Tampa in a Day: Thrills, History, and Culture
Discover the sunshine city of Tampa Bay!
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
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.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start your day at Busch Gardens, a theme park with thrilling rides and animal exhibits
- Head to Ybor City for lunch and try the famous Cuban sandwich at La Segunda Bakery
- Walk around Ybor City and explore its colorful historic district and lively nightlife scene
- Visit the Tampa Bay History Center to learn about the city's past and its ties to the cigar industry
- Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and admire the views of the Hillsborough River
- End your day with dinner and drinks at Armature Works, a trendy food hall with a rooftop bar.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
