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When you have a free weekend in Tampa, it is advisable plan your time rigorously. There’s a lot to see and do in Tampa, you actually don’t need to miss any of the great things. Fortunately, you’re in the fitting 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 every little thing. 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 few of the finest 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 sneakers, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart filled with recollections by the top. You’ll additionally get to strive a few of the most scrumptious meals round. Don’t miss our full Florida journey information as properly!
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. It will present you a few of my favourite elements of town with out sporting you out within the course of. Nevertheless, it’s necessary 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 will be giant. If you happen to 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 glorious 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 snug strolling sneakers 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 an important 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 giant and fairly priced, with implausible espresso, (you’ll want the caffeine for the day forward!). See this nice record of the finest cafes and occasional outlets in Tampa.
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 outlets. It’s a good way to get your bearings and take in the colourful ambiance of town; in actual fact, 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 Heart. Filled with interactive reveals 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 can 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 be taught 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 just a little extra time exploring the colourful cigar outlets. Your information could 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 should you aren’t a smoker, it’s an important photograph 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 it is advisable 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 finest eating places in Tampa, the well-known Columbia Restaurant. Locals flock right here, so you recognize 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 should 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’ll even pour your individual beer from an enormous vary. Alternatively, The Pint & Brew is the perfect place for craft beer followers, with an enormous regionally brewed choice, all with somewhat amusing names.
After that, it’s time to stumble again to your lodge, as your first day is full. Your ft could also be throbbing, however you’ve coated 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. Right now, 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 made out of 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 few 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 Seaside, {one of the} finest seashores in Tampa. You’ll be able to both select to spend just a few hours swimming and sunbathing, or you possibly can 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 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, and so they 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 implausible rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen so much to date 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 stunned 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 fantastically 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 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 counsel beginning your ultimate 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 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 hen.
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 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 take pleasure in the remainder of the night, CW’s Gin Joint is your ultimate 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 here are like nothing you’ve tried earlier than and the dwell jazz is unbelievable.
Methods to Get to Tampa
The best and hottest technique 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 frequently, or you possibly can take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
If you happen to’re touring from Orlando, you possibly can both drive through the I-4W, take the Greyhound bus (1 hour 40 minutes), or the practice, which is able to take simply over 2 hours. Click on right here for bus info, and click on right here for practice info. Exploring each Orlando and Tampa is a superb thought 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. It’s an particularly nice thought should you plan on doing any fast day journeys round Tampa. You are able to do this from the airport once you arrive, or you possibly can 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 go looking for the very best value on rental vehicles.
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 be very simple 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
In 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 important 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 energetic, busy space but it surely’s extraordinarily central and provides nice nightlife with implausible gastronomy. Many of the metropolis’s main sights are very simple to succeed in from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a prime decide and boasts a implausible restaurant.
Channelside: If you happen to’d somewhat not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the right place to remain. You’ll be able to stroll straight onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally dwelling to many upmarket motels, providing you with an opportunity at full R&R. I completely 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 actually cheaper. Historical past followers will even take pleasure in this a part of town. Resort Haya is very advisable.
Suggestions for a Weekend Journey to Tampa
With simply two days in Tampa, you’re going to wish 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 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 is advisable transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk entails some mileage, so go together with snug sneakers 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 could have should you lease a automotive in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa could be very simple; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a relaxed expertise. Whereas public transport is sweet, it could not at all times run to schedule, and it could add pointless stress to your day. Alternatively, go together 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 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 Might because the climate is gentle, a lot is happening, but it’s potential to get an important deal on a lodge.
If you happen to go to between June to November, there’s the potential for poor climate on account 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. 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 at all times 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: Among the extra laid-back eating places could have walk-in tables obtainable, 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 instances, 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; 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 exterior 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 exterior of July and August. Take layers and pack flippantly; there are some implausible purchasing alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll need to save area to your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Go: The Riverwalk Attraction Go permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s prime spots and can prevent loads of cash when you discover. It’s actually value wanting into when you have your coronary heart set on any explicit sights whereas lowering 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. After all, you possibly can discover by yourself steam, however a information will enrich your go to to an entire new stage. If you happen to loved your expertise, bear 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 regularly 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 the very best place to begin. A weekend in Tampa might be fast-paced and tiring, but it surely’s potential to see so much should you’re organized together with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however actually not sufficient to see every little thing 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 should you solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and minimize down on touring time. There are numerous motels in each areas.
A rigorously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa received’t break the financial institution. It relies on what you need 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 facet, July is extraordinarily scorching.
Riverwalk is among the finest issues to do once you spend the weekend in Tampa. You’ll be able to 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 implausible locations to go to in their very own proper, and it relies on what you need to see and do. Whereas Miami is primarily about nightlife, Tampa provides 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 surprising Tampa Bay seaside, having fun with the sundown, and wonderful nightlife are all on provide.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you various days in Clearwater, nonetheless, Clearwater Seaside is arms down top-of-the-line 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 try this even per week would problem you to see every little thing. However a weekend is best than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this energetic metropolis.
A superb tip is to rent a automotive; that approach 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 thankful for how a lot you get to expertise throughout your action-packed weekend.
Whether or not you’re in search of a romantic break, a fun-filled time with pals, or one thing else solely, you’ll discover it in Tampa. It is a metropolis that regularly surprises me in the very best approach, even in any case these years.
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