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.

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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.

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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.