Is Tampa worth visiting?
Yes, Tampa offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave. During our first trip to Tampa in the spring of 2012, we fell in love with its authentic atmosphere and proximity to great beaches. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or on a weekend getaway, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing beaches and fantastic food.
It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places in 2023.
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.
Tampa, Florida
3 Reasons to Visit Tampa
1. Beaches
Popular beaches near Tampa include Ben T. Davis Beach, Fred Howard Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.
2. Food
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.
3. Authenticity
Tampa has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Tampa worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Tampa, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here. Summer is a hot but fun time to explore Tampa.
The weather in Tampa is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (91°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach and discover the big city activities.
Summer Weather in Tampa
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
Is Tampa worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Tampa. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Tampa
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 24°C (75°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| December | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Tampa worth visiting in the Winter?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).
Winter is the shoulder season for travel in Tampa, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet. It can still be very pleasant in the winter and you may even be able to swim.
This is a great time of year to enjoy a meal at a restaurant and enjoy the city's energy.
Winter Weather in Tampa
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 15°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| March | 19°C (67°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Tampa worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Tampa. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to .
Spring Weather in Tampa
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 22°C (71°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Tampa
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Tampa with a lively nightlife scene. The city has some good nightclubs, sports bars, and other spots where locals enjoy spending the evening.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Tampa might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Tampa here or see if Tampa is expensive here.
Related
What is Tampa most famous for?
Tampa is most famous for its amusement parks, wildlife parks, and popularity as a cruise ship port. People visit this impressive city for its great beaches. Also, it's known for food. It is often described as low-key, laid-back, and easy-going.
What is the most famous sight in Tampa?
The most popular sight in Tampa is Busch Gardens. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Tampa on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Busch Gardens and other attractions here.
How touristy is Tampa? Is it a popular city to visit?
Tampa is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Tampa City Tour by Custom Golf Cart: $125
- Ghost Investigation Tours with Interactive Paranormal Experience: $35
- Christmas Lights Wonderland Deluxe Golf Cart Guided Tour in Tampa: $49
- Ybor City Immigrant influence Smart Phone guided App (GPS) walking tour: $6.50
- Tampa Food & Drink Tour - Hop On Hop Off: $11
- Zip Line Adventure over Tampa Bay: $87
- Guided Tampa Sightseeing Tour in New Street Legal Golf Cart: $45
- Shared Ybor City Historic Walking Tour: $30
How long should I spend in Tampa?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Tampa is two to three days. Since Tampa has activities such as beaches, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Tampa?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Tampa?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Tampa?.
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.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Tampa.
Why would you recommend Tampa to budget travelers? Or, why not?
It's a cheap place to visit, but there isn't a lot to do, so I'd only spend a day or two here.
We picked up a cruise here and enjoyed a few days beforehand.
What was your favorite thing about Tampa?
We stayed a night in Tampa before a cruise, and it's a surprisingly cool city with some good restaurants and a great local vibe.
It has a genuineness that you don't get at many of the me touristy destinations in Flida.
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