Tampa Tango: A Thrilling 4-Day Family Adventure

Discover endless fun and sunshine in family-friendly Tampa!

19 July 2023

Tampa, located on the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida, offers an excellent destination for a family-friendly trip. With its beautiful sandy beaches, exciting theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and a range of family-oriented attractions such as the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo, there's no shortage of fun-filled activities for everyone. Explore the vibrant downtown area, indulge in delicious seafood, and create lasting memories in Tampa's warm and welcoming atmosphere

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Splashing into Tampa

  • Check into your cozy nest at the Epicurean Hotel, where the rooms are as hip as an avocado toast brunch.
  • Start the day with a splash at Adventure Island, where colossal water slides will make you scream "Woohoos!" louder than a dolphin concert.
  • Stroll around the charming Ybor City neighborhood, where the colorful buildings whisper tales of cigar-making ghosts and flamenco-loving parrots.
  • Taste the zesty flavors of Tampa at Columbia Restaurant, where the Cuban sandwich dances a spicy salsa on your taste buds.
  • Witness the sunset spectacle at Ballast Point Park, where the dazzling reflection turns the skyline into a work of art.
Day 2

Wild Encounters and Cosmic Voyages

  • Embark on a wild expedition at ZooTampa, where you can high-five a manatee and have a staring contest with a lemur. Animal shenanigans guaranteed!
  • Immerse yourself in the cosmos at the Museum of Science and Industry, where you can stroll through the stars and launch your brain into orbit.
  • Give your taste buds a tingle with a seafood feast at Ulele, where oysters will make you shucki shucki and grouper will do the sizzlin' merengue.
  • Wander through the bustling downtown Riverwalk, where street performers juggle oranges and dolphins jump through fiery hoops (well, at least in your imagination).
Day 3

Pirates, Ghosts, and Glowing Jellyfish

  • Unleash your inner pirate at the Tampa Bay History Center, where you can swashbuckle with tales of plundering, doubloons, and rum-soaked adventures.
  • Take a spooky stroll on the Tampa Ghost Tour, where restless spirits and quirky guides will lead you through dimly lit streets and haunted graveyards.
  • Dive into the mesmerizing wonders of the Florida Aquarium, where jellyfish sparkle like disco balls and sea turtles give the coolest high-fives ever.
  • Satisfy your hunger with some finger-lickin' barbecue at Holy Hog BBQ, where even the pigs would give up their last spare rib for this lip-smacking goodness.
Day 4

Thrills, Chills, and Deep-Fried Delights

  • Kick-start your adrenaline engines at Busch Gardens, where roller coasters will send you looping and twisting like a confused flamingo on a trampoline.
  • Enjoy a tranquil escape at the serene Tampa Bay Gardens, where vibrant blooms will inspire the next Picasso and croaking frogs will croon you a lullaby.
  • Delight in a culinary adventure at Armature Works, where food stalls serve up everything from crispy dumplings to mouthwatering ice cream sandwiches.
  • Kiss your vacation goodbye with a panoramic view from the top of the Tampa Bay Watchtower, where you'll bid farewell to this quirky city until your next adventure.

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

Tampa Thrills and Family Delights

A family-friendly trip to Tampa, United States offers an array of exciting activities for all ages. Explore the captivating wonders of the Florida Aquarium, where kids can get up close with marine life and even swim with gentle sharks. Visit the famous Busch Gardens theme park, known for its thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live shows, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family.

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.

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'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.