If in case you have a free weekend in Tampa, you want to plan your time fastidiously. There’s a lot to see and do in Tampa, you actually don’t wish to miss any of the great things. Fortunately, you’re in the appropriate 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 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 snug 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 will help you get probably 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 sporting you out within the course of. Nevertheless, 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 could be massive. Should you can rent a automobile, 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 if you’ll return.
Day 1 in Tampa
Your weekend in Tampa is about to start, so get these snug strolling footwear 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 crucial 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 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, full of views, parks, eateries, and outlets. It’s a good way to get your bearings and absorb 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. Full of interactive displays and occasions all year long, you possibly can study 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 among 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 a little bit extra time exploring the colourful cigar outlets. Your information may have informed 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 in case you aren’t a smoker, it’s an incredible picture alternative and an opportunity to seize a present for somebody again dwelling.
Earlier than you head again to your lodge 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 that, it’s a ceremony of passage in Tampa. Your vacation spot is among the greatest 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 in case you’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 one among Downtown’s well-known craft beer spots. The Depraved Pour is one among 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 a large regionally brewed choice, all with quite 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 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. 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 nicely 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 automobile (or taxi) and drive for 40 minutes to St. Pete Seashore, among the finest seashores in Tampa. You possibly can 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 positive to get your adrenaline pumping, the view is breathtaking, and also you may even see dolphins.
All of that contemporary 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
Leap again into the automobile 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 massive cats. Take a tour with a information and study extra about their incredible rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen so much 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’s 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 you want 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 closing night in Tampa aboard a tiki boat! Hop on a tiki boat and luxuriate 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 most well-liked eating places in Tampa. The menu is full of 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 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 test what’s on earlier than you go to so that you don’t miss out.
Stuffed 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 unbelievable.
Methods to Get to Tampa
The simplest and hottest method to get to Tampa from anyplace outdoors of Florida is to fly. Tampa Worldwide Airport is big and serves all main home airways within the US, in addition to internationally.
As soon as on the airport, it’s very straightforward to get to Downtown and past; the Line 30 bus serves the airport and all main neighborhoods repeatedly, 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 prepare, which is able to 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 good concept in my view.
In fact, a weekend break in Tampa is a brief period of time, so it’s advisable to rent a automobile if potential. You are able to do this from the airport if 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 on right here to seek for one of the best 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 linked, even so far as Ybor Metropolis. The native bus community can be very straightforward to make use of, or you possibly can 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 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 suggest Downtown. It’s a vigorous, busy space but it surely’s extraordinarily central and gives nice nightlife with incredible gastronomy. Many of the metropolis’s main sights are very straightforward to achieve from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a prime decide and boasts a incredible restaurant.
Channelside: Should you’d quite not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the proper 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 resorts, providing you with an opportunity at full R&R. I completely loved my keep at Le Meridien Tampa.
Ybor Metropolis: A fantastic 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 town. Lodge Haya is very beneficial.
Suggestions 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 obtained 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 wish to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and meaning you want to transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go along with snug footwear and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automobile if potential: I discussed this a little bit earlier, but it surely’s such an necessary level. You’ll see much more within the restricted time you’ve in case you hire a automobile in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa may be very straightforward; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a relaxed expertise. Whereas public transport is nice, it might not all the time run to schedule, and it will possibly 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 greatest so that you can go to. I benefit from the months between January to Might because the climate is gentle, a lot is occurring, but it’s potential 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 submit on one of the best 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 all the time 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 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 potential, it’s greatest to keep away from public holidays. At these instances, town is packed, and getting round is extraordinarily troublesome. You’ll additionally see queues for the most well-liked 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 widespread throughout the entire of Florida; in case 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 footage, particularly in case 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 flippantly; there are some incredible procuring alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll wish to save area in 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 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 numerous hidden historical past and tradition, and one of the simplest ways to study 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 stage. Should you loved your expertise, keep in mind to tip: round 20% is all the time a very good rule of thumb. Click on right here for excursions.
FAQs A few Weekend Getaway in Tampa
Listed here are some solutions to incessantly 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 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 one of the best place to begin. A weekend in Tampa shall be fast-paced and tiring, but it surely’s potential to see so much in case 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 one of the best locations to remain in case you solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and reduce down on touring time. There are numerous resorts in each areas.
A fastidiously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa gained’t break the financial institution. It is determined by what you wish to see, however you possibly can 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 greatest issues to do if you spend the weekend in Tampa. You possibly can stroll, discover, and see so much 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 incredible locations to go to in their very own proper, and it is determined by what you wish to see and do. Whereas Miami is primarily about nightlife, Tampa gives 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 shocking Tampa Bay seashore, 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, nevertheless, Clearwater Seashore is fingers down among the finest 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 pieces. However a weekend is best than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this vigorous metropolis.
A superb tip is to rent a automobile; that manner you don’t waste time ready for buses or strolling. Don’t be terrified 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 pals, or one thing else completely, 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.
