Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tampa?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Tampa?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the laid-back city of Tampa, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to relax at the beach, enjoy the city's energy, and dine out at amazing restaurants. Many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Tampa below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tampa?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Tampa during their visit. After all, the laid-back city has plenty to explore such as the beaches, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene.

Tampa is located on Florida's Gulf Coast and it's the home of Busch Gardens and several wildlife parks. Many visitors are passing through as they catch a cruise, but for those that linger, they'll find a good food scene and some interesting museums.

Do you have one or two days to visit Tampa? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Tampa?

Tampa isn't a particularly popular city for tourists, despite having some sights and attractions worth seeing. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the laid-back city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to three days to fully enjoy the city. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Tampa

The beautiful beaches await you in Tampa, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.

A few tour suggestions include:

Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar ($60)
Tampa History Cruise ($31)
Tampa Celebrity Homes Boat Tour ($31)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

Ybor City Food Tour On Sundays ($89)
Cooking Class near Disney in Tampa Florida ($88)

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Tampa?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the laid-back city of Tampa, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time to take it all in. You don't want to miss the chance to relax at the beach, enjoy the city's energy, and dine out at amazing restaurants. Many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Tampa below.

Tampa, Florida

How to spend 2 days in Tampa

With a weekend (two to three days) in Tampa, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

Perhaps the most famous place in Tampa is Busch Gardens, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Tampa, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.