A Perfect Weekend in Tampa, Florida

While popular Florida spots like Miami and Palm Beach steal the spotlight, Tampa on the Gulf Coast is worth your attention. This emerging mid-sized city radiates a refined charm that creates a relaxed and welcoming vacation atmosphere.

Having grown up in Tampa, I find its unique blend of freshness and familiarity always draws me back. The sunny days, manageable size, vibrant culture, and friendly vibe make me linger; there’s always something new and exciting to explore, along with a handful of beloved places I must visit. Fortunately, I’ve crafted a three-day itinerary that highlights the best of Tampa, mixing timeless favorites with fresh attractions.

From beautiful beaches to thrilling theme parks, discover Florida's must-see experiences

Essential Information

Best time to arrive: Try to get in by Thursday night to enjoy the full three-day weekend. If you can’t escape work completely, being by the water on Friday makes the workload feel lighter.

Transportation from the airport: Use a ride share from TPA, which is a nearly perfect airport. Fares fluctuate throughout the day, typically ranging from $30 to $50 to your destination.

Getting around the city: Some areas are more walkable than others, and locals are passionate about walking. If you’re there for Gasparilla, our 'Mardi Gras-but-with-pirates' festival in late January, many will insist the city is easy to navigate on foot. You might even clock 30,000 steps! If you’re not renting a car, consider staying near the Riverwalk, Water Street, or Hyde Park for the best access. Ride shares are plentiful, and bikes, scooters, and trolleys are available too.

Where to stay: Tampa's accommodations often lean toward a chic, upscale atmosphere rather than a boutique style. Luxury seekers might rave about the lavish Tampa EDITION, while mid-range travelers will find excellent options at the Aloft Tampa Downtown or the Epicurean Hotel in Hyde Park. Budget-conscious visitors will likely find the best deals with Airbnb in central neighborhoods.

Best time of year to visit: While I appreciate Tampa throughout the year, those escaping winter will particularly enjoy the winter months. (If you prefer to avoid large crowds, skip January due to the Gasparilla festivities.) Summers can be intensely hot, but visiting before hurricane season (June to November) means enjoying a refreshing cocktail poolside on those sizzling days – plus, most venues have great air conditioning.

What to pack: With the typical heat and humidity, bring your lightest clothing, but feel free to dress up as well. In winter, a light sweater or jacket tied around your waist is useful, especially for time spent by the water. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, swimsuits, and sunscreen while in the Sunshine State.

Friday

Morning: Kick off your day with a stroll along Bayshore Boulevard – the longest pedestrian walkway in the world (no big deal) – sharing the path with bikers, runners, and rollerbladers. When you reach Rome Ave, head into Hyde Park Village and stop by Buddy Brew Coffee for a latte or Goody Goody Burgers for a hearty sit-down breakfast.

How to spend the day: Indulge in some shopping at Hyde Park or return to the Riverwalk, but don’t forget to order sandwiches for pickup from Wright’s Gourmet House for lunch. The slight detour to Palma Ceia is well worth it. Grab a toasted BLT, a chocolate alpine cupcake, and an iced sweet tea. Then, make your way to the nearest body of water. Tampa offers its bay, pools, and various shorelines; for a classic beach experience, drive about half an hour to an hour to St. Petersburg or Sarasota. Charming beach towns like Anna Maria Island or Indian Rocks Beach are also worth exploring.

If your accommodation lacks an outdoor pool, definitely grab a day pass at a nearby facility. Alternatively, consider renting a small boat to circle around Davis Islands.

Dinner: Head over to Ulele for eclectic Floridian fusion dishes like okra fries and seafood risotto. The gator tail might sound daunting, but it tastes quite similar to chicken. Since the Riverwalk allows for beverages, feel free to enjoy your cocktail while walking in the warm breeze. If you’re with discerning eaters, Armature Works is a hit for its diverse options. Pro tip: the open container law applies only to drinks bought from approved vendors, so BYOB isn’t allowed.

After dark: Tampa is famous for its nightlife, which can range from lively to laid-back, depending on your mood. For stunning views of the water and downtown, visit the deco-inspired rooftop bar at M.Bird. If you're in the mood for a party, hop over to South Howard “SoHo” for vibrant bars like SoHo Saloon and MacDinton's Irish Pub.

Curious for more? Check out these top beaches in Florida

Saturday

Morning: Start your day with a delightful café con leche, and grab a one-day unlimited trolley pass from downtown to Ybor City for just $5. Make your way to this intriguing historic area. For a quick bite, visit Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters, or if you're heading out closer to 11am, enjoy lunch at Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant.

How to spend the day: Once the cigar capital of the world, Ybor City boasts Spanish, Italian, and Cuban influences. Now, its impressive brick factories are home to bakeries, clubs, tattoo parlors, and more. Discover the area's history at the Ybor City Museum State Park, which is open from 10am to 3pm. Don't forget to explore the best thrift and antique shops in the city while you're there.

Dinner: Head over to the Channel District for a chic dining experience. You can choose from elevated French dishes at Boulon, a Michelin-starred prix fixe menu at Lilac, or indulge in oysters at The Pearl. Even if you have a rental car, consider using a ride share, as valet parking is necessary.

If the Tampa Bay Lightning are at home, consider dining at popular spots in nearby neighborhoods, such as Cru Cellars in Palma Ceia or Willa’s in North Hyde Park, as traffic around Amalie Arena can be challenging.

After dark: For your evening plans, enjoy sipping and snacking along Water Street or Bay to Bay Boulevard until the last call, or head back to SoHo. Tampa's compact layout makes it easy to adapt your plans on the go.

Sunday

Morning: A brunch at Oxford Exchange is a must-do highlight of your Tampa adventure. This sophisticated venue boasts an independent bookstore, café, tea room, restaurant, champagne bar, shop, and co-working space, making it the perfect spot to conclude your trip with delicious food and an enchanting atmosphere. Don't forget to grab a book for your flight and snap a few photos for your social media.

How to spend the day: Stroll across the street to the University of Tampa, where you can watch rowing teams glide over the Hillsborough River and see students relaxing in hammocks beneath the palm trees. Make sure to grab some Cuban sandwiches at West Tampa Sandwich Shop on N. Armenia before you head to the airport.

While Tampa is great for a quick two or three-day getaway, I often find myself extending my visits by a few extra days, always feeling like there's more to explore.

You can also easily extend your trip to discover the rest of Florida as well.

Continue planning your Florida getaway:

• Find out when the Sunshine State enjoys the most sunlight (and other excellent times to visit)

• Explore these affordable travel tips before making your reservations

• This is essential information for any trip to Florida

• Save our complete guide to navigating the area