Tampa Thrills: A Budget-Friendly 2-Day Escape

Explore Tampa on a shoestring budget and create unforgettable memories.

22 June 2023

A trip to Tampa, United States with a limited budget will be an exciting experience. Start your trip with a visit to the beautiful Busch Gardens and enjoy the roller coasters and the wildlife. Explore the city's museums and parks, and end your day with a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Downtown Tampa

  • Start with breakfast at The Blind Tiger Café, their avocado toast is a must-try!
  • Take a stroll in the historic Ybor City and visit the Ybor City Museum State Park.
  • For some art, head to the Tampa Museum of Art.
  • Hop on a water taxi and explore the waterfront by the Tampa Riverwalk.
  • Have dinner at Ulele, a restaurant that serves a fusion of Native American and Florida fare.
  • Stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa Central, they offer a comfortable stay on a budget.
Day 2

Beaches and Wildlife of Tampa

  • For breakfast, head to Oxford Exchange, order their homemade granola with yogurt.
  • Visit the Lowry Park Zoo and check out the manatees and kangaroos.
  • Relax at the Clearwater Beach and indulge in some seafood at Frenchy’s.
  • Catch the sunset at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
  • Have some drinks at the popular Gaspar's Grotto, known for its lively atmosphere.
  • For a budget-friendly stay, book a room at the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa near Ybor City.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Tampa

Welcome to the city famous for its sunshine, beaches, and the occasional gator invasion (just kidding, or am I?). Get ready to enjoy some Cuban sandwiches, sip on some cocktails, and soak up those rays.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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