When you’ve got a free weekend in Tampa, it is advisable 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 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 the whole lot. I’ve visited Tampa numerous occasions, and I nonetheless don’t consider I’ve exhausted all corners of the town. However, a weekend break in Tampa will present you among the greatest bits, and will definitely put a smile in your face.
For a weekend away, you’d battle to discover a higher place. You’ll want comfy footwear, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart filled with reminiscences by the tip. You’ll additionally get to strive 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 elements of the town with out sporting you out within the course of. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to do not forget 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 happen to 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 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. Certainly 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 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 a good way to get your bearings and take in the colourful environment of the town; actually, 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 Middle. Filled with 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 can be full with out hitting Ybor Metropolis and making an attempt the well-known Cuban sandwich, however earlier than that, it’s time to eat and stroll. The Ybor Metropolis Meals Strolling Tour is considered one of my favourite issues to do, and for 3 hours, you’ll snack and study 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 just a little extra time exploring the colourful cigar retailers. Your information can have informed 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 should you aren’t a smoker, it’s an excellent picture 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 this, 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 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 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 extra ghost excursions in Tampa right here.
To complete off the night, head to considered one of Downtown’s well-known craft beer spots. The Depraved Pour is considered one of my favourite bars in Tampa, and you may even pour your personal beer from an enormous vary. Alternatively, The Pint & Brew is the perfect place for craft beer followers, with an enormous domestically brewed choice, all with slightly amusing names.
After that, it’s time to stumble again to your lodge, as your first day is full. Your toes could also be throbbing, however you’ve coated some critical floor and also you’ll definitely 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. In the present day, 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 made out of scratch. The do-it-yourself 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 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} greatest seashores 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 Journey. You’re certain to get your adrenaline pumping, the view is breathtaking, and also you may 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 Large 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 quite a bit thus far throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not executed 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 superbly 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 is advisable 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 closing night in Tampa aboard a tiki boat! Hop on a tiki boat and luxuriate in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. It’s also possible to 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 suggest the tocobaga tuna and the fire-roasted hen.
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 numerous 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 below are like nothing you’ve tried earlier than and the dwell jazz is unimaginable.
The way to Get to Tampa
The simplest and hottest strategy to get to Tampa from wherever outdoors of Florida is to fly. Tampa Worldwide 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 often, or you’ll be able to take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
If you happen to’re touring from Orlando, you’ll be able to both drive by way of the I-4W, take the Greyhound bus (1 hour 40 minutes), or the prepare, which can take simply over 2 hours. Click on right here for bus info, and click on right here for prepare info. 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 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, equivalent 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 most effective worth on rental vehicles.
I get pleasure from strolling round Tampa as a lot as potential 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’ll be able to alternatively use Uber or Lyft. Click on right here for bus info.
The place to Keep With 2 Days in Tampa
To 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 excellent possibility. 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 vigorous, busy space but it surely’s extraordinarily central and provides 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: If you happen to’d slightly not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the proper place to remain. You may stroll instantly onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally residence to many upmarket motels, providing 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 definitely cheaper. Historical past followers will even get pleasure from this a part of the town. Lodge Haya is very really useful.
Ideas for a Weekend Journey to Tampa
With simply two days in Tampa, you’re going to want some insider info to assist your journey go as easily as potential. I’ve acquired 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. Positive, you need to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and which means it is advisable transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk entails some mileage, so go along with comfy footwear and clothes that will help you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automotive if potential: I discussed this just a little earlier, but it surely’s such an necessary level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you’ve should you lease 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 at all times run to schedule, and it could actually 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 seek out out when’s greatest so that you can go to. I benefit from the months between January to Might because the climate is delicate, a lot is occurring, but it’s potential to get an excellent deal on a lodge.
If you happen to go to between June to November, there may be the potential for poor climate as a result of hurricanes, though don’t let that utterly dictate your selection. Discover out extra in our submit 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. Secure not sorry and all that!
5. Reserve tables at eating places: A number of the extra laid-back eating places can have walk-in tables out there, 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 greatest to keep away from public holidays. At these occasions, the town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily tough. You’ll additionally see queues for the preferred sights, 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 someway stunning however terrifying all on the similar 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 can have gone. Don’t be tempted to say outdoors and take footage, particularly should you’re in an open area.
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 calmly; there are some unbelievable buying alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll need to save area on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Move: The Riverwalk Attraction Move permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s definitely value trying into 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 a number of hidden historical past and tradition, and one of the best ways to find out about all of it is by way of 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 degree. If you happen to loved your expertise, keep in mind to tip: round 20% is at all times a superb 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, but it surely’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 mix of nature, meals, nightlife, historical past, and tradition is the most effective place to start out. A weekend in Tampa will likely be fast-paced and tiring, but it surely’s potential to see quite a bit 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 reduce 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 will depend on what you need to see, however you’ll be able to 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 may 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 unbelievable 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 provides 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 superb nightlife are all on provide.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you various days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Seashore is arms down probably the greatest in Tampa Bay. In the end, 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 the whole lot. However a weekend is healthier than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this vigorous metropolis.
An excellent tip is to rent a automotive; that manner 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 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 regularly surprises me in the very best manner, even in any case these years.
