Itineraries for Your Trip to Tampa
3 Days in Tampa for First Timers
My first trip to Tampa was to experience the thrills of the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park, but I credit the Tampa Bay Lightning with helping me discover all there is to do around the city. Every time I come into town for a hockey game, I see a new side of the city.
But, you don’t need to be a sports fan to enjoy a visit to Tampa. The lure of this city is that it has a little something for everyone, from a food and nightlife scene to easy access to outdoor adventure to ritzy evenings on the town—and it’s all ready to enjoy within a three-day stay.
The bay breeze is refreshing, but expect warm weather most days.
If you only have time for one thing, make it historic Ybor City, a short trolley ride from downtown.
Get to know downtown Tampa by exploring the Channelside District and the Riverfront, where the Tampa Aquarium and Amalie Arena are located. An audio tour on a warm summer night provides insights and beautiful views of the waterfront.
For a more in-depth understanding of the city, hop on an e-bike to go further into Tampa’s riverfront neighborhoods.
However you spend your day, make sure you end it with a boozy, bar-hopping tour in Ybor City. This lively neighborhood brims with Cuban culture and is packed with dining and coffee options for an energetic night out.
You’ve seen the Riverfront on day one; now, see the city from the water. Take a boat tour and sail into Tampa Bay past stunning celebrity homes—many of which are only accessible by boat—while learning facts about the city.
If you prefer to paddle your own path, rent a kayak instead and spend as long as you like exploring the river.
For one final, unique look at Tampa Bay’s natural splendor, take a rideshare just outside the city to a sleepy town on Old Tampa Bay. Oldsmar is the scene for a zipline adventure across the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve.
Sports fans will find a host of championship teams in Tampa. If there’s no home game, tour Tampa’s food scene and find a place to watch a game with locals. A hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Tampa, Ybor City, and Seminole Heights offers an easy way to explore more of Tampa, find some great grub, and cheer on the Bolts, Bucs, or Rays.
With a few last hours, stop at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa for gaming or a live show. Just make sure you arrange transportation so you can drink, dine, and play at your leisure.
