Tampa on a Budget: 3 Days of Fun!

Experience Tampa's vibrant culture without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Tampa on a limited budget can be exciting with many activities to enjoy. Explore the free beaches and parks, visit the historic Ybor City, and take a stroll on the Tampa Riverwalk. Look for affordable accommodations and dining options to make your trip worth it.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Downtown

  • Check in at the Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Airport Westshore, a budget-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and fitness center.
  • Start your day with breakfast at Oxford Exchange, a charming café and bookstore with a menu of delicious coffee and pastries.
  • Walk around the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic and historic walkway with stunning views of the Hillsborough River.
  • Visit the Florida Aquarium, where you can see over 7,000 sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
  • Have dinner at Ulele, a popular restaurant serving freshly caught seafood and craft beer in a vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2

Beach Day

  • Head to Clearwater Beach, known for its soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and lively atmosphere.
  • Walk along the pier and watch the colorful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Frenchy’s, a beachfront restaurant famous for their fresh seafood.
  • Take a sunset sail with Clearwater Beach Sailboat Cruises, where you can see dolphins and other wildlife.
  • Grab a drink at Jimmy’s Crows Nest, a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the beach.
Day 3

History and Culture

  • Start your day at the Tampa Bay History Center, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of Tampa Bay.
  • Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park, a fascinating museum dedicated to the city’s cigar-making industry.
  • Stop by La Segunda Bakery, a family-owned Cuban bakery famous for their delicious pastries and sandwiches.
  • Visit the Tampa Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary and classical art from around the world.
  • Have dinner at Columbia Restaurant, a Tampa classic serving authentic Spanish cuisine in a beautiful setting.

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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