An eclectic blend of historic architecture, modern innovations and diverse culture, Tampa is a world-class city that is full of vacation opportunities. Filled with entertainment offerings such as museums, event venues and an abundance of shopping and dining options, Tampa provides no shortage of options for any style of vacation.
Tampa is brimming with outdoor adventures, with stunning historic sites and close enough to the water to also serve as a beachy getaway. Whether you’re looking to spend time away with loved ones, spend a romantic weekend getaway with someone special or make the most of an upcoming business trip, Tampa is a great choice for your next vacation destination.
Take a look at this in-depth Tampa travel guide packed with hotel recommendations, excellent entertainment ideas and delicious dining destinations to help you plan out the ideal Tampa trip for you.
Time Zone
Eastern Daylight Time
Language
English
Currency
American Dollar
How to get to Tampa
Tampa is the third largest city in the state of Florida, and with a population of nearly 400,000 people, things can get pretty busy. Whether you’re flying in domestically, internationally or plan on embarking on a bit of a road trip before your stay, there are many transportation options available to get you to Tampa and have you enjoying your vacation before you know it.
Driving In
Travelers looking to enjoy a bit of a road trip before settling down for their dream vacation are in luck. As one of the region's most popular destinations, several major highways are running in and out of Tampa, making it simple for anyone looking to make their way in their car or rental car. I-275 runs directly through the center of Tampa and the Downtown District and is typically the best option for anyone heading North or South. I-4 runs east to west stretching past Orlando and into Tampa, however, beware of heavy traffic delays, especially along the downtown metropolitan areas and Disney areas along I-4. If you’d prefer a slightly more scenic drive from the North, you may want to check out U.S. Route 19, which brings travelers down the Gulf Coastline before converging with State Road 60.
Flying In
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is large in both size and offerings, serving over 22 million passengers annually. With over 20 airlines, including Southwest, Delta, American and United, this international airport provides service to over 90+ nonstop destinations. It not only hosts a large number of airlines, but also things to do while waiting for your flight.
The airport boasts over 70 restaurants, shops and even spas spread throughout the terminals for guests to enjoy before takeoff. At only 15 minutes from Downtown Tampa and 30 minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches, the airport is conveniently located for vacationers coming in and out the region.
By Rail/Train
If you’re looking for a more nostalgic and laid-back start to your travels, then why not make your way there by train? Tampa is accessible by train from 207 different cities directly, with around 395 daily scheduled trips to Tampa Union Station. The city also has connecting routes to other popular cities around Florida such as Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Getting around Tampa
The city of Tampa is large and sprawling, and its different attractions can be a bit spread out. It’s important to know your next destination ahead of time so you can most efficiently plan your way there. Public transit offerings such as bus routes and a streetcar system are available, but the varying distance of locations can mean that sometimes walking or taking a ride-share vehicle would be just as efficient. It’s important to remember your options when deciding your next stop in Tampa.
Behind the Wheel
Tampa is home to almost 400,000 people, and with highways going throughout and around the city, the roads can be busy and hectic. Avoiding the rush hour windows is advised, such as the morning rush from 7:30-9:00 a.m. and the evening rush from 4-7:00 p.m.. These rush times can occasionally extend into the weekends when the city is hosting events such as concerts or shows.
Keep in mind, avoiding these issues is possible by considering different transportation options available to tourists and locals alike.
Make the Most of Mass Transit
If you don’t plan on renting a car or driving your own, Tampa does provide options such as differing forms of public transportation that can be found throughout the city. Bus routes can be found throughout the city’s neighborhoods with affordable pricing options for one-way trips. Travelers can even ride the region’s very first Autonomous Electric Shuttle, the HART Smart AV.
If you’re hoping to traverse in a more unique style, then the TECO Streetcar is a true blast from the past. With several stops throughout Downtown Tampa and Ybor City, this is not only a means of transportation but also a way to create some unexpected memories. On top of being a unique way to get around, service along this line is completely free.
Biking and Hiking
Tampa’s wide array of activities, picturesque views and world-class shops and eateries make it a city that can also be explored at a slower pace. Locations such as the Tampa Riverwalk provide plenty of things to see and do on a whim.
For those looking for a more active form of movement. Tampa provides plenty of options for biking and hiking trails throughout the Tampa area. Locations such as Hillsborough River State Park and Bayshore Boulevard provide opportunities for some great outdoor experiences.
Best Time to Visit Tampa
Tampa is a Southern coastal community with weather that can be on the warmer side nearly all year long. As a result, there are benefits to visiting during every season, depending on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Here are a few monthly highlights to help you plan the ideal time to book your stay.
October Through January
Travelers looking to enjoy the city’s best weather will want to make reservations between the beginning of October through January. This is when temperatures finally begin to cool down, with crisp, cool breezes replacing the heat and humidity that come with Florida summers. Of course, the mild climate seen throughout the state ensures that visitors can still enjoy the wide range of outdoor activities found in the city, making it an ideal time of year to visit.
This is also when Tampa hosts several of its most anticipated annual events, including the Fall Festival, the Hyde Park Village Art Fair, Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
February and March
On the other end of the spectrum, for travelers looking to avoid serious crowds, their best bet will be to visit between the beginning of February and the end of March. Typically, tourists tend to head down to Tampa during standard school breaks. February and March fall in between two of the biggest vacation periods for students, making it an ideal time to stay for visitors hoping for a more relaxed and private experience.
As a bonus, March is often the city’s least humid month, ensuring you can enjoy every planned outdoor activity without the discomfort humidity can bring.
Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa is filled with a variety of exciting things to do that can fill up any travelers itinerary. Here are a few destinations to add to your travel plans.
Tampa Museum of Art
Home to one of the Southeast’s most extensive collections, the Tampa Museum of Art is a great place to spend a warm afternoon. Designed to look like a Jewelbox sitting atop a glass pedestal, the building is as aesthetically pleasing as its modern and classical art. With consistently changing exhibits and galleries spanning the Greek and Roman masters to some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists, this is an attraction not to be missed.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Is any excursion to Florida complete without a visit to one of the state’s iconic amusement parks? If the answer is no, then you need to spend a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The absolute ultimate in family adventure, this park is home to some of the country’s fastest roller coasters, thrilling attractions and state-of-the-art entertainment, ensuring all thrill-seekers will have a fantastic time.
Museum of Science and Industry
If you’re looking for a bit of intellectual stimulation during your travels, then you’ll want to spend some time at the Museum of Science and Industry. The MOSI allows guests to wander through an array of interactive exhibits highlighting the power of imaginative learning. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the MOSI consistently offers new and exciting activities for guests to enjoy with every visit.
Outdoor Activities in Tampa
With its stunning location right along the Gulf Coast, it’s no wonder that the city is home to such a wide variety of outdoor activities. Between its white sandy beaches and high-flying attractions, there are so many wonderful opportunities to be found.
Zip Line Adventures
For travelers looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, Zip Line Adventure over Tampa Bay is an adventure worth considering. With 2 hours of excitement as guests cover five distinct zip lines in addition to a high ropes course, an auto belay jump and even a 200-foot suspension bridge for guests to enjoy. With experienced guides ready to help at any moment, this is an adventurous experience for beginners and experienced flyers alike.
A Day at Weedon Island
Just over 20 minutes outside of Tampa lies Weedon Island, a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in the beauty and serenity of nature. With various trails winding through the 3,190-acre park, guests can be immersed in a pocket of nature sitting right beside the city they came to see.
A Day in Downtown
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a scenic stroll along the riverbank or spend the evening in one of Tampa’s greatest nightlife scenes, Downtown Tampa is the place to be. The city's cultural heart, this neighborhood is home to many art galleries, historic venues and walking paths with some of the city’s most enticing views.
Where to Stay in Tampa
Finding ideal accommodations for your stay will be key to creating the dream vacation you’ve always hoped for. Luckily, Tampa is home to some of the Southeast’s best hotels. Here are just a few of the highest-rated ones.
The Tampa EDITION
- Address: 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL
- AAA Rating: Four Diamond
- Rates: $399+
- Parking: Valet Only
- Amenities: Two on-site restaurants and full bar
One of the city’s most luxurious and upscale hotels, the Tampa EDITION offers guests a lush foliage-filled escape from the busy city streets. Designed to bring the peacefulness of nature to the middle of Tampa, the resort focuses on combining industrialization with organic green spaces, allowing visitors to feel like they’ve found their way into an exotic jungle.
Hotel Flor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Address: 905 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL
- AAA Rating: Three Diamond
- Rates: $306+
- Parking: Valet only
- Amenities: On-site restaurant and bar
Located in the heart of Downtown Tampa, this historic hotel allows guests to bask in the elegant ambiance and glamor of the Old City. The hotel’s vintage architecture harkens back to times filled with intrigue and romance, making it the perfect destination for couples looking to spend a weekend away.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
- Address: 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, FL
- AAA Rating: Four Diamond
- Rates: $269+
- Parking: On-site and valet
- Amenities: 12 on-site restaurants, full bar and entertainment
One of the city’s most iconic hotels, this impressive resort offers guests an upscale experience during their dream getaway. The hotel is home to not only one of the largest casinos in Tampa, but also several high-end entertainment venues and award-winning restaurants.
Where to Eat in Tampa
With a culinary history that is steeped in Cuban, Italian and Spanish cultural influences, it’s no wonder the flavors found in Tampa today have helped turn it into a gastronomic hotspot. A foodie’s dream come true, Tampa combines the best of old and new, blending its diverse range of influences with exciting and innovative techniques.
Travelers will find mouthwatering delights around every corner, whether they stop at a local food stand or make a reservation in any one of the exceptional restaurants located throughout the city. Here are a few of the top Tampa dining destinations.
Mise en Place
An innovative and modern approach to classic French cuisine, Mise en Place offers guests a unique dining experience filled with elegance and creativity. With a distinctly French approach, their menu is filled with delightful dishes with just a hint of a twist. Some of their most popular menu items include tartine with BBQ spice roasted mushrooms, a chorizo spice-crusted American red snapper and a mouthwatering duck breast with Japanese sweet potatoes.
717 South
Dedicated to serving Tampa the very best of fresh and local ingredients, 717 South serves guests a sustainable New American-style menu that celebrates the region's wonders. Consistently hailed as one of the best restaurants in the region, this award-winning establishment holds nothing back when it comes to its menu. Their delectable dishes include risotto bon bon balls with chorizo and mascarpone, classic Italian lasagna and a pistachio-crusted rack of lamb that guests adore.
Edison: Food + Drink Lab
The dream of Chef Pierola, a five-time James Beard Semifinalist, Edison: Food + Drink Lab explores different flavor combinations and techniques to see just where it leads them. Their eclectic and ever-changing menu is filled with tantalizing morsels, including crab molten cornbread, buttermilk fried chicken, coconut gnocchi and seared duck breast with tomato and gruyere bread pudding.
Photo Spots in Tampa
Travelers looking to snap some shots to remember their time in Tampa are in luck. The city is filled with an abundance of memorable photo spots. Whether you’re looking to make the most of the city’s modern urban vibe or enjoy a more natural beachfront backdrop, there is a perfect shot waiting around almost every corner.
Ybor City
The original Latin Quarter of Tampa, Ybor City is now known as an exciting cultural melting pot. Bringing together influences of immigrants from around the world, this neighborhood is filled with stunning street art, historic landmarks and world-class galleries promoting the original works of local artists. Strolling through these iconic streets will offer photographers of every level the inspiration they need to capture moments that deserve to be remembered.
Tampa Riverwalk
This two-and-a-half-mile trail along the Hillsborough River is undoubtedly one of the city’s more popular walking destinations. While on this picturesque pathway, visitors can snap shots of some of the city’s most iconic highlights, including the Tampa Convention Center, the Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art. Of course, if you’d like to enjoy a more informative adventure across the Riverwalk, you could always take a look at this convenient Smartphone Riverwalk Tour.
Hyde Park
If you’re looking to snap a juxtaposing shot of Old-World Florida and modern-day Tampa, than Hyde Park is a must-visit. This unique neighborhood showcases homes dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries right next to upscale entertainment venues and some of the city’s most beloved shops and eateries.
Day Trips
Tampa is filled with exciting entertainment venues, world-class art installations and many amazing activities. However, there is also so much to do in the surrounding area that shouldn’t be overlooked.
A Day at Fort De Soto
Lying just off the coast of St. Petersburg, this beautiful preserve is one of the state’s most beloved destinations. Travelers visiting Fort De Soto Park will be surrounded by wildlife, sandy beaches and exquisite views one right after the other. Winding pathways bring guests through the 1,136 acres of pristine landscapes, including a seven-mile stretch along the waterfront.
Visit Bok Tower Gardens
Just over an hour outside of Tampa lies a historic landmark filled with lush greenery. Bok Tower Gardens not only features some of the state’s most magnificently maintained gardens but also a bird sanctuary, picture-perfect walking trails, the stunning pinewood estate and, of course, the iconic Singing Tower where guests can listen to “singing” bell concerts twice every afternoon.
Walt Disney World Resort
One could say a vacation in Florida is not truly complete without making a trip to Walt Disney World Resort. It is possible to make a day trip from Tampa to Disney, as the park is roughly 70 miles from downtown Tampa. Whether you’re young or young at heart, Disney works hard to make sure that magic comes alive in their parks.
Visiting Tampa on a Budget
Whenever travelers visit a major city like Tampa, there’s a good chance that they’ll have concerns over some pretty hefty price tags. However, dream vacations in beautiful destinations don’t have to be expensive. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make visiting Tampa on a budget possible.
AAA Member Discounts
One of the easiest and quickest ways to save on your dream travel plans is by taking advantage of the numerous AAA membership benefits available to members. AAA members have access to so many exclusive travel advantages throughout their stays, including lower-price tickets, discounts on rental cars and even serious savings on accommodations with local hotel partners. When you travel with AAA, you know that you’ll be offered the best deals on the market.
Consider the Time of Year
As with any premier tourist destination, Tampa experiences slower and busier seasons. More often than not, hotels, local attractions and even some restaurants will offer lower prices or package deals during the slower months. If you can book a trip to Tampa between February and March, you’ll see some significant savings.
Travel Tips for Tampa
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time Tampa visitor, making sure you take the time to plan properly will be the key to ensuring you enjoy the vacation you deserve without the headaches. Here’s are some tips to know before you go.
Essential Planning
It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting a new city or a destination you love. Proper research is the only way to guarantee you enjoy that perfect holiday. Unexpected situations, new events and even changing weather patterns can be highly stressful and even ruin the entire experience. Read up on local goings-on to build an itinerary exceeding your expectations.
Find a Festival
While Tampa boasts an annual Winter Village there’s no such thing as festival season here. There are high-quality celebrations happening all year round promoting local artists, craftsmen, musicians and even chefs. Make sure you take advantage of these events during your trip and spend the day wandering through street vendors and performers to take in the city's spirit.
Watch Out for Wild Chickens
If you plan on stopping by Ybor City’s Centennial Park, there’s a very good chance that you’ll run into some unexpected wildlife. Descendants of the many flocks that had been kept throughout the district as egg-layers, these wild chickens now roam the streets of Ybor City freely. They are highly respected and beloved community members, so it’s incredibly important that you treat them with care.
What to Pack for Tampa
Due to Tampa’s coastal weather, comfortable temperatures and sunny days can be found throughout the year. However, regardless of when you decide to book, there are a few travel essentials you’ll want to have with you during your stay. Here are a few packing must-haves that will help ensure you have everything you need before you leave.
Basic Items to Pack for Your Tampa Getaway
No matter what your Tampa itinerary has in store, there are certain items that every visitor will want to have with them during their vacation, including:
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
- Travel Documents/ID/Health Insurance Card
- Medication
- Toiletries
- Entertainment for Travel
- Phone/Computer/Chargers
- Daywear and Evening Clothes
- Light Clothing
- Light Jacket
- Swimsuit and Cover-Ups
Additional Items to Consider
Tampa is filled with many opportunities that should be taken advantage of during your stay. Here are a few additional items you may want to consider adding to your list:
- Clothes for a Range of Outdoor Activities
- Insulated Water Bottle
- Water Shoes (for beaches and pools)
- Luggage Scale
- Quick Dry Travel Towels
- Bug Spray
- Aloe Vera (for unexpected yet probable sunburns)
Plan Your Ultimate Tampa Vacation with AAA
Book your Tampa trip with a AAA agent today! Our travel agents make planning a trip easy, with access to vacation packages and a la carte planning options for every budget. Use your AAA membership for access to exclusive travel benefits and use Trip Canvas for travel inspiration.