Romantic Island Escape in Tampa Bay

Discover love and sunshine in Tampa - the perfect romantic escape.

22 April 2023

. 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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Wandering Through Ybor City

Check into the Epicurean Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel for couples with a rooftop bar and a chocolate shop.
Explore Ybor City, a historic district with charming streets filled with cigar shops, bars, and restaurants.
Learn about the city's history at the Ybor City Museum State Park, housed in the former Ferlita Bakery building.
Take a tour of the historic buildings and landmarks with Ybor City Walking Tours.
Have a romantic dinner at Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida, with beautiful Spanish decor and top-notch Cuban food.

Day 2

Island Hopping

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, Élevage, voted one of the best in the city.
Take a day trip to one of the nearby islands such as Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach.
Relax on the white sandy beaches, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, and soak up the sun.
Rent a jet ski or go parasailing for a thrilling adventure.
Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch at Frenchy's Clearwater Beach or Snapper's Sea Grill in St. Pete Beach.

Day 3

Art and Science in Downtown Tampa

Take a short drive to the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, a scenic boardwalk along the Hillsborough River.
Visit the Tampa Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum with changing exhibits and a beautiful view of the river.
Explore the interactive exhibits at the Glazer Children's Museum, perfect for adults and kids alike.
Have a late lunch at Ulele, a trendy restaurant that celebrates Florida cuisine with fresh seafood and craft beer.
End the day with a sunset cruise along the river with Tampa Water Taxi Company.

Day 4

Thrills and Chills

Start the day with brunch at the Oxford Exchange, an eclectic spot with a bookstore, coffee bar, and restaurant.
Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an amusement park with thrilling roller coasters and exotic animal exhibits.
Take a break from the rides and cool off at Adventure Island, a water park with slides and lazy rivers.
Have a romantic dinner at Bern's Steak House, a Tampa institution with a massive wine cellar and phenomenal steaks.
End the night with a nightcap at Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club, a hidden gem with a vintage vibe and craft cocktails.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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