in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa may be very simple; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a relaxed expertise. Whereas public transport is sweet, it could 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 attainable hurricanes and crowds, it’s a good suggestion to search out out when’s greatest so that you can go to. I benefit from the months between January to Might because the climate is gentle, lots is happening, but it’s attainable to get an incredible deal on a lodge.
Should you go to between June to November, there’s the potential for poor climate resulting from hurricanes, though don’t let that fully dictate your alternative. Discover out extra in our put up on the greatest 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. Protected not sorry and all that!
5. Reserve tables at eating places: Among the extra laid-back eating places can 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 need 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 greatest 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 sights, 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 someway stunning however terrifying all on the identical time. Lightning storms are widespread throughout the entire of Florida; if you happen to 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 photos, particularly if you happen to’re in an open area.
8. Layers are your buddy: 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 implausible buying alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll need to save area in your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Go: The Riverwalk Attraction Go permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s actually value trying into if in case you have your coronary heart set on any explicit sights whereas decreasing queueing time too. Click on right here for particulars.
10. Take guided excursions wherever attainable: Tampa has a variety of hidden historical past and tradition, and one of the best ways to find out about all of it is through a educated information. In fact, you possibly can discover by yourself steam, however a information will enrich your go to to an entire new degree. Should you loved your expertise, bear in mind to tip: round 20% is at all times a very good rule of thumb. Click on right here for excursions.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed below are some solutions to often requested questions on a weekend getaway in Tampa, FL:
A weekend in Tampa is a brief period of time, nevertheless 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 to see extra, together with the well-known Riverwalk.
A combination of nature, meals, nightlife, historical past, and tradition is the perfect place to begin. A weekend in Tampa can be fast-paced and tiring, nevertheless it’s attainable to see quite a bit if you happen to’re organized along with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however actually not sufficient to see all the things town has to supply. See it as a taster after which go to once more at a later date.
Downtown or Channelside are the perfect locations to remain if you happen to 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 gained’t break the financial institution. It depends upon what you need to see, however you possibly can tailor your go to to any price range.
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 likely one of the greatest issues to do while you spend the weekend in Tampa. You’ll be able to stroll, discover, and see quite a bit in a brief period of time, and it doesn’t price something until you go inside an attraction or restaurant.
Each Tampa and Miami are implausible locations to go to in their very own proper, and it depends upon what you need to see and do. Whereas Miami is primarily about nightlife, Tampa provides extra for households and is an all-rounder sort of vacation spot.
There’s lots for {couples} to do in Tampa. Meals excursions, the Riverwalk, spending time at a shocking Tampa Bay seaside, having fun with the sundown, and superb nightlife are all on supply.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you various days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Seaside is arms down probably the greatest in Tampa Bay. Finally, Tampa itself has much more occurring and extra number of actions.
Get pleasure from 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 full of life metropolis.
A great tip is to rent a automotive; that means you don’t waste time ready for buses or strolling. Don’t be afraid of driving in Tampa, (if I can do it, anybody can!). And ultimately, you’ll be glad 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 mates, or one thing else totally, you’ll discover it in Tampa. It is a metropolis that regularly surprises me in the absolute best means, even in spite of everything these years.