Tampa On A Budget: Fun-Filled 5 Day Itinerary

Maximize your fun and savings on your trip to Tampa, the Sunshine State.

21 June 2023

Tampa offers plenty of budget-friendly activities for travelers on a limited budget. Explore the natural beauty of the city by visiting Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens or Hillsborough River State Park. Enjoy local street food, like Cuban sandwiches and seafood, and stay at affordable accommodations, such as budget hotels or hostels.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Sunset Views

  • Check into the budget-friendly La Quinta Inn Tampa Near Busch Gardens
  • Head to the top of the Tampa Riverwalk for stunning sunset views over the water
  • Visit the Tampa Bay History Center and learn about the city's rich history
  • Grab dinner at the classic Columbia Restaurant for some delicious Spanish and Cuban cuisine
  • Have a nightcap at the rooftop bar of the Hotel Bar Hype, offering amazing views of the city at night
Day 2

Amusement and Wildlife

  • Start the day at Busch Gardens for thrill rides, animal encounters, and shows
  • Stop by the Tampa Museum of Art for some culture and inspiration
  • Lunch at Oxford Exchange, the gorgeous bookstore-cafe hybrid with a menu featuring farm-to-table dishes
  • Head to the Florida Aquarium to see the vast array of marine life and even dive with sharks
  • Dinner at Ulele, a unique restaurant with Native American inspired dishes and a stunning waterfront view
Day 3

Beaches and Brews

  • Drive to stunning Clearwater Beach and spend the day lounging by the water
  • Have lunch nearby at Frenchie's Cafe, serving up delicious fresh seafood
  • Tour the Yuengling Brewery, America's oldest brewery, and learn about their brewing process
  • Grab dinner and drink at Cigar City Brewing, well-known for their craft beers and laid-back atmosphere
  • End the night with some authentic Cuban cocktails at The Bricks Ybor, a trendy and artsy spot in the historic district
Day 4

Art and Eats

  • Start the day at the Salvador Dali Museum, home to the largest collection of the artist's works outside of Spain
  • Dine at the Refinery, an eclectic farm-to-table fare restaurant with rotating menus
  • Visit the Tampa Bay Brewing Company for local brews and delicious pub grub
  • Stroll through the stunning University of Tampa campus and its iconic minarets, designed by the city's famous architect, Franklin O. Adams
  • End the day at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, the historic venue for live music and performances
Day 5

Outdoor Adventures and Goodbyes

  • Explore the stunning Lettuce Lake Regional Park, offering kayaking, hiking, and incredible views of the Hillsborough River
  • Have lunch at Uceta Railway Station, a unique eatery located in a historic train station
  • Walk off those calories at the scenic and peaceful Hillsborough River State Park
  • Head back to the city for one last meal at Armature Works, a food hall featuring a variety of dishes from local vendors
  • Catch a sunset at Bayshore Boulevard, the longest continuous sidewalk in the world with views of the bay and local mansions.

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

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.

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.

Tampa in a Day: Thrills, History, and Culture

Experience the ultimate thrill at Busch Gardens, with over 300 acres of thrilling rides, shows and games, and get up close with some of the world's most exotic animals. Head on down to the Ybor City, historic and cultural district which is replete with cigar-making shops, restaurants, galleries and nightclubs. Don't forget to catch a glimpse of Tampa's renowned sports scene, whether it's attending a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL game, Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, or Tampa Bay Lightning NHL game.

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.