Tampa holidays
Long overshadowed by Miami and Orlando, this growing metropolis on Florida’s Gulf Coast has skyscrapers, sports arenas and some of the top family attractions in the US. The best Tampa holidays mix thrilling theme park rides with strolls along the city’s revitalised Riverwalk. From Busch Gardens to the Victorian-style shops of Hyde Park Village to the white-sand beaches just outside of town, see why Tampa deserves its moment in the spotlight.
Tampa holiday highlights
visit Tampa Bay
Bay adventures
Tampa is renowned for its bay, and for good reason. Sheltered from the Gulf of Mexico, this natural harbour has been the heart and soul of the region since the city's founding. Head to Sparkman Wharf downtown and take an evening yacht cruise out onto the water. Once you're back on dry land, enjoy a craft beer and some street food along the glittering waterfront.
Theme parks and resorts
One of the top reasons for a holiday in Tampa is to visit its theme parks and resorts. Busch Gardens is renowned for its thrill rides, like Phoenix Rising and Tigris. Across the road, Adventure Island has your summer days covered with water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. If golf is your game, the nearby Emerald Greens Resort has a top-class course.
Where to stay
Tampa is in the midst of a development boom, which is great news for hotel hunters. You’ll find a dependable lineup of family-friendly chains around major draws like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. For more upscale options, set your sights on Water Street and Hyde Park Village, where you’ll find boutique hotels with everything from rooftop pool decks to five-star spas.
Tampa: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
March – July
Low season
August – September
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Photographer name
Things to do in Tampa
visit Tampa Bay
Beaches
The appropriately named Clearwater Beach offers an escape to sugar-fine sand and gorgeous Gulf of Mexico waters just 45 minutes from Downtown Tampa. A little further south is Fort De Soto, with two fishing piers, paved trails and plenty of shore birds to observe. Alternatively, take a day trip to Crystal River, home to one of Florida's most beloved animals: the manatee.
Take in the culture
Tampa Bay's History Center looks at the heritage of Florida's west coast, with exhibits about pirates and early explorers. For contemporary art, stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk to the Tampa Art Museum. Sports fanatics shouldn't miss the Tampa Baseball Museum, housed in the childhood home of Al Lopez, the first Tampanian to earn a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Places to eat
Tampa's cuisine draws on a variety of influences, from Cuban and Italian to Spanish and Colombian. The restaurant scene reflects that multiculturalism, with a bevy of options in the Water Street area. Tampa is also the birthplace of the hearty Cuban sandwich, so be sure to give this a try. Other local delights include key lime pie, Spanish bean soup, Cuban bread and empanadas.
FAQs about Tampa holidays
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Tampa holiday. Go then and you can expect lows of 9ºC (48ºF).
With temperatures reaching a high of 33ºC (91ºF), August is the hottest month in Tampa.
English is widely spoken here. Familiarise yourself with a few local expressions or greetings during your city break in Tampa and you'll blend right in.
You can generally count on your holiday to Tampa to be an exciting and safe experience, especially if you're sticking to the popular tourist spots. Even so, it's always a good idea to exercise some precautions to ensure your trip goes smoothly. For example, keep your valuables out of sight, stay alert to your surroundings, and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
The rainiest month is July, which gets an average rainfall of 24 cm. But don't let that take the shine off your Tampa trip — there's still loads to do indoors like shopping for unique finds, visiting an art gallery, or hanging out in cosy cafes.
Tampa flights and hotels are regular and affordable. It’s an international destination on the Gulf of Mexico with all the appeal of a big city. Whether you're into fine dining, seeking a thrill on a roller coaster or eager to see marine wildlife, Tampa has something for you.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Tampa. Along with your credit cards, consider having some cash on hand for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
With sunshine nearly every day, it’s always beach time in Tampa. Temperatures and humidity rise in the summer and you can expect more tourists during that season. In autumn, you’ll get good deals, fewer crowds and great weather, making September to December the best time to holiday in Tampa.
The cost of your city break in Tampa will vary based on things like where you're leaving from, when you go, and your chosen hotel. Tampa flights and hotels are typically pricier during peak periods, but you can enjoy savings by booking in quieter months.
You’ll need at least four days for a Tampa holiday to check out the Riverwalk, Ybor City and attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa. If you want more beach time, consider five to seven days total.
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