Two-Day Tampa Tour: Beaches, Food, and Adventure

Discover sunshine and adventure in Tampa, Florida.

03 May 2023

Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida, offers a range of attractions for tourists including museums, theme parks and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the rich cultural history of the city through the Tampa Museum of Art or the Cuban-themed Ybor City. Adventure seekers can experience thrilling rides and animal encounters at Busch Gardens or relax on the beaches of Clearwater.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Tampa's Local Flavor

  • Hotel: Check into The Epicurean Hotel, the ultimate foodie heaven that offers cooking classes, wine tastings, and luxurious rooms.
  • 1. Start the day with a cup of locally roasted coffee and a gourmet pastry at the charming Cafe Hey.
  • 2. Visit the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic path along the Hillsborough River, dotted with art installations and great waterfront restaurants.
  • 3. Have lunch at Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest restaurant, serving delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1905.
  • 4. Head to the historic Ybor City, a vibrant neighborhood known for its cigar-making history, street art, and nightlife. Check out the Ybor City State Museum, and Cigar City Brewing for a beer.
  • 5. End the day with a sunset dinner at Ulele, a stunning brewery and restaurant featuring Floribbean fusion cuisine, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails.
Day 2

Beach Day and Outdoor Adventure

  • 1. Pack up and drive to St. Pete Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
  • 2. Rent a paddleboard and explore the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico or enjoy white sands and a good book.
  • 3. For a unique outdoor experience, visit the Sunken Gardens, a stunning botanical garden with exotic plants and a butterfly exhibit.
  • 4. Take a scenic drive to Fort De Soto Park, a nature lover's paradise where you can hike, bike, kayak, and see the historic fort.
  • 5. Have dinner at Rusty Pelican, a waterfront restaurant known for its seafood, steak, and incredible views of downtown Tampa at night.
  • Tampa is a dynamic city of eclectic neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and colorful history. Whether you're here for a quick trip or an extended stay, you'll never run out of things to see, eat, and do.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tampa by plane is to fly into Tampa International Airport, located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Tampa. Major airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and United all offer multiple flights to Tampa from major cities across the United States.

Car

The best way to get to Tampa by car is to take either I-75 or I-4, both of which connect Tampa to other major cities across the United States. Tampa is located about an hour and a half southeast of Orlando on I-4, and about four hours southwest of Jacksonville on I-75.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Tampa. However, if you are traveling from other cities in Florida, Amtrak offers several routes that go through nearby cities such as Orlando and Miami, with connecting bus service to Tampa.

Boat

While there is no direct way to get to Tampa by boat, there are several nearby ports such as the Port of Tampa and the Port of St. Petersburg that offer cruise ship service to destinations throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Tampa is located just a short drive from both ports, making it a popular pre- and post-cruise destination for many travelers.

Bus

The best way to get to Tampa by bus is to take Greyhound, which offers multiple daily buses to Tampa from cities across the United States. The Tampa Greyhound Station is located in downtown Tampa, just a few blocks from popular attractions such as the Tampa Riverwalk and Amalie Arena.

More travel plans

Two-Day Tampa Tour: Beaches, Food, and Adventure

Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida, offers a range of attractions for tourists including museums, theme parks and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the rich cultural history of the city through the Tampa Museum of Art or the Cuban-themed Ybor City. Adventure seekers can experience thrilling rides and animal encounters at Busch Gardens or relax on the beaches of Clearwater.

Tampa: A Thrilling Family Adventure on a Budget

Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida, is a vibrant destination for a family friendly trip. Explore the thrilling rides and marine life at Busch Gardens, home to exhilarating roller coasters and a renowned zoo. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where kids can build sandcastles and parents can unwind under the warm Florida sun. Additionally, visit the Florida Aquarium to discover fascinating sea creatures and learn about marine conservation.

Escape to Tampa: A Romantic 3-Day Getaway

Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida, is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. With its scenic beaches, exquisite cuisine, and lively nightlife, Tampa offers a variety of activities for couples. Whether you're taking a sunset stroll along the beach, indulging in fine dining, or dancing the night away, Tampa is the ultimate destination for a memorable trip with your loved one.

Tampa in a Day: Thrills, History, and Culture

Experience the ultimate thrill at Busch Gardens, with over 300 acres of thrilling rides, shows and games, and get up close with some of the world's most exotic animals. Head on down to the Ybor City, historic and cultural district which is replete with cigar-making shops, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs. Don't forget to catch a glimpse of Tampa's renowned sports scene, whether it's attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL game, Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, or Tampa Bay Lightning NHL game.