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: 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.

Romantic Island Escape in Tampa Bay

. Tampa, situated on the west coast of Florida, offers an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. With its azure waters, white-sand beaches, and picturesque sunsets, it's the perfect place to create lifelong memories. Other highlights include world-class cuisine, cultural attractions, and a range of outdoor activities for couples to enjoy together.

5 Days in Tampa: Culture, Nature, and Fun!

A trip to Tampa, United States offers a unique mix of culture, outdoor activities, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy exploring historic neighborhoods, visiting world-class museums, and strolling along the scenic Riverwalk. From amusement parks to nature preserves, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this diverse city on the Gulf Coast.

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.