Tampa Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Tampa, Florida.


If you’re planning a trip to Florida, make sure to move Tampa to the top of your list. This bustling city on the west coast of the state is packed with history, culture, and outdoor activities to suit every type of traveler. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this comprehensive travel guide to Tampa, covering everything from the top sights to see to the best places to stay and eat.

Introduction to Tampa

Located in Hillsborough County on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is a thriving city full of rich history and an unbeatable location right on Tampa Bay. It’s home to a diverse population of over 398,000 people, making it the third-largest city in the state. Tampa boasts a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, and is known for its excellent seafood, exciting cultural scene, and beloved football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

List of Places to Visit in Tampa

No trip to Tampa would be complete without visiting some of its top attractions. Here are some of the must-visit destinations for any traveler:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Tampa Museum of Art: This stunning museum in downtown Tampa showcases a collection of more than 4,500 works of contemporary and modern art, with an emphasis on local and regional artists.

  • Henry B. Plant Museum: Housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, this museum offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age of the late 1800s, when Tampa was a booming resort town.

  • The Dali Museum: Although technically located in nearby St. Petersburg, this museum dedicated to the life and work of surrealist artist Salvador Dali is a can’t-miss for art lovers visiting the Tampa Bay area.

Natural Attractions of Tampa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Busch Gardens: This thrilling amusement park and zoo in northeast Tampa features roller coasters, animal exhibits, and live entertainment.

  • Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: For adults looking for some excitement, Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a must-visit. Catch one of the many shows put on by some of the biggest names in music or try your luck on the casino floor.

  • Tampa Riverwalk: For a scenic walk or bike ride, head to the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4-mile path located in downtown Tampa that winds along the Hillsborough River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tampa

Looking to get some exercise while enjoying the beautiful Florida weather? Check out these top hiking and biking trails in Tampa:

  • Bayshore Boulevard: This 4.5-mile-long path is great for a leisurely bike ride or walk, with stunning views of Tampa Bay and plenty of shops and restaurants along the way.

  • Upper Tampa Bay Trail: This 7-mile-long paved trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or even horseback riding, and offers a glimpse into Tampa’s natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Tampa: Activities and Tours

Ready to immerse yourself in the Tampa Bay area? Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Take a boat tour: There are plenty of boat tours available in Tampa Bay, allowing you to explore the local waters and see some of the area’s famous wildlife, such as dolphins and manatees.

  • Visit the Tampa Bay History Center: This museum is dedicated to telling the story of Tampa Bay’s rich history, from the Native American tribes who first lived here to the modern-day developments that have shaped the city into what it is today.

  • Catch a game at Raymond James Stadium: If you’re a football fan, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at their home stadium.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tampa

If you’re planning to spend a week in Tampa, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Tampa Museum of Art
2 Explore Busch Gardens
3 Take a boat tour of Tampa Bay
4 Spend the day at Clearwater Beach
5 Hike the Upper Tampa Bay Trail
6 Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum
7 Catch a football game at Raymond James Stadium

Food and Drink Scene of Tampa

No travel guide would be complete without a rundown of the best places to eat and drink in Tampa:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cuban Sandwich: A Tampa classic, this sandwich is stuffed with ham, roast pork, and Swiss cheese, and is typically served with pickles and mustard on Cuban bread.

  • Stone Crab: Florida is famous for its seafood, and one of the top delicacies is the stone crab, which is served with a mustard dipping sauce.

  • Deviled Crab: This dish is a blend of crab meat, spices, and bread crumbs, and is typically fried to perfection.

Local Beverages

  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company: This local brewery has been brewing delicious beer in the heart of Tampa since 1995, and is a must-visit for any beer lover.

  • Cigar City Brewing: Another local brewery, Cigar City has gained a national reputation for its inventive beers and playful branding.

  • Columbia Restaurant: This iconic Tampa restaurant is known for its delicious sangria, served up by the pitcher.

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

Tampa has plenty of options when it comes to accommodations, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly guesthouse.

  • The Epicurean Hotel: This elegant boutique hotel is located in the trendy Hyde Park neighborhood and features a rooftop bar, an on-site restaurant, and a wine shop.

  • The Westin Tampa Waterside: For a more traditional hotel experience, consider the Westin, which is located right on the Tampa waterfront and offers stunning views of the bay.

  • Gram’s Place Hostel: For budget-conscious travelers, Gram’s Place offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with private rooms and shared spaces for socializing.

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

Want to bring home a piece of Tampa to remember your trip? Here are some top souvenirs and products to look out for:

  • Cigars: Tampa has a long history of cigar production, and you can find countless shops selling hand-rolled cigars in every flavor and style.

  • Honey: Florida is home to some of the best honey in the country, with countless small apiaries producing delicious varieties.

  • Local art: As a hub of creativity and culture, Tampa is home to plenty of talented artists and artisans who sell their work at markets and galleries throughout the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Tampa

Tampa has a vibrant and unique culture all its own, with a mix of Southern charm, Latin American influence, and a laid-back beach attitude.

  • Gasparilla: This annual festival, held in January, is a celebration of Tampa’s pirate history and features parades, music, and plenty of fun for all ages.

  • Latin American influence: Due to its proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America, Tampa has a rich history of Spanish and Cuban influence, which is evident in its food, music, and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Tampa

The best time to visit Tampa depends on your priorities. The busiest time of year is typically during the winter months, when many snowbirds flock to Florida for the warm weather. However, this can also mean higher prices and more crowded attractions. If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, consider coming in the autumn or early spring, when the weather is still warm but the crowds have died down a bit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tampa

Before your trip, make sure to keep these important tips in mind:

Do:

  • Visit Ybor City: This historic neighborhood is full of charm and character, with plenty of great restaurants, shops, and architecture to explore.

  • Try the local seafood: From stone crabs to oysters, Tampa Bay is known for its delicious seafood, so make sure to indulge during your trip.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables in your car: As with any city, theft can be a problem in Tampa, so make sure to keep your car locked and valuables out of sight.

  • Forget the sunscreen: With so much sunshine and warm weather, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Safety and Health

Before your trip, it’s important to know about any safety or health concerns in the Tampa area.

Safety in Tampa

Overall, Tampa is a safe city for visitors, but it’s still important to take the usual precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas, not walking alone at night, and keeping your valuables hidden.

Health in Tampa

Florida has a high number of cases of mosquito-borne illnesses, so make sure to pack insect repellent and take other preventative measures to avoid bites. It’s also important to stay hydrated in the hot and humid weather.

Getting to Tampa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tampa is easily accessible by car, plane, or bus, with several major highways and airports serving the area.

Airports Near Tampa

  • Tampa International Airport: This major airport is located just a few miles from downtown Tampa and serves dozens of airlines with flights to destinations throughout the United States and beyond.

  • St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport: Located about 20 miles from Tampa, this smaller airport serves several major airlines with flights throughout the eastern United States and Canada.

Bus Stations Near Tampa

  • Tampa Greyhound Station: This bus station is located in downtown Tampa and offers service to destinations throughout Florida and the southeastern United States.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: Tampa’s Union Station offers service on Amtrak’s Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes, with connections to destinations throughout the eastern United States.

  • Tampa Bay Ferry: The Tampa Bay Ferry is a fun and unique way to see the city, with regular service to nearby destinations such as St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

How to Get Around in Tampa

Once you’re in Tampa, there are plenty of options for getting around the city:

  • Public transportation: The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) operates buses throughout Tampa and the surrounding area.

  • Taxis and ride-sharing apps: Taxis and services like Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city.

  • Biking: Tampa has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, which can be a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.

Where to Go Next from Tampa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to extend your trip beyond Tampa, consider visiting some of these nearby destinations:

  • St. Petersburg: Located just across the bay from Tampa, St. Petersburg is a charming waterfront city full of art galleries, museums, and top-rated beaches.

  • Sarasota: Further south on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sarasota is known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and stunning architecture.

  • Orlando: Just a short drive east of Tampa, Orlando is home to some of Florida’s top theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.

Conclusion

From its rich history and diverse culture to its stunning outdoor scenery and delicious food, Tampa is a fantastic destination for any traveler. We hope this travel guide has helped you plan your trip and discover everything this amazing city has to offer.

Tampa downtown Tampa downtown Airside C at Tampa International Airport. Airside C at Tampa International Airport. Tampa streetcars Tampa streetcars A view of downtown Tampa, Florida taken from the W Platt Street bridge. A view of downtown Tampa, Florida taken from the W Platt Street bridge. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing at Raymond James Stadium off Dale Mabry Highway. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing at Raymond James Stadium off Dale Mabry Highway.