You probably have a free weekend in Tampa, you want to plan your time rigorously. There’s so much to see and do in Tampa, you actually don’t need 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 believe it’s, you’re not going to see the whole lot. 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 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 snug sneakers, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart filled with recollections by the top. You’ll additionally get to attempt a number 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 big, and distances between sights may be massive. If you can hire a car, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that provides you with the right 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 sneakers on and put together for a whirlwind day and night time. Let’s begin in Downtown – the center and soul of the 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 incredible 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 a good way to get your bearings and take in the colourful ambiance of the town; in reality, 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 History Center. 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 can be full with out hitting Ybor City and attempting the well-known Cuban sandwich, however earlier than that, it’s time to eat and stroll. The Ybor City Food Walking Tour is one among my favourite issues to do, and for 3 hours, you’ll snack and be taught 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 just a little extra time exploring the colourful cigar retailers. Your information could 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 should you aren’t a smoker, it’s an excellent photograph alternative and an opportunity to seize a present for somebody again dwelling.
Earlier than you head again to your resort to dress for the night, there’s one factor you 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 without doubt one of the best restaurants in Tampa, the well-known Columbia Restaurant. Locals flock right here, so you realize 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 should you’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 one among Downtown’s well-known craft beer spots. The Wicked Pour is one among my favourite bars in Tampa, and you’ll 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 moderately amusing names.
After that, it’s time to stumble again to your resort, 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 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. As we speak, 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 selfmade chocolate croissant is divine, however the Grand Slam breakfast will fill you up till properly 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 automobile (or taxi) and drive for 40 minutes to St. Pete Beach, {one of the} best beaches in Tampa. You possibly can both select to spend a couple of hours swimming and sunbathing, or you possibly can take my recommendation and be 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 recent 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, 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 be taught extra about their incredible rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen loads to date 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 may be 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 resort. Tonight is your final night time, and you 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 buddies, it’s going to be a busy one.
I counsel beginning your last night in Tampa aboard a tiki boat! Hop on a tiki boat and revel in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. You may as well 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 possibly can catch a present or just discover the constructing, which dates again to 1926. There are a lot 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 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.
How one can Get to Tampa
The simplest and hottest method to get to Tampa from anyplace outdoors of Florida is to fly. Tampa International Airport is big 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 frequently, or you possibly can take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
When you’re touring from Orlando, you possibly can 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.
In fact, a weekend break in Tampa is a brief period of time, so it’s advisable to hire a car if attainable. You are able to do this from the airport while you arrive, or you possibly can go to any main automobile rent retailer within the metropolis, similar to 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 attainable and whereas some sights aren’t walkable, Downtown and Channelside are simply linked, 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 here for bus information.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Tampa
To 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 be an excellent possibility. 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 but it surely’s extraordinarily central and presents nice nightlife with incredible 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 incredible restaurant.
Channelside: When you’d moderately not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the right place to remain. You possibly can stroll straight onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally dwelling to many upmarket motels, supplying you with an opportunity at full R&R. I totally loved my keep at Le Meridien Tampa.
Ybor Metropolis: A terrific 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 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 attainable. 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 fashion: I can’t emphasize this sufficient. Certain, you need to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and which means you want to transfer shortly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk entails some mileage, so go along with snug sneakers and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automobile if attainable: I discussed this just a little earlier, but it surely’s such an vital level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you’ve got should you rent a car in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa could be very simple; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a relaxed expertise. Whereas public transport is nice, it might not at all times run to schedule, and it could 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 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 gentle, loads is happening, but it’s attainable to get an excellent deal on a resort.
When you go to between June to November, there may be the potential for poor climate as a consequence of hurricanes, though don’t let that utterly dictate your selection. Discover out extra in our publish 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. Protected not sorry and all that!
5. Reserve tables at eating places: A few 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 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 finest to keep away from public holidays. At these instances, the town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily tough. 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 in some way stunning however terrifying all on the identical time. Lightning storms are frequent throughout the entire of Florida; should you 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 photos, particularly should you’re in an open house.
8. Layers are your pal: 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 incredible purchasing alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll need to save house to your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Cross: The Riverwalk Attraction Cross permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash whilst you discover. It’s definitely value trying into when you’ve got your coronary heart set on any specific sights whereas lowering queueing time too. Click here for details.
10. Take guided excursions wherever attainable: Tampa has a number of hidden historical past and tradition, and the easiest way 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 a complete new degree. When you loved your expertise, keep in mind to tip: round 20% is at all times an excellent rule of thumb. Click here for tours.
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, but it surely’s attainable to get a style of the 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 most effective place to begin. A weekend in Tampa will likely be fast-paced and tiring, but it surely’s attainable to see loads should you’re organized together with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however definitely not sufficient to see the whole lot 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 most effective locations to remain should you solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and lower down on touring time. There are numerous motels in each areas.
A rigorously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa gained’t break the financial institution. It will depend on what you need to see, however you possibly can tailor your go to to any funds.
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 while you spend the weekend in Tampa. You possibly can 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 incredible locations to go to in their very own proper, and it will depend on what you need to see and do. Whereas Miami is primarily about nightlife, Tampa presents extra for households and is an all-rounder sort of vacation spot.
There’s loads for {couples} to do in Tampa. Meals excursions, the Riverwalk, spending time at a surprising Tampa Bay seaside, having fun with the sundown, and superb nightlife are all on provide.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you various days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Beach is arms down among the finest 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 do this even every week would problem you to see the whole lot. However a weekend is best than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this energetic metropolis.
An excellent tip is to rent a automobile; 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 in the long run, you’ll be thankful for 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 buddies, or one thing else totally, you’ll discover it in Tampa. It is a metropolis that frequently surprises me in the very best means, even in any case these years.
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