Last Updated on 1st April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
Visiting the southern states in the US and not sure whether a stop in Tampa is a good idea, let me tell you that you won’t regret it! So whether you enjoy good food or stunning views, here’s how to spend the perfect 3 day weekend in Tampa, Florida.
The capital of Florida is located on the western coast of the Gulf of Mexico and it has recently become a hot destination for a short break, this three-day Tampa itinerary has all the ingredients you need for an unforgettable break in Florida. So, let’s discover the best things you can do in Tampa in three days…
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Basic Things to Know Before Visiting Tampa
Home to a beautiful coastline and pleasant weather almost all year round, this lively city has much more to offer than you would expect. Interesting gastronomic proposals, entertainment, cultural activities, and exciting nightlife are just some of the things you will love about Tampa.
To make the most of your visit, it is a winning idea to purchase this Tampa Bay CityPASS® before the trip to save money and time by avoiding waiting in line to purchase single tickets.
The pass includes access to attractions such as Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Check prices and availability here.
What’s the Weather Like in Tampa?
Although the city can be quite rainy in the hot season (mostly in late spring and summer), the weather is generally good as these showers rarely last more than a few minutes. Blue skies and hot temperatures are what to expect from May to September.
The city is also a great winter destination if you hate cold weather, the area features warm temperatures all year round, making it a great place to visit between October and April. Whatever the time of year you’re visiting, just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack a waterproof!
How to Get to Tampa and How to Move Around
It is possible to land both at Tampa International Airport or at St. Petersburg Airport, both quite central and offering easy access to the center of town.
Tampa can also be accessed easily by car from other towns in Florida, including the popular Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Renting a car in Tampa gives you great flexibility for day trips in the area, however, the city has an efficient public transport system while moving around by taxi (or Uber) is neither hard nor extremely expensive either.
Best Areas to Stay in Tampa
If you’re not planning to rent a car, choose to stay in a central area, such as downtown Tampa, this will provide easy access to restaurants, entertainment, and even guided tours.
For a beach break, it would be more convenient to find accommodation near Clearwater or Saint Petersburg. Prices can be a bit higher, but that’s because you will be paying extra to stay only steps from the beach.
Is 3 days enough time in Tampa?
Yes, 72 hours is more than a sufficient amount of time to get an overview of the city,
Suggestions for how to spend a 3 day weekend in Tampa
Day 1: Explore Tampa’s Downtown
Start by enjoying a couple of hours sightseeing the famous downtown river walk. Over here, you can walk, but also jog or rent and ride a bike (or a scooter) along the waterfront.
From here, you can easily reach Tampa’s famous food halls. There are two of them located at the extreme ends of the river walk offering delicious lunch options, some of them quite affordable for those traveling on a budget.
Head to the southernmost point of the river walk to enjoy a visit to the Florida Aquarium, an entertaining experience for visitors of all ages. Here, you can see from a privileged close-up distance over 8.000 animals from Florida and other regions.
Enjoy a mangrove forest and check out birds but also river otters, alligators, sea turtles, stingrays, seahorses, jellies, and more unusual species including batfish, eels, and sharks.
On the premises, you will love the adventurous Journey to Madagascar experience that includes unique animals such as ring-tailed lemurs and hissing cockroaches. End the experience with a drink at the rooftop deck with harbor views!
For a seamless experience, check out this Florida Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entrance that includes access to all exhibits, 3 touch pools, a 4-D theater, as well as educational and entertaining shows.
Those who prefer to learn about history will spend a great time visiting the American Victory Ship and Museum which features one of the only four fully operational WWII ships in the US. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at the official website.
If you’re looking for a picturesque and, at the same time, delicious place for lunch, stop by Sparkman’s Wharf. Also at the southern end of the river walk, the place offers entertainment, photo opportunities, and interesting dining options at the Dining Garden and Beer Garden.
Alternatively, if when reaching the southern tip of the walk is still too early for lunch, then head north. By the time you’ve arrived at the opposite side of the river walk, on the northern extreme of the waterfront promenade, the fantastic Heights Public Market has fast food stalls and produce vendors offering delicious ingredients.
Armature Works, instead, features a great selection of snack bars and quick eateries, but some fine restaurants too.
If you’re looking for one more exciting experience, then stop for a while at the Tampa Bay History Center, an exhibit covering three floors where you can admire more than 12,000 years of history, including pirate stories and legends about Florida pioneers.
Once you’ve visited downtown Tampa, you might be interested in moving towards more residential areas, perfect to surround yourself with the local lifestyle and culture.
Start by heading across the river to check out the Hyde Park area. A fantastic, lively place, especially after sunset, the place is one of the most popular meeting points among locals.
If you happen to visit on a Sunday, don’t overlook the street market where to discover more about local delicacies but also an ideal place to get some Tampa souvenirs to take back home after your Florida vacation.
If you’re interested in dining in the area, check out Ybor City, a historic district with plenty of remarkable restaurants and beer bars. To make the experience even more memorable, keep in mind that you can reach Ybor City by jumping on the streetcar in downtown Tampa.
Day 2: Activities off Downtown Tampa
Although the center of the city and its popular downtown might manage to offer all the entertainment you need for your Tampa break, you will also adore exploring some lesser-known sights and landmarks.
Devote your second day in Tampa to get off the beaten track in Florida and enjoy such attractions. One of those places is the Hindu Temple of Florida, a remarkable white building in the northern area of Tampa that is a perfect example of Indian-style architecture.
The imposing white building, which receives hundreds of visitors from the country and the rest of the world, is an active worship center with dozens of incredible gardens, amazing pyramid-like towers, eccentric rooftop courtyards, and dozens of prayer rooms and rooftop courtyards.
There’s no entrance ticket and all visitors can easily spend a whole morning wandering around the temple on their own.
In the afternoon, check out the beautiful Hillsborough River State Park, which has often been described as one of the last wild places in Florida. If you’re fascinated by Florida’s unique landscape and nature, then this is the place to explore.
You will get an intimate look at the state’s magnificent and lush natural scenes, admiring endemic trees, swamps, marshes, and mangroves, including all the wild animals that populate such an environment, such as birds and, of course, alligators!
The park can be seen hiking with an expert guide, but also on a canoe or renting a bike to venture along the several forest trails. Even if you’re only spending a weekend in Tampa, this special spot is well worth checking out.
Before heading to your hotel for a well-deserved night’s sleep, make a delicious stop at Tampa Bay Brewing Company famous for being among the oldest breweries in the state of Florida, and it’s a popular tourist destination for anyone going through the Tampa area.
Here, you will not only find fine beers to taste but also a great selection of mouthwatering dishes. Although surrounded by quite a no-frill environment, you will certainly love every minute of the visit as well as the time spent in the on-site patio bar.
The Tampa Bay Brewing Company remains a family business with a clear focus on simple service and authentic homemade beer that you can enjoy in different on-site taprooms.
Day 3 Clearwater Beach and Saint Petersburg
You could easily spend the whole day lazily sunbathing on one of the most amazing beaches in the U.S. Or you could also divide your day between this incredible sugar-sand beach and some sightseeing activities in the gorgeous narrow island of Clearwater Beach, just a short boat trip from downtown Tampa.
To get there you will first need to reach the city of Clearwater (about 30 minutes from Tampa), and then jump on a boat for a further 10-minute ride to the beach.
But there is more, not far from the sea resort, there is also another city to discover, Saint Petersburg. Located facing the bay, this city is also home to impressive beaches, often counted among the most beautiful ones in the country.
Among the activities you can experience in Saint Petersburg, popular choices include water sports but also golfing, shopping, and beer tasting!
The main place to check out is the downtown area of Saint Petersburg, with the new Saint Pete Pier, a buzzing gathering place perfect to enjoy local food and drinks. The area also includes access to the beach, activities for children, exhibitions, and dozens of fashion shops.
Surprise the kid in you by heading to Park and Rec, a themed arcade area mainly thought for adults, where you can spend hours having fun with the same games that you used to play when you were a teen! To make the experience even better, they also serve amazing cocktails and finger food.
To end the day in a truly unforgettable fashion, check out this Sunset Cruise with Sunshine Skyway Bridge tour. You will set sail from Saint Petersburg on a sunset cruise and pass under the stunning Sunshine Skyway Bridge where you can even spot dolphins as the sun sets over Tampa Bay.
Instead, if you’re longing for some extra time by the sea, head to Treasure Island or Madeira Beach to witness one of the most unforgettable sunsets in Florida.
Where to Stay in Tampa Bay
If you’ve already made up your mind and want to put this 3-day Tampa itinerary into practice, then check out the following places to stay and remember to book early. This way, you will get the places you really want at the most convenient prices.
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District is quite an affordable three-star hotel offering excellent value for money. It is located in a strategic position, close to the main attractions downtown. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a convenient luggage storage service. Check prices and availability here.
Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown is another elegant three-star hotel just meters from the Tampa Museum of Art and the Tampa Bay History Center. The venue features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar while private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Check prices and availability here.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa East Ybor City is one of the best-rated hotels you can find in the Tampa Bay Area. The hotel is close to the Port and only 13 kilometers from Tampa International Airport. It features comfortable rooms equipped with a microwave, fridge, and coffee machine. Check prices and availability here.
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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.