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Tampa has a little bit of everything: perfect beaches, fabulous dining, intriguing cultural sites, a vibrant history and energetic nightlife, with a slice of all-important Florida theme park action to boot. Appealing to families and friends of all ages seeking fun in the sun, couples on a romantic getaway and outdoorsy types coveting a nature-based adventure, Tampa caters to everyone.
Sitting on the glorious Gulf Coast, the city of Tampa offers a textbook combination of urban fun with laid-back beach vibes, all only a short distance from Orlando, making it the ultimate multi-centre destination for holidays in the Sunshine State.
Tampa Highlights
Tampa doesn’t leave anything out. From award-winning beaches in nearby St. Pete’s and Clearwater to Ybor City’s historical and cultural splendour, or the colossal rides of its flagship theme park Busch Gardens to its world-class dining, nightlife and entertainment, Tampa is a feast for all the senses. Get ready to dive in!
The Ride of Your Life
A visit to Tampa wouldn’t be right without a day at the inimitable Busch Gardens with its legendary roller coasters, thrilling family rides and amazing animal encounters at its on-site zoo. You can easily spend more than a day here, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. While a short drive to Orlando opens up a whole realm of theme park fun with some of the world’s most iconic attractions!
Historic Sites
Tampa oozes history, and from its humble beginnings as a cigar producer to the infusion of different cultures from Europe and the Caribbean, there is much to discover. The beautiful landmark buildings in Ybor City and the modern architecture of Tampa’s museums and galleries make the city a wonderful base to explore this rich culture for days on end.
Foodie Heaven
Encompassing many cultural influences from Italian, Spanish, Cuban and Caribbean cuisine, Tampa is a melting pot of flavour and culinary flair. Paired with its wonderful Gulf Coast setting and a bounteous offering of fresh seafood choices, your tastebuds will be thoroughly satisfied when you visit this incredible city.
Beach-Lovers’ Paradise
You’ll only ever have to drive a short distance from Tampa to experience some of Florida’s best beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Pure-white sands edged by emerald-green waters beckon you to stay, relax and play all day, in and out of the water. And with a near-perfect climate, Tampa is the ultimate family-friendly oceanside destination.
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Our Tampa Favourites
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Outside of Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is Florida’s other major theme park attraction and an absolute must-visit if you’re here for the roller coaster thrills, and even if you’re not. Alongside its legendary rides like SheiKra, Kumba, Cheetah Hunt and Congo River Rapids there is a wonderful zoo, which features more than 200 species and world-class facilities including its accredited Animal Care Center and a host of fascinating tours and hands-on animal encounters.
The whole family can enjoy a day (or more) at Busch Gardens with many kid-friendly rides and the adorable Sesame Street® Safari of Fun, an area of rides, live shows and character experiences, as well as a fun water play area to cool off in on those heated days on Tampa twin-centre holidays.
Ybor City
This northeastern Tampa district is vibrant, beautiful, and full of history, making it a great place to spend some time while you’re here. Foodies will adore the area’s culinary prowess, from its landmark restaurants to the traditional Cuban sandwich offerings, while history buffs can visit the Ybor City Museum for a glimpse into its Spanish roots.
Night owls can take advantage of Ybor City’s pulsing nightlife scene, too. Head for a late-night bite from one of its many restaurants or markets before moving on to a comedy club or nightclub, or perhaps catch some live music at the cool Ritz Ybor or Orpheum. Tampa twin-centre holidays aren’t complete without a visit to this gorgeous part of the city!
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is one of the country’s largest and offers a fabulous day out for all in the heart of downtown Tampa. There are myriad attractions and exhibits within the aquarium such as the Wetlands Trail to see alligators and otters, and the Journey to Madagascar with its medley of exotic animals such as ring-tailed lemurs and multi-faceted chameleons.
There are also many interactive exhibits such as Stingray Beach where you can watch – and touch – graceful rays and sharks gliding through its waters, and the fun Splash Pad water area is the ideal spot for kids to cool off in the Florida heat. Explore deeper on a magical catamaran dolphin cruise out in Tampa Bay, departing daily from the aquarium!
Tampa Museum of Art
If you’re after a cultured vibe while on your multi-centre holidays in Tampa, spend a morning perusing the Tampa Museum of Art, which has been rousing visitors with its intriguing collections of ancient and contemporary art in the form of sculptures, photography, paintings and more for over 100 years. There is a frequent programme of art classes, lectures and tours for all ages meaning everyone can get involved on their visit.
Its rectangular, seemingly levitating building is impressive too with its ambient lighting and views over the Hillsborough River, plus it’s the only museum in the country accessible via boat, so take a free ride on the water from one of the slips on the Riverwalk for an extra special museum experience!
St. Pete Beach
A quintessential Florida beach, St. Pete Beach is as postcard-perfect as you can get with its expansive, flour-soft sands, gently lapped by the emerald-hued waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This award-winning stretch is in St. Petersburg, which is only about half an hour’s drive across the Howard Frankland Bridge on the other side of Old Tampa Bay.
Bring the whole family for a morning, or even a whole day and partake in heaps of different water sports activities, spot dolphins playing nearby, go fishing from the iconic St. Pete Pier or simply lie back and bask in the Floridian sunshine.
Clearwater Beach
Regularly honoured as one of America’s best beaches, the award-winning Clearwater Beach is the centrepiece of its eponymous town, which is about 40 minutes’ drive from Tampa. With sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, Clearwater Beach is flanked by some excellent seafood restaurants like the famous Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, as well as gorgeous oceanfront hotels like Sheraton Sand Key Resort and the Wyndham Grand. Kids will also adore the shaded beach playground!
There are tons of water-based activities on offer including parasailing, tubing, jet-skiing and wakeboarding. When sunset approaches, dust off the sand and head for the iconic Pier 60, a 1,080- foot fishing pier with loads of family-friendly attractions with plenty of shops and places to grab a drink and snack.
Indian Rocks Beach
This less commercially developed beach – known locally as IRB – is quieter than its neighbours at Clearwater and St Petersburg, but its expansive super-soft sands and blue-green waters offer that same magical setting for a classic Florida beach trip. There are loads of public access points to Indian Rocks Beach and plenty of parking, so it’s a great option for a day out away from the city only 20 minutes’ drive south of Clearwater.
Located close by is the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve, a tranquil nine-acre escape from which to admire the intracoastal waterway and spot local wildlife along its expansive wooden boardwalk through forest and wetlands.
Ben T. Davis Beach
This gorgeous, narrow stretch of powder-white sand is the closest beach to downtown Tampa and provides a welcome haven from the lively hum of the city. If you’re travelling in from Tampa International Airport, Ben T. Davis Beach is the first one you’ll come across – and what a sight to see after a long flight!
If you fancy getting a little more active on your trip, the beach is positioned next to the beautiful Courtney Campbell Trail, which runs for more than 16 miles between Tampa and Clearwater and offers fabulous, panoramic views across Tampa Bay for hikers, cyclists and joggers.
Sand Key Beach
Though not technically in Tampa but just south of Clearwater, Sand Key Beach is situated in Sand Key Park and offers one of the prettiest spots for a lazy day in the sunshine. Its flour-white sands make for a lovely base from which to enjoy the sun and gentle turquoise surf, while the boardwalk and nature trail within the park allow for further exploration along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Rent a beach cabana or take your own lunch and sit in a picnic shelter, then spend the whole day chilling out with the warm breeze on your face. Kids can play at the playground and at certain times of the year, you may spot nesting sea turtles in specific areas of the beach, too!
Hyde Park Village
This outdoor shopping destination in the heart of Tampa has an upscale vibe with its blend of locally owned shops and larger retail stores for clothing, jewellery, homeware and more. Hyde Park Village is also well known for its live music events and excellent farmers’ markets, making it a wonderful outdoor space to relax and hang out with family and friends.
This modern shopping mall also features a dozen or more food and drink options for when you’re all shopped out. From rustic Italian cuisine at Timpano to casual coastal vibes of California and Brazil at Bartaco, there’s something delicious to please everyone. Afterwards, grab a coffee and doughnut from The Salty to satisfy your sweet cravings!
International Plaza & Bay Street
One of the most fashionable shopping areas in west coast Florida, International Plaza & Bay Street is a destination itself with mid- to high-end retailers, restaurants and nightlife. Shop in big-name department stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as world-renowned luxury brands like Tiffany &Co., Louis Vuitton and Coach.
Favourites like H&M, Forever 21 and Sephora will also please any teens and young adults in your party, while the kids will be swayed by a visit to the Cheesecake Factory. The mall also features loads of great eateries offering several types of international cuisine including Japanese, Mexican and good old-fashioned American-style grub.
Ybor City Shops
Ybor City oozes history and culture and promises a wonderful shopping experience due to its pedestrian-friendly streets and eclectic boutiques. If you’re in the market for cigars, then Ybor City is the prime place to buy them as it’s a town built almost solely from the cigar industry.
Head for the marvellous 7 th Avenue, Ybor City’s main commercial centre, with vintage clothing stores, art galleries, tattoo parlours and loads of cool spots from which to happily sip your café con leche and people-watch for hours on end. Alternatively, Centro Ybor is a thrilling mix of entertainment, retail and restaurants with a comedy theatre and 20-screen cinema if you want a night of fun in the city!
Ellenton Premium Outlets
Florida twin centres aren’t complete without a trip to an outlet mall, and Ellenton Premium Outlets in the south of Tampa doesn’t disappoint. With more than 130 shops to its name, this is the place to come for high-quality fashion and homeware at heavily discounted prices.
Make sure you’ve got room in your luggage for all that shopping! Visit iconic stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, the Nike Factory Store and Lacoste, plus the excellent Saks OFF 5 th , which gives up to 70% off heaps of designer brands and luxury labels. Several dining options feature international cuisine such as Greek, Chinese and Mexican – the perfect way to round off your spree.
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a multi-use path that runs for 2.6 miles along the sparkling Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel, meandering between various exciting attractions such as the busy Heights Market, the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the lively Sparkman Wharf.
You can easily walk, cycle, jog or hop on a scooter to traverse the pathway, stopping on the way at one of the seven parks and playgrounds – or let the kids cool off at one of the three interactive splash pads on a hot day. Plus, 25 bars and restaurants along the Riverwalk mean you can catch a break at any time en route for a quick drink or bite to eat and really enjoy your walk.
Fort De Soto Park
Comprising 1,136 acres that are made up of five interconnecting islands (or keys), Fort De Soto Park is a well-loved park sitting in Pinellas County just south of St. Petersburg, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. With impeccable beaches, historic sites and plenty of adventures in and out of the water, this excellent area is perfect for a family day out.
Kids will adore the pirate ship playground and calm tidal pools at the park’s North Beach, while history buffs will be captivated by the park’s namesake fort and museum. Seven miles of gentle trails make for wonderful opportunities to explore on foot or by bike, or take to the water in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and go wildlife watching for birds, turtles and a world of gorgeous marine life.
Honeymoon Island
Tampa’s enviable Gulf Coast position means that it’s easy to get to many picturesque islands such as the fittingly romantic, Honeymoon Island. This pretty spot is just a short 45-minute drive from Tampa, a little north of Clearwater, and accessible via the Dunedin Causeway.
Its flour-soft sands invite you to unwind, bask in the sun and splash in its gently lapping waters for hours on end, while opportunities for non-motorised water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are there for a little light activity for those keen to get out onto the water. Birders will relish the 2.5-mile Osprey Trail and the chance to witness many native species including warblers, herons, flycatchers and other migratory shorebirds. Two cafés on the island offer snacks and beverages for casual beachside dining on Florida twin centres.
Caladesi Island State Park
For a splash of paradise – a world away from the beating hum of the city – head for the beautiful Caladesi Island State Park located off the west coast of Dunedin, a largely untouched island accessible only via a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island. This stunning slice of heaven boasts pristine, white-sand beaches that are uncompromised by hotels or resorts along the shoreline, giving it a secluded feel away from the crowds.
Enjoy the simple pleasures of relaxing and playing on the sand, paddling in the water or hiking one of two trails to explore the island. And the on-site Café Caladesi & Store offers freshly prepared burgers, sandwiches and drinks so you can stay the whole day with no need to pack a lunch.
Columbia Restaurant
Florida’s oldest restaurant is a destination by itself. Operating since 1905, the family-run Columbia Restaurant is a historic Ybor City institution, serving an award-winning mix of Spanish and Cuban cuisine alongside an impressive wine list amid old-world charm and traditional family values. Six nights a week, guests can absorb a vibrant flamenco dance show and live music with their meal and be entranced by Latin culture and passion.
Century-old dishes are still a main feature of the restaurant’s delectable menu, including paella, black beans, Cuban sandwiches and the original “1905” salad – a meal and show here is an experience not to miss!
Skipper’s Smokehouse
Another Tampa icon since 1980, Skipper’s Smokehouse twins as both a fantastic restaurant and live music venue, offering a brilliant night out packed with Southern charm alongside Caribbean flair. Serving an award-winning menu of “Floribbean” fare – not for the faint-hearted – Skipper’s delivers an eclectic fusion of Caribbean, Floridian and Louisiana-style cuisine like tasty hot wings, fresh catches of succulent grouper and swordfish as well as black bean gator chilli and fried gator tail.
The restaurant’s rustic architecture adds to its appeal, with overturned boats hanging above, wooden walkways and colourful murals adorning the walls, the vibes are friendly, laid-back and oh- so Floridian. A night here is well worth your time on Tampa multi-centre holidays!
Cuban Sandwich at La Segunda
La Segunda is a well-known Tampa Bay bakery and has been serving up delicious Cuban-inspired bread since 1915 from its landmark Ybor City building. Its classic Cuban sandwich is considered among the best in the city and your visit to Tampa wouldn’t be right without sampling their homage to the iconic dish.
Four generations have established the bakery into the institution it has become today, drawing in locals and tourists for their daily dose of pan Cubano and café con leche, as well as supplying bread to supermarkets and restaurants all over the US. After decades of perfecting their craft, the La Segunda bakers continue to produce authentic, hand-made Cuban bread, even down to the palmetto leaf atop each loaf giving its distinctive split down the middle!
Bern’s Steak House
Bern’s Steak House is an essential element of the Tampa fine dining scene, offering an unmissable culinary experience. This lavishly decorated restaurant has been in operation since 1956 and houses one of the world’s largest wine collections – more than half a million bottles, in fact – to accompany its beautifully aged steaks, and no fewer than sixteen types of caviar.
Expect opulence, sophistication and a gastronomic feast when you visit this stunning restaurant – one of the most well-known in the whole of the Sunshine State. After a tour of the wine cellar or your meal reservation, enjoy a decadent sweet treat in the secluded booths of Harry Waugh Dessert Room for a quietly ambient end to the evening.
Tampa FAQs
Tampa FAQs
Tampa FAQs
If you’re planning a Tampa twin-centre holiday, the best time to visit will be during the autumn and early winter months of October and December when temperatures are cooler, yet the sunshine is still glorious and the sea warm enough to swim in. The summer season between July and September is hotter, more humid and much busier, not to mention the daily summer rains.
January to April is also a nice time to visit weather-wise, but it can get rather busy over peak winter holiday periods around Spring Break.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is accessible via direct flights from the UK, which take approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes. Many travellers combine Tampa area and Orlando twin centres as the two cities are around a 90-minute drive from each other, so flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Sanford International Airport (SFB) are also convenient options.
Tampa is a gateway to Florida’s glorious Gulf Coast and works perfectly with Orlando holidays as the two destinations are close enough to drive between, even for a day out. And with St. Petersburg and Clearwater a stone’s throw away, Tampa offers both city and beach experiences in one marvellous trip. In under three hours from Tampa, you can also be in beautiful Naples, while along the way are popular hotspots like Cape Coral and Sarasota.
If you’re planning on seeing a lot of Florida and the Gulf Coast region, hiring a car is essential. There are good transportation options within the city itself, but if you wish to visit the beaches along the coastline, having a car offers you freedom and the flexibility to discover it all at your own pace. And if you wish to twin your trip with an Orlando stay, you’ll be thankful to have a car at your disposal to travel between attractions.
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