When you have a free weekend in Tampa, it’s good 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 the whole lot. 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 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 footwear, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart filled with recollections by the tip. You’ll additionally get to strive a number of the most scrumptious meals round.
Weekend in Tampa (2-Day Itinerary)
That can assist 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 components 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 may be massive. In case you can rent a automotive, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that offers you the proper 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 footwear 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 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 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. 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 absorb the colourful environment 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 Historical past Heart. Full of interactive displays 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 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 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 somewhat 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 if you happen to aren’t a smoker, it’s an awesome photograph alternative and an opportunity to seize a present for somebody again house.
Earlier than you head again to your resort to dress for the night, there’s one factor it’s good 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 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 pals, 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 Depraved Pour is certainly one of 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 a large domestically brewed choice, all with reasonably amusing names.
After that, it’s time to stumble again to your resort, 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 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. 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 constituted of scratch. The do-it-yourself 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 automotive (or taxi) and drive for 40 minutes to St. Pete Seashore, {one of the} finest seashores in Tampa. You may 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 Journey. 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 lightweight 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
Soar again into the automotive and head again over to Tampa, the place you’re going to go to the Massive Cat Rescue Sanctuary. This place actually opened my eyes, and I discovered a lot about rescuing and caring for sick and orphaned huge cats. Take a tour with a information and be taught extra about their unbelievable rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen loads to this point throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not carried out 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 encompassing streets, earlier than venturing again to your resort. Tonight is your final evening, and it’s good to 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 pals, 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 revel in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. You may as well select to do that later within the night, and even through 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 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 various 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 take pleasure in 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 dwell jazz is unimaginable.
Get to Tampa
The best and hottest strategy to get to Tampa from anyplace 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 frequently, or you’ll be able to take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
In case 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 prepare, which is able to take simply over 2 hours. Click on right here for bus data, and click on right here for prepare data. Exploring each Orlando and Tampa is a superb concept for my part.
After all, a weekend break in Tampa is a brief period of time, so it’s advisable to rent a automotive 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 on right here to look for the perfect value on rental automobiles.
I take pleasure in strolling round Tampa as a lot as potential and whereas some sights aren’t walkable, Downtown and Channelside are simply linked, even so far as Ybor Metropolis. The native bus community can also be very simple to make use of, or you’ll be able to alternatively use Uber or Lyft. Click on right here for bus data.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Tampa
On your two-day journey to Tampa, you’re going to want a central place to remain, and a number of other neighborhoods match the invoice. Channelside and Downtown are the simplest locations for a brief weekend break, however Ybor Metropolis can also be an awesome 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 nevertheless it’s extraordinarily central and affords nice nightlife with unbelievable gastronomy. A lot of the metropolis’s main sights are very simple to achieve from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a prime decide and boasts a unbelievable restaurant.
Channelside: In case you’d reasonably not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the proper place to remain. You may stroll straight onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally house to many upmarket accommodations, supplying you with an opportunity at full R&R. I completely 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 actually cheaper. Historical past followers may also take pleasure in this a part of town. Lodge Haya is very really helpful.
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. Costume for consolation, not model: I can’t emphasize this sufficient. Certain, you need to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and which means it’s good to transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go along with comfy footwear and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automotive if potential: I discussed this somewhat earlier, nevertheless it’s such an essential level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you could have 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 might not all the time 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 yr: 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, loads is happening, but it’s potential to get an awesome deal on a resort.
In case 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 fully dictate your alternative. Discover out extra in our put up on the finest 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 few 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 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 potential, it’s finest to keep away from public holidays. At these occasions, 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 by some means lovely however terrifying all on the identical time. Lightning storms are frequent 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 would have gone. Don’t be tempted to say outdoors and take footage, particularly if you happen to’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 flippantly; there are some unbelievable procuring alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll need to save house on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Move: The Riverwalk Attraction Move permits discounted admission to most of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash whilst you discover. It’s actually value 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 potential: Tampa has lots of hidden historical past and tradition, and the easiest way 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 an entire new stage. In case you loved your expertise, bear in mind to tip: round 20% is all the time rule of thumb. Click on right here for excursions.
FAQs A couple of Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed below are some solutions to continuously requested questions on a weekend getaway in Tampa, FL:
A weekend in Tampa is a brief period of time, nevertheless it’s potential 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 will probably be fast-paced and tiring, nevertheless it’s potential to see loads if you happen to’re organized along with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however actually not sufficient to see the whole lot 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 accommodations in each areas.
A fastidiously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa gained’t break the financial institution. It is dependent upon what you need to see, however you’ll be able to 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 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 loads in a brief period of time, and it doesn’t value something except 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 need 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 seaside, having fun with the sundown, and superb nightlife are all on provide.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you quite a lot of days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Seashore is arms down among the best 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 do this even per week would problem you to see the whole lot. However a weekend is healthier than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this energetic metropolis.
An excellent tip is to rent a automotive; that manner 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 in the long run, 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 pals, or one thing else fully, you’ll discover it in Tampa. It is a metropolis that frequently surprises me in the very best manner, even in spite of everything these years.
