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You probably have a free weekend in Tampa, it’s essential plan your time rigorously. 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 precise 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 every little thing. I’ve visited Tampa numerous instances, and I nonetheless don’t imagine 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 wrestle to discover a higher place. You’ll want comfy footwear, however you’ll have a digicam roll and a coronary heart stuffed with recollections 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 probably the most out of your time, I’ve devised a 2-day itinerary for Tampa. This may present you a few of my favourite components 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 might be massive. For those who can rent a automotive, you’ll get to see extra, however I’ve created a bespoke itinerary that gives you the right first glimpse into this excellent 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 guts 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 improbable 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 retailers. It’s a good way to get your bearings and take in the colourful ambiance of town; the truth is, 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 Middle. Filled with interactive displays and occasions all year long, you may 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 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 in every of my favourite issues to do, and for 3 hours, you’ll snack and be taught on the go. A useful information gives 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 retailers. Your information may have advised 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 individual Cuban cigars. Even when you aren’t a smoker, it’s a terrific 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 it’s essential 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 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 soar 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 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 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 perfect place for craft beer followers, with a large domestically brewed choice, all with reasonably 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 lined 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. In the present day, 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 created from scratch. The do-it-yourself chocolate croissant is divine, however the Grand Slam breakfast will fill you up till nicely into the afternoon. I’d advocate 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 Seaside, {one of the} greatest seashores in Tampa. You may both select to spend just a few hours swimming and sunbathing, or you may 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 would possibly 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 really 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 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 be taught extra about their improbable rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
You’ve seen loads 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 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 encircling streets, earlier than venturing again to your lodge. Tonight is your final evening, and it’s essential 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 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 preferred 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 advocate the tocobaga tuna and the fire-roasted rooster.
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 various occasions held right here all year long, so examine what’s on earlier than you go to so that you don’t miss out.
Stuffed with tradition and able to take pleasure in 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.
Tips on how to Get to Tampa
The simplest and hottest solution to get to Tampa from wherever outdoors 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 straightforward to get to Downtown and past; the Line 30 bus serves the airport and all main neighborhoods frequently, or you may take a taxi in simply quarter-hour.
For those who’re touring from Orlando, you may 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 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 potential. You are able to do this from the airport while you arrive, or you may go to any main automotive 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 look for the most effective worth 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 related, even so far as Ybor Metropolis. The native bus community can be very straightforward to make use of, or you may 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 best locations for a brief weekend break, however Ybor Metropolis can be a terrific possibility. Right here’s the place to remain in Tampa for a weekend away:
Downtown Tampa: For a weekend in Tampa, I’d advocate Downtown. It’s a energetic, busy space but it surely’s extraordinarily central and affords nice nightlife with improbable gastronomy. Many of the metropolis’s main sights are very straightforward to achieve from right here. The Tampa EDITION is a high decide and boasts a improbable restaurant.
Channelside: For those who’d reasonably not be surrounded by noise, Channelside is the right place to remain. You may stroll instantly onto the Riverwalk and discover parks and eating places very simply. It’s additionally dwelling to many upmarket lodges, 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 definitely cheaper. Historical past followers may even take pleasure in this a part of town. Lodge Haya is extremely beneficial.
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 bought 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. Certain, you wish to look good, however you’re solely in Tampa for the weekend, and which means it’s essential transfer rapidly. Even strolling down the Riverwalk includes some mileage, so go together with comfy footwear and clothes that can assist you benefit from the expertise with out distractions.
2. Rent a automotive 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 could have when you hire a automotive in Tampa.
Driving in Tampa could be very straightforward; the roads are clearly marked, and it’s a relaxed expertise. Whereas public transport is sweet, it could not all the time run to schedule, and it will possibly 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 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 Could because the climate is gentle, loads is occurring, but it’s potential to get a terrific deal on a lodge.
For those who go to between June to November, there’s the potential for poor climate resulting from hurricanes, though don’t let that fully dictate your selection. Discover out extra in our put up 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 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: Among the extra laid-back eating places may 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 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 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 stunning however terrifying all on the identical time. Lightning storms are widespread 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 is going to have gone. Don’t be tempted to say outdoors and take photos, particularly when you’re in an open house.
8. Layers are your good friend: 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 frivolously; there are some improbable procuring alternatives within the metropolis, and also you’ll wish to save house on your purchases.
9. Buy the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Move: The Riverwalk Attraction Move permits discounted admission to lots of the Riverwalk’s high spots and can prevent loads of cash whilst you discover. It’s definitely value trying into when you’ve got 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 best ways to find out about all of it is through a educated information. After all, you may discover by yourself steam, however a information will enrich your go to to an entire new stage. For those who 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 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 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 combination of nature, meals, nightlife, historical past, and tradition is the most effective place to begin. A weekend in Tampa might be fast-paced and tiring, but it surely’s potential to see loads when you’re organized along with your time.
A weekend break in Tampa is okay, however definitely 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 most effective locations to remain when you solely have two days in Tampa. These neighborhoods are central and lower down on touring time. There are numerous lodges in each areas.
A rigorously deliberate weekend itinerary in Tampa received’t break the financial institution. It is determined by what you wish to see, however you may tailor your go to to any finances.
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 likely one of the greatest issues to do while you spend the weekend in Tampa. You may stroll, discover, and see loads 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 improbable 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 affords extra for households and is an all-rounder kind of vacation spot.
There’s loads for {couples} to do in Tampa. Meals excursions, the Riverwalk, spending time at a surprising Tampa Bay seashore, having fun with the sundown, and superb nightlife are all on supply.
A weekend break in Tampa will present you various days in Clearwater, nevertheless, Clearwater Seaside is fingers down probably the greatest in Tampa Bay. In the end, Tampa itself has much more happening 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 per week would problem you to see every little thing. However a weekend is healthier than nothing and will certainly present you the highlights of this energetic metropolis.
tip is to rent a automotive; that means 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 in the long run, 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 pals, or one thing else totally, you’ll discover it in Tampa. It is a metropolis that regularly surprises me in the absolute best means, even in any case these years.
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