A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Tampa vs. Pocono Mountains for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tampa

Tampa is a laid-back, easy-going, and low-key city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a beautiful, magnificent, and relaxing region. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Tampa and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Tampa and Pocono Mountains are both popular with visitors, Pocono Mountains has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pocono Mountains is more popular for its skiing, museums, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tampa is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Pocono Mountains is more touristy than Tampa and is popular for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also home to Bushkill Falls. Tampa is popular for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port.

How is Tampa different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pocono Mountains and Tampa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Tampa is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Tampa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pocono Mountains. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Tampa does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Tampa or Pocono Mountains? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Tampa and Pocono Mountains can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Tampa is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a surprising number of great local restaurants around town as well as a good food truck scene. Some favorite dishes include fresh caught seafood, Grouper sandwiches, and Cuban sandwiches.

Pocono Mountains offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Both Tampa and Pocono Mountains have decent vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Tampa. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.

Pocono Mountains is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Tampa is not a resort destination.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Tampa is not a resort destination.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tampa is a moderate city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Tampa. While the water isn't always the clearest, there are some nice snorkeling and diving spots in the area. Options include Shell Key and Egmont Key, Crystal River, and Fort De Soto.

Pocono Mountains is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Tampa is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tampa attract visitors from all over. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pocono Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Tampa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Pocono Mountains is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Pocono Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Tampa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Tampa or Pocono Mountains.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tampa. The city has a number of kid-oriented attractions including Busch Gardens Amusement Park, several kid-friendly museums, and a number of animal centers, aquariums, and wildlife rescue facilities.

Pocono Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for couples. However, Tampa is lacking in options for romance.

Pocono Mountains makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

Tampa is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The area does have great restaurants and some fun places to explore, but the downtown area has room for improvement and much of the city is suburban.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Tampa is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pocono Mountains is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Tampa is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way to get around.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Tampa. There is the street car that runs from downtown Tampa to Ybor City and stops at 11 stations.

Is Tampa or Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Tampa and Pocono Mountains are decent when it comes to walkability.

Tampa is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some neighborhoods that are considered walkable, you really need a car if you hope to explore Tampa in depth.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Tampa Worth Visiting? and Is Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Tampa?

How long in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Both Tampa and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pocono Mountains than in Tampa. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Tampa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

Families should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Tampa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pocono Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Tampa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pocono Mountains that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains than Tampa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Pocono Mountains.

One day in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food around the low-key destination of Tampa. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this magnificent destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food around the low-key city of Tampa. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Tampa is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pocono Mountains is a fun place to experience. In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Tampa is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Pocono Mountains, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magnificent destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Tampa and Pocono Mountains, we can see that Tampa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tampa Expensive? and Is Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Tampa has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Tampa and Pocono Mountains, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampa as well as Pocono Mountains. Many visitors come to Tampa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tampa is generally a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tampa this time of the year. In the summer, Tampa often gets less sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Tampa gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 288 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pocono Mountains. Tampa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tampa usually gets more rain in July than Pocono Mountains. Tampa gets 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Tampa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tampa for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tampa is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampa averages around 75°F (24°C) in October, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampa. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during autumn. Tampa gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 168 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pocono Mountains. Tampa gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

Both Pocono Mountains and Tampa during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Tampa because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

It's quite cold in Pocono Mountains in the winter. In the winter, Tampa is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampa in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

It's quite sunny in Tampa. In the winter, Tampa often gets more sunshine than Pocono Mountains. Tampa gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pocono Mountains receives 127 hours of full sun.

Tampa usually gets less rain in January than Pocono Mountains. Tampa gets 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampa or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampa and Pocono Mountains. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Tampa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pocono Mountains for the natural beauty.

In April, Tampa is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Tampa average around 71°F (22°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pocono Mountains this time of the year. In Tampa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tampa usually receives more sunshine than Pocono Mountains during spring. Tampa gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Pocono Mountains receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampa usually receives less rain than Pocono Mountains. Tampa gets 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Tampa