Tampa's Budget-Friendly Day Trip Delights

Experience Tampa Bay without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Day trip plan

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Day

A Taste of Tampa's Local Flavors

  • Start the day at Daily Eats for some delicious breakfast tacos and bottomless coffee
  • Take a stroll through the vibrant and colorful Ybor City neighborhood, known for its cigar-making history
  • Take a tour of the famous Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida, and enjoy some of their famous Spanish-style tapas
  • Head over to the Tampa Riverwalk and indulge in some sweet treats at the Riverwalk’s Sweet Spot
  • End the day with a refreshing drink at the Sail Pavilion, a waterside bar with stunning views of Tampa Bay

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

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.

Destination

Tampa

Welcome to the city famous for its sunshine, beaches, and the occasional gator invasion (just kidding, or am I?). Get ready to enjoy some Cuban sandwiches, sip on some cocktails, and soak up those rays.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Tampa: A Thrilling Family Adventure on a Budget

Tampa, located on the west coast of Florida, is a vibrant destination for a family friendly trip. Explore the thrilling rides and marine life at Busch Gardens, home to exhilarating roller coasters and a renowned zoo. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where kids can build sandcastles and parents can unwind under the warm Florida sun. Additionally, visit the Florida Aquarium to discover fascinating sea creatures and learn about marine conservation.

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.

3-Day Adventure Guide: Tampa Bay, USA

As a tourist in Tampa, visitors can explore the beautiful beaches, cultural museums, and vibrant nightlife. A popular destination is the Busch Gardens amusement park, which offers thrilling roller coasters and animal encounters. Additionally, visitors can savor delicious seafood and experience the city's rich Cuban cuisine.

Tampa Thrills: A Budget-Friendly 2-Day Escape

A trip to Tampa, United States with a limited budget will be an exciting experience. Start your trip with a visit to the beautiful Busch Gardens and enjoy the roller coasters and the wildlife. Explore the city's museums and parks, and end your day with a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk.