3-Day Adventure Guide: Tampa Bay, USA

Discover the sunny side of Tampa Bay and soak up the vibrant culture of Florida's Gulf Coast.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Tampa, visitors can explore the beautiful beaches, cultural museums, and vibrant nightlife. A popular destination is the Busch Gardens amusement park, which offers thrilling roller coasters and animal encounters. Additionally, visitors can savor delicious seafood and experience the city's rich Cuban cuisine.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Coastal Adventures

  • Stay at The Godfrey Hotel Tampa with its stunning views of Tampa Bay, it's the perfect spot to call home for a few nights.
  • Start your day with a walk along Tampa Bay at Ballast Point Park, then grab breakfast at The Sail Plaza Restaurant.
  • Next, head to the Florida Aquarium and get up close with over 20,000 aquatic animals.
  • For lunch, try the Cuban sandwich and plantain chips at the iconic Columbia Restaurant.
  • Finally, end your day with a sunset boat tour of Tampa Bay with Tiki Bay Island.
Day 2

Historical Tampa

  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the Oxford Exchange, located in a historic 1891 building.
  • Then head over to Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District, and take a guided walking tour of the area.
  • For lunch, try the blackened fish tacos at the award-winning Ulele restaurant.
  • After lunch, make your way to the Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the stunning Tampa Bay Hotel.
  • Finally, round out your day with a cold beer at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company.
Day 3

Thrill Seekers

  • For your final day, start off with a thrilling ride on the SheiKra roller coaster at Busch Gardens.
  • Then, cool off at Adventure Island water park and try out their many water slides and lazy river.
  • For lunch, grab a hot dog and a cold beer at the iconic Pinky's Diner.
  • In the afternoon, head to the interactive science museum, MOSI, where you can get hands-on with exhibits and even take a ride in a space shuttle simulator.
  • For dinner, treat yourself to some seafood at Eddie V's Prime Seafood.
  • End your night with a sunset stroll along Tampa Riverwalk.

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

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Tampa Thrills: A Budget-Friendly 2-Day Escape

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.

A Romantic Day Trip to Tampa's Waterfront

Tampa, located on the Gulf of Mexico, offers a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway with plenty of beaches, sunsets and waterfront activities. Enjoy the scenic drive along the coastline, explore Busch Gardens theme park or embark on a sunset cruise. Treat your taste-buds to some fresh seafood and indulge in some fine dining experiences while enjoying the city's old-world charm.

8 Day Romantic Getaway: Tampa Bay Romance

A romantic trip to Tampa, USA offers plenty of opportunities for couples to create intimate memories. Enjoy strolling hand-in-hand along the Tampa Riverwalk or visiting the peaceful Tampa Bayshore Boulevard to watch the sunset together. Take advantage of local dining options for candlelit dinners, or explore nearby attractions such as the Lowry Park Zoo for a fun date experience.

Tampa's Budget-Friendly Day Trip Delights

Explore Tampa, Florida on a limited budget, and have a great time visiting the many sightseeing attractions at a low cost. Check out popular activities such as Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Ybor City. Enjoy the outdoors with a visit to the local parks, such as Lettuce Lake Regional Park or Al Lopez Park.