Brandon Travel Guide

Explore the best of Brandon, Florida with our comprehensive travel guide. From museums to outdoor adventures, food and drink, where to stay, and more, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Brandon

Located in Hillsborough County, in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida’s West Coast, Brandon is a lovely city that offers various attractions and activities for travelers. From historical museums and natural parks to delicious restaurants and exciting shopping areas, this vibrant town has it all.

In this comprehensive travel guide to Brandon, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, as well as local customs and culture. So, let’s begin exploring Brandon, Florida!

List of Places to Visit in Brandon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cracker Country - This museum provides a glimpse into Florida’s rural past. Visitors can explore the historical buildings and learn about the daily lives of the pioneers who lived in them.
  • Balm-Boyette Scrub Preserve - This 5000-acre nature preserve is a favorite among hikers and bird watchers. It features numerous trails and boardwalks, as well as picnic areas and educational exhibits.
  • Florida Museum of Photographic Arts - This museum showcases the work of photographers from around the world. It features unique exhibits, as well as educational programs and workshops.

Natural Attractions of Brandon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Alafia River State Park - This beautiful park offers a serene environment that is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Lithia Springs Regional Park - Known for its crystal clear springs, this park is an excellent place to cool off during the hot summer months. Visitors can also rent canoes or kayaks to explore the nearby river.
  • Little Manatee River State Park - This state park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride on the park’s trails, as well as enjoy fishing and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brandon

  • Alafia River State Park Trail System - With over 22 miles of trails, this park is an excellent destination for hikers and bikers of all skill levels.
  • Lithia Springs Regional Park Trail - This 2.2-mile trail is an easy hike that offers scenic views of the park’s springs and river.
  • Little Manatee River State Park Trail System - This park features a network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that wander through the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Best Things to Do in Brandon: Activities and Tours

  • Pedal Pub Tampa - This unique transportation service offers a fun way to tour the city’s bars and restaurants. Visitors can hop on a pedal-powered trolley and enjoy drinks and snacks while exploring the city’s nightlife.
  • Urban Kai Stand-up Paddleboarding - This stand-up paddleboarding company offers guided tours of the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. Visitors can explore the city’s waterways while getting a workout in the process.
  • Escape Countdown - This interactive game challenges visitors to solve puzzles and escape from a locked room in under an hour. It’s an excellent activity for families or groups of friends.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brandon

Day Activity
1 Explore the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and enjoy lunch at the nearby Columbia restaurant.
2 Hike the Alafia River State Park Trail System and cool off with a swim in the river.
3 Visit Cracker Country and learn about Florida’s pioneer history.
4 Spend the morning at Lithia Springs Regional Park before heading downtown for a Pedal Pub Tour.
5 Take a stand-up paddleboarding tour with Urban Kai before enjoying dinner at SideBern’s.
6 Hike the Little Manatee River State Park Trail System before heading back to the city for a game at the Amalie Arena.
7 Shop at the Westfield Brandon mall before enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the Balm-Boyette Scrub Preserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Brandon

Must-Try Dishes

  • Columbia’s 1905 Salad - This signature salad features lettuce, ham, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and a secret dressing.
  • Steak at Bern’s Steakhouse - This world-famous steakhouse offers high-quality meat cooked to perfection.
  • Cuban Sandwich at the West Tampa Sandwich Shop - This classic sandwich features ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread.

Local Beverages

  • Cigar City Brewing - This locally-owned brewery offers a wide selection of beers, including their flagship Jai Alai IPA.
  • Bern’s Steakhouse Wine Collection - This restaurant features an extensive wine collection with over 6000 labels.

Where to Stay in Brandon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Westin Tampa Bay - This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the bay and easy access to the city’s attractions.
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Brandon - This all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations and a free cooked-to-order breakfast.
  • Home2 Suites by Hilton Brandon Tampa - This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable suites with kitchenettes and a free breakfast.

What to Buy in Brandon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cigars from Martinez Hand Rolled Cigars - This family-owned cigar shop has been rolling cigars by hand for over 70 years.
  • Local Honey from Dadant & Sons Honey Company - This beekeeping supply store also sells delicious honey made from local bees.
  • Souvenirs from the National Park Service Store at Alafia River State Park - This store sells books, maps, and other souvenirs related to the park’s history and ecosystem.

Local Culture and Customs of Brandon

  • Football is King - Football is the most popular sport in Florida, and Brandon is no exception. Be sure to catch a game if you’re in town during football season.
  • Respect for Nature - Many residents of Brandon are passionate about preserving Florida’s natural ecosystems. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles when visiting outdoor areas.

Best Time to Visit Brandon

The best time to visit Brandon is between November and April when the weather is mild and dry. Summers can be hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brandon

Do:

  • Do visit the various nature preserves in the area.
  • Do try the local cuisine, including Cuban sandwiches and fresh seafood.
  • Do bring comfortable shoes for hiking and biking.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural areas.
  • Don’t underestimate the heat and humidity in the summer months.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brandon

Brandon is a safe city, but visitors should take precautions to avoid petty theft, especially in crowded areas or tourist attractions. Be sure to lock your car and secure your belongings.

Health in Brandon

Frequent exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and heat exhaustion. Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Getting to Brandon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Brandon

  • Tampa International Airport (TPA) - 22 miles away from Brandon
  • St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) - 28 miles away from Brandon

Bus Stations Near Brandon

  • Greyhound - Tampa Station - 16 miles away from Brandon
  • MegaBus Stop - Tampa - 16 miles away from Brandon

Other Options

  • Rental car - Many car rental companies have locations at the airports or downtown Tampa.
  • Uber/Lyft - Both ride-sharing services operate in the Tampa Bay Area.

How to Get Around in Brandon

A rental car is the most convenient way to get around Brandon and the surrounding areas. Additionally, Uber and Lyft operate in the area, it’s possible to get around using public transportation operated by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit.

Where to Go Next from Brandon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tampa - Located just a short drive away, Tampa is a bustling city with numerous attractions, including Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Ybor City, a historic cigar district.
  • St. Petersburg - Located just across the bay from Tampa, St. Petersburg is a charming city with beautiful beaches, museums, and art galleries.
  • Sarasota - About an hour’s drive south of Brandon, Sarasota is known for its stunning beaches, art galleries, and the Ringling Museum of Art.

Conclusion

Brandon, Florida, may not be the most well-known travel destination in the state, but it offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or shopping, this vibrant town has something for everyone. We hope this guide helps you plan your next trip to Brandon, Florida!