Anyone else in need of a beach weekend getaway ASAP? If you manage to pull yourself away from the white sandy beaches, you will find SO many other fun things to do in Tampa. From art museums to amusement parks to kayaking, this 3-day Tampa itinerary will be sure to keep you busy! Start planning your perfect one weekend in Tampa today!
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Tampa?
The easiest way to get to Tampa from out of state would be flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA). The airport itself is easy to navigate, beautiful and is located right outside the city. The airport itself is an attraction offers as it is home to multiple art pieces to enjoy before stepping foot in the city.
The best way to enjoy all Tampa and the surrounding area has to offer is by renting a car or using Uber/Lyft. Public transportation is not the best in Tampa, and you would need to take multiple buses in order to get between destinations.
Tip! Use the Discover Cars Search Engine to find the best rental car deal!
What is the best time to visit Tampa?
The best time to visit Tampa is between October and May, where the average temperature averages around 86 degrees, with the winter months averaging temperatures in the 70s. Peak season is during the summer months when people are flocking to the city, its surrounding beaches, and amusement parks.
Tampa is known for its multiple Gasparilla festivals that happen between January and March of each year. Gasparilla memorializes the pirate invasion of Jose Gaspar and the last battle between his fleet and the U.S. Navy. The Gasparilla festival season jumps off with the pirate invasion where a large ship sails into the Hillsborough River and is followed by a children’s parade, an adult’s parade, a marathon, an art festival, a movie festival, and a music festival.
Where should I stay in Tampa?
Booking.comTampa is surrounded by interstates and highways which makes it easy to get around no matter where you decide to say. It is recommended to either stay in downtown Tampa or in Seminole Heights.
If you are into the city scene and like views of high rises, downtown Tampa is for you. I recommend staying at the Aloft Downtown Tampa, which is right on the riverwalk and is a short walk to the Tampa Museum of Art. Another favorite is the Le Meridien Tampa, which is a couple of streets over from the river but is still close enough to walk to everything.
If you like to relax in a more cozy and homey feeling, I recommend staying in a bungalow in Seminole Heights. Staying in Seminole Heights, you are still close to highways, but you have the option to walk to local award-winning restaurants.
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3-Day Tampa Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Tampa:
Morning: Breakfast and shopping at Oxford Exchange
Start your Tampa adventure by enjoying breakfast at the Oxford Exchange. Located across the river from downtown Tampa, Oxford Exchange is what is known as Hyde Park and is a combination of a restaurants, retail experiences, and coffee shop. For breakfast, you cannot go wrong with anything from the menu, but I would start with the French toast or poppy seed pancakes. After enjoying your meal, grab a coffee or tea from one of the counters and look through their shop or bookstore.
Afternoon: Walking history tour and lunch at Armature Works
Tampa is a city of rich history and there are multiple walking tours that cover different parts of its history. Book through the Tampa Bay History Center and you will have your choice of learning about influential people of Tampa, Tampa’s downtown, or if you would like to make the drive to Ybor, about the cigar factories.
After your walking tour, head over to Armature Works for a bite to eat. Converted from the old Tampa Electric streetcar warehouse after it sat vacant for 50+ years, Armature Works houses different food vendors, a retail store, and event space for everyone to enjoy. Armature Works has both sit-down and food hall-type vendors. To start, grab a sandwich or salad from Graze 1910 and then “The Works” milkshake from Bake’n Babes. After enjoying both, head outside to one of the many seating areas to take in the view of the river.
Looking for a more adventurous day? Head over to Tampa Bay Busch Gardens for thrilling rides, animals, and top notch entertainment.
Evening: Drinks and dinner at CW’s Gin Joint
To end the first day in Tampa, dress up and head down to CW’s Gin Joint. Enjoy the speakeasy vibe while sipping gin cocktails and tasting small plates. On certain nights, the Gin Joint has live jazz music. It is recommended to make a reservation.
Day 2 in Tampa:
Morning: A Visit to one of Florida’s famous beaches
It’s no secret that Florida is home to some of the most amazing beaches. It wouldn’t be a true Tampa weekend trip without a beach day. Start day 2 off with a visit to one of the many beaches that are within an hour’s drive from Downtown Tampa. The west coast of Florida has some of the best award-winning beaches in the country. Drive to either Clearwater or St. Pete Beach and enjoy the sun.
Afternoon: Visit the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Cool off after the beach with a visit to both the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Both are within a 3-minute walk from each other and are small enough that you can visit both in one afternoon. Both museums are constantly rotating their exhibitions so there is something for everyone.
Not into art? Spend the day exploring the Florida Aquarium or the Tampa Zoo!
Evening: Catch a Sports Game
No matter the season, there is always a sports game happening in Tampa, and here are some things to do depending on what game you are going to:
- Buccaneers football game at Raymond James Stadium – Head to Cigar City before the game for beer and some food
- Lightning hockey game at Amelia Arena – Enjoy a meal at Sparkman Wharf from one of the many food vendors and then walk to Amelie Arena
- Ray baseball game at Tropicana Field – Find something to eat on Central Ave in St. Pete and then walk to the stadium
- Rowdies soccer game at Al Lang Stadium – Walk Beach Dr. to talk in the water views or do a little shopping and then walk to the stadium
Day 3 in Tampa:
Morning: Kayak the Hillsborough River
Get out on the water instead of just looking at it. To enjoy the Hillsborough River via kayak or stand-up paddleboard, you have multiple options: if you are already staying in downtown Tampa, rent from Urban Kai, which is next to Armature Works cross over the Laurel, or Cass Street bridge, and rent a kayak from the Tampa River Center. Another spot to rent a kayak is the USF Riverfront Park near the University of South Florida.
Afternoon: Spirit/Brewery Tour at one of Tampa’s Many Breweries
Tampa is known for its brewery and craft cocktail scene. There are many award-winning breweries and distilleries all over the area and the majority of those offer facility tours. Depending on what you are looking for the best breweries for tours are Cigar City, Coppertail, and Yuengling. For distilleries, there is no wrong choice between 82 Degree West or Dark Door Spirits.
Evening: Dinner Cruise to take in the City One Last Time
A dinner cruise with Yacht Starship is the perfect way to end your trip to Tampa. It is one more way to get on the water and take a different view of the city. Cruises only last two hours but that is just enough for dinner and a view.
Other things to do in Tampa
- Drive to St. Petersburg and visit the Dali Museum ($29) – Home to a collection of over 2,400 pieces of Salvador Dali’s art that show his work over his entire life. The building that houses the art is also a sight to see. It is best to buy tickets online and before you visit as the museum is doing timed admission.
- Drive out to Weeki Wachee and kayak the Weeki Wachee River ($32) – Rent a kayak to take in some of the clearest water in the state. You might even spot a manatee!
- Adventure Island– Waterslides, pools, lazy rivers, and even virtual reality snorkeling…defintiley on my list for next time!
- Tampa Ghost Walking Tour– A 1 hour haunted tour of the city!
Tips to know before visiting Tampa:
- Pack walking shoes and sunscreen!
- Tampa can get extremely hot in the summer so its best to do something in the morning, relax indoors during the middle of the day, and then resume activities in the late afternoon
Keep Reading:: What to do near Orlando BESIDES the Theme Parks
One Weekend in Tampa Packing List:
Even though you are only in Tampa for one weekend, it is best to arrive prepared to avoid having to waste time by running to the store for forgotten items. Below you will find everything (okay…maybe not everything) you will need for 3 days in Tampa!
- Swimsuit (arguably the most important for a Florida Vacay). This one is my favorite affordable suit from Amazon right now!
- Comfy walking shoes (for your walking tours or amusement parks. I wear my keens EVERYWHERE. Not only are they great hiking shoes, they are great for keeping your feet cool in the Tampa heat. No socks needed 🙂
- Travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, deoderant…you know all your daily essentials). This is a perfect travel case that meets TSA regulations!
- All the clothes (this one is going to be a personal choice as to how much to bring). I am typically good with three nice dinner outfits, my favorite joggers, a comfy shirt, some atheltic shorts, and a swim suit cover up.
- Makeup and hair supplies
- ID and any other travel documents or itineraries needed.
- Phone charger
- Kindle or current reading book
- Any needed medications
- Airplane snacks and water bottle (bring an empty bottle along to save plastic and money at the airport and on your daily adventures)
- Sunglasses! (I always forget this one)
- Andddd of course your camera! A gopro would be fun for this beach vacation!
3-day Tampa Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Breakfast, shopping, Walking tour, and Live Jazz music
- Day 2: Beach day, art museums, sports games
- Day 3: Kayaking, brewery tour, and Sunset boat ride
One Weekend In Tampa Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Tampa that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Tampa itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Tampa!
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Looking for more USA Weekend Getaways?
Check out the following USA weekend itineraries for easy planning!
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