If you’re interested in how to plan a trip to Tampa and looking for a city guide or travel planner, chances are you’re ready for some sun and relaxation. And you’ve come to the right place: The entire Tampa Bay area — from the Historic Kenwood area to the city of Tampa to St. Pete — offers fun activities, great dining and more than enough beaches to go around. To make your planning process seamless, we’ve rounded up the top sites and tips to help you discover how to plan a trip to Tampa, and make the visit your best one yet.
When to Go
First and foremost, it’s Florida, so the weather is always lovely, making Tampa a year-round retreat. With that said, US News and World Report suggests the best time to plan a Tampa vacation is from September to December, when the weather is warm and hotel prices are at their lowest. The summer months of May through August are generally hot, humid and busy, while January to April sees expensive hotel prices, as Northerners get desperate to escape the winter chill.
Lay of the Land
Sure, you have the opportunity to enjoy the city proper, but you can also explore the larger Tampa Bay area, too. Great American Country has summarized the need-to-know neighborhoods that you shouldn’t miss: There’s Downtown Tampa and Channel District, which are home to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the landmark Tampa Theater with restaurant and shopping options. For young professionals looking for trendy restaurants and bars, head to SoHo and Hyde Park, and for an international vibe, check out Ybor City, considered Tampa’s Latin Quarter, especially for choice Cuban eats. If you have time to venture outside of Tampa proper check out Downtown St. Petersburg, a fun, urban area with everyone from college students to families to senior citizens (OK…insert your typical old-folks-in-Florida joke here). And beyond St. Pete, don’t miss Historic Kenwood, a neighborhood with a ton of bungalows dating back almost 100 years to the 1920s.
Can’t Miss Attractions
Visit Florida compiled its 15 favorite activities recently for those wondering how to plan a visit to Tampa, and winners include riding the epic SheiKra — a terrifying “dive coaster” with a 200-foot drop at Busch Gardens; attending a concert at the iconic Skippers Smokerhouse; and walking or strolling along the 4.5-mile Bayshore Boulevard, one of the city’s most picturesque spots. The Crazy Tourist put out its own list also, with can’t-miss options such as the tropical coral garden at the Florida Aquarium and the rescue facility at Big Cat Rescue, which is dedicated to caring for big cats (lions and jaguars and leopards, oh my!) that were rescued from circus acts.
The Great Outdoors
Although Tampa and its environs have great activities and shopping and restaurants, we know you came here primarily to enjoy the weather. And if you want to remain active and outdoors, USA Today published its list of the 10 Best Fresh-Air Pursuits in Tampa, which includes taking out a water bike on the river, or enjoying an eBoat on the water. If you simply want to be a beach bum, USA Today also has you covered with its catalog of favorite beaches near Tampa, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach.
Eat
If you’re looking to indulge in savory meals and treats, Tampa certainly won’t disappoint. Thrillist put together the most essential Tampa Bay restaurants list, which includes restaurants like Datz, an American gastropub known for its outrageous creations (dishes with names like “Porkfection” and “Peeping Tom” can’t disappoint). Other favorites include Pane Rustica, an upscale, new American restaurant and Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, a casual, cash-only joint with — you guessed it — some quality smoked fish.
Keenly-attuned to fashion, travel, and nightlife trends, assistant editor T.T.’s encyclopedic knowledge of bars and restaurants remains unrivaled – and her word is gospel when it comes to Sunday brunch. Our resident trivia night expert and staff humorist, she’s only been banned from one karaoke joint (that we know about). Also: Dog is her co-pilot.
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