When you have a free weekend in Tampa, you have to 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 feel it’s, you’re not going to see all the pieces. I’ve visited Tampa numerous instances, and I nonetheless don’t consider 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 sneakers, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart stuffed with reminiscences 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 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. Nonetheless, 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 giant. In case you can rent a automotive, 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 once 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 evening. Let’s begin in Downtown – the center and soul of town.
Day 1: Morning
They are saying that breakfast is a very powerful 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. This can be a promenade that goes for two.4 miles, filled with views, parks, eateries, and outlets. It’s an effective way to get your bearings and take in the colourful environment of town; in reality, you may’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. Filled with interactive reveals and occasions all year long, you may study 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 one in every 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 a bit extra time exploring the colourful cigar outlets. Your information may have advised you that this was as soon as the Cigar Capital of the World, and there are nonetheless many outlets to go to and buy your individual Cuban cigars. Even when you aren’t a smoker, it’s an ideal photograph alternative and an opportunity to seize a present for somebody again residence.
Earlier than you head again to your resort 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 finest eating places 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 very enjoyable factor to do is the Tampa Terrors Ghost Tour. It takes only one hour, and when you’re spending the weekend in Tampa with associates, 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 regionally brewed choice, all with slightly 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 coated 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. Right now, 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 properly into the afternoon. I’d suggest taking a number of 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 automotive (or taxi) and drive for 40 minutes to St. Pete Seashore, {one of the} finest seashores in Tampa. You’ll be able to both select to spend a number of hours swimming and sunbathing, or you may take my recommendation and be 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 may 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, 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 study extra about their unbelievable rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen rather a lot to date throughout your weekend in Tampa, however we’re not achieved 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 encircling streets, earlier than venturing again to your resort. Tonight is your final evening, 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 associates, 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 luxuriate in some drinks earlier than going for dinner. You may as well select to do that later within the night, and even in the course of 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 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 various 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 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.
The right way to Get to Tampa
The simplest and hottest method to get to Tampa from anyplace exterior 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 may take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
In case you’re touring from Orlando, you may both drive by way of the I-4W, take the Greyhound bus (1 hour 40 minutes), or the practice, which can 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 superb concept 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 doable. You are able to do this from the airport once you arrive, or you may go to any main automotive rent retailer within the metropolis, corresponding 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 very best value on rental vehicles.
I take pleasure in strolling round Tampa as a lot as doable and whereas some points of interest 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 may alternatively use Uber or Lyft. Click on right here for bus data.
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 ideal 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 full of life, 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 succeed in from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a prime choose and boasts a unbelievable restaurant.
Channelside: In case you’d slightly 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 residence to many upmarket accommodations, providing you with an opportunity at full R&R. I totally loved my keep at Le Meridien Tampa.
Ybor Metropolis: An incredible 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 may also take pleasure in this a part of town. Lodge Haya is very really useful.
Ideas for a Weekend Journey to Tampa
With simply two days in Tampa, you’re going to wish some insider data 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. Certain, you wish to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and meaning you have to transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go along with comfy sneakers and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automotive if doable: I discussed this a bit earlier, nevertheless it’s such an essential level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you may have when you hire a automotive in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa may be very simple; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a peaceful expertise. Whereas public transport is nice, it could not all the time 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 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, a lot is happening, but it’s doable to get an ideal deal on a resort.
In case you go to between June to November, there may be the potential for poor climate because of hurricanes, though don’t let that utterly dictate your alternative. Discover out extra in our put up on the finest time to go to Tampa.
4. Bear 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 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 may 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 instances, town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily tough. 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 lovely however terrifying all on the similar time. Lightning storms are frequent throughout the entire of Florida; when you see any, don’t panic, simply go inside a restaurant, bar, or museum, and by the point you come out, it’ll have gone. Don’t be tempted to say exterior and take footage, particularly when 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 exterior of July and August. Take layers and pack evenly; there are some unbelievable purchasing alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll wish to save area on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Go: The Riverwalk Attraction Go permits discounted admission to most of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s definitely value wanting into if in case you have your coronary heart set on any specific sights whereas lowering queueing time too. Click on right here for particulars.
10. Take guided excursions wherever doable: Tampa has a whole lot of hidden historical past and tradition, and one of the best ways to study all of it is by way of a educated information. After all, you may discover by yourself steam, however a information will enrich your go to to an entire new stage. In case you loved your expertise, keep in mind to tip: round 20% is all the time a great rule of thumb. Click on right here for excursions.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed here 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 doable to get a style of 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 very best place to start out. A weekend in Tampa will probably be fast-paced and tiring, nevertheless it’s doable to see rather a lot when you’re organized along with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however definitely not sufficient to see all the pieces town has to supply. See it as a taster after which go to once more at a later date.
Downtown or Channelside are the very best locations to remain when you solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and lower down on touring time. There are numerous accommodations in each areas.
A rigorously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa received’t break the financial institution. It depends upon what you wish to see, however you may 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 scorching.
Riverwalk is likely one of the finest issues to do once you spend the weekend in Tampa. You’ll be able to stroll, discover, and see rather a lot in a brief period of time, and it doesn’t price 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 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 sort of vacation spot.
There’s a lot 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 provide.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you quite a lot of days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Seashore is fingers down among the best 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 all the pieces. However a weekend is healthier than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this full of life metropolis.
A superb tip is to rent a automotive; that approach you don’t waste time ready for buses or strolling. Don’t be frightened 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 searching for a romantic break, a fun-filled time with associates, or one thing else totally, you’ll discover it in Tampa. This can be a metropolis that regularly surprises me in the very best approach, even in spite of everything these years.
