Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Tampa?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Tampa?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Tampa during their visit. After all, the low-key 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Tampa?
One week is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Tampa, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to relax at the beach, enjoy the city's energy, and dine out at amazing restaurants on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Tampa as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend a week 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:
- 2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk ($104)
- Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar ($60)
- Tampa History Cruise ($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:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Historic Ybor ($40)
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.
Tampa is large enough to spend at least a full day exploring the local neighborhoods, attractions, and activities found around town. It's not a particularly large city but it does have some interesting neighborhoods.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk ($104)
- Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar ($60)
- Tampa History Cruise ($31)
After you've explored most of Tampa, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
Tampa is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Tampa. Plenty of amazing options are available.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Tampa?
Two weeks is more than enough time to see everything that Tampa has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the big city activities, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
Tampa, Florida
How to spend 2 weeks in Tampa
With 2 weeks in Tampa, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and experiencing the city's neighborhoods. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Zip Line Adventure over Tampa Bay ($94)
- 2 Person Mini Power Boat Rental at Tampa Riverwalk ($104)
- Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar ($60)
- Tampa History Cruise ($31)
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park Admission Ticket ($50)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Tampa, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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