If you happen to’re planning a visit and wish the perfect issues to do for {couples} in Tampa, this information has you lined. We’ve put collectively a 4-day Tampa itinerary stuffed with romantic actions, superb meals, cultural highlights, and sensible tricks to make your getaway clean and memorable.
Tampa isn’t only a cruise cease—it’s a metropolis stuffed with surprises. Historic Ybor Metropolis, manatee encounters, rooftop swimming pools, riverside strolls, and artistic eating all make it excellent for {couples}. Right here, on daily basis brings a mixture of rest and journey, providing you with the possibility to decelerate, discover, and revel in time collectively.
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TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO TAMPA
When planning our journey to Tampa Bay with my spouse, Chantelle, I used to be on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do as a pair. What we ended up with was a extremely well-balanced 4 day itinerary that had us exploring, getting lively, enjoyable, consuming nice meals, and above all else, simply having fun with one another’s firm.
As a pair that hasn’t spent any time in Tampa earlier than, we have been truthfully stunned in one of the simplest ways attainable. Most individuals understand it to be a spot to board cruise ships, or the place you’d soar off to the seashores nevertheless it seems to be an superior metropolis that blends massive sights with native gems, so on daily basis felt full however by no means overwhelming.
As we do with all of our itineraries, we delve into the main points of how one can spend 4 romantic days in Tampa the place you’ll be able to actually decelerate and revel in the perfect that town has to supply.
📚 Tampa Bay Mini Information 📚
🏨 Finest Motels – Element Tampa Midtown
🍴The place To Eat – Sunda New Asian, Heights Public Market at Armature Works, Ash, Alter Ego, Oxford Exchange, Columbia Restaurant, Hampton Chocolate Factory, Craft Tampa, Supernatural Food & Wine
🎟️ Finest Locations To Go to – ZooTampa, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Riverwalk
⭐️ Should Do Actions – Manatee Vital Care Heart Behind-The-Scenes at ZooTampa, stand-up paddleboarding class with Urban Kai, exploring Ybor City, {couples} therapeutic massage at Spa By JW, and scenic dinner cruise with Craft Tampa.
Your first day in Tampa Bay begins off with spending time with the care of the mild giants of Florida adopted by an unbelievable meal. Savor each second of it!
With us based mostly in Toronto, Canada, the great thing about going to Tampa Bay is simply how simple the connection is. With quite a few flights a day, we hopped on with WestJet early within the morning and received in earlier than midday.
The primary order of enterprise was dropping off our issues on the resort. Whereas it was nonetheless early to check-in, Element Tampa Midtown was type sufficient to offer us a room that was prepared.
We merely dropped issues off and caught a Lyft to our subsequent vacation spot.
One factor value noting is that for this journey, we opted to forgo the automotive rental this time round. Since we knew that we have been simply targeted on town of Tampa Bay and the way every thing was going to be fairly central, it made sense to make use of a rideshare. This additionally had the good thing about avoiding to take care of parking.
Lyft is often cheaper however most drivers are across the airport and Midtown and fewer downtown.
When utilizing rideshare to get round, be sure that to plan forward by on the lookout for a driver 10-Quarter-hour forward of time to keep away from ready too lengthy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You’re going to spend the vast majority of your afternoon at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
Sometimes, we aren’t as gung-ho about seeing animals in captivity however what made this a simple resolution was that they’re one of many few locations that function a crucial care heart for Manatees. Along with being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), they put a heavy deal with conservation and community-based outreach.
Whereas Busch Gardens was definitely on the desk, it wasn’t as interesting to be operating round and ready in strains, so ZooTampa appeared like an ideal place for {couples}, the place we might have a extra laid-back afternoon and focus extra on the manatees.
Save in Tampa
Tampa CityPass
Tampa CityPass is definitely a extremely good take care of financial savings of as much as 55%.
The way in which it really works is that you simply robotically get entry to ZooTampa, Busch Gardens, and The Florida Aquarium. You then get to decide on 2 extra sights together with one which’s a dolphin tour or sundown boat tour. Different choices are Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Museum of Science & Business, and Glazer Kids’s Museum.
Along with spending time exploring the totally different zones of the park and getting soaked on Roaring Springs, be sure that to put aside time to do the Manatee Vital Care Heart Behind-The-Scenes Tour.
Florida is residence to the big aquatic mammals that has the nickname “sea cow” however, sadly, many get injured resulting from incidents with boats and chilly climate. ZooTampa is one in every of two locations within the state that has a crucial care heart, or hospital if you’ll, that has a facility arrange with particular medical care.
Within the 30-minute tour, you’ll be guided across the back-stage space that zoo guests usually can’t get to and also you’ll study in regards to the means of how the manatees are delivered to the zoo, how the medical swimming pools are used to look after injured manatees, and the way they’re ultimately nursed again to well being and launched again into the wild.
It was heartbreaking to see a number of the accidents the manatees beneath their care had, but additionally inspiring on the identical time with the dedication of the workforce.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
After a day on the zoo, you’re certain to be hungry and possibly a bit sweaty. Head again to the resort to clean up and in the identical constructing because the resort is the award-winning restaurant, Sunda New Asian.
We have been blown away by the vibrant flavors and contemporary components that’s impressed by Southeast Asian delicacies. From bulgogi roti tacos, oxtail gyoza, signature crispy rice, Penang beef brief rib, distinctive sushi rolls, and extra, each dish was a delight.
Because of its handy location to the resort, seize a night-cap (or two) earlier than heading again to the resort room for a much-needed night time or relaxation earlier than Day 2!
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To your second day in Tampa, you’ll get out to a number of the finest that town has to supply.
After breakfast on the Ingredient, catch a Lyft to the primary spotlight of the day, the Tampa Museum of Art.
It’s situated alongside the banks of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Riverwalk that you simply’ll discover afterwards. Earlier than you head in, take a second to understand the structure of the museum, that includes a perforated aluminum exterior propped above a glass base.
Much like the zoo, it’s not an overwhelmingly giant area to wander by way of however has a compelling combine of up to date and classical reveals of artwork that vary from work, sculptures, and likewise Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.
Like its structure, it’s a jewel field of treasures ready to be found.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
After soaking within the artwork and creativity on the museum, it’s time to stretch your legs and revel in some contemporary air alongside the favored Tampa Riverwalk. Because you’ll be on the Tampa Museum of Artwork, the phase between Curtis Hixon Park and Resort Tampa Riverwalk is our favourite.
The complete stretch follows the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel, beginning at Armature Works and going all the way in which right down to Sparkman Wharf.
Strolling the scenic waterfront, you’ll be able to absorb metropolis views, watch boats drift by, and benefit from the full of life ambiance that makes this spot a favourite for each locals and guests.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a self-guided method to study extra about the entire sights you can see surrounding the Tampa Riverwalk, consider this audio walking tour that works in your smartphone.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
For lunch you’ll be able to both stroll alongside the Tampa Riverwalk north or name a rideshare to Heights Public Market at Armature Works. This was the website of a former trolley warehouse and now transformed into a contemporary venue and meals corridor.
With a wide range of meals distributors and a full of life, communal ambiance, it’s the proper spot to refuel and soak in some native taste earlier than persevering with your adventures. You may resolve to both sit indoors, there’s a central courtyard with cooling mist machines, or there are seats and tables on the river aspect.
There are many choices right here so be at liberty to select no matter appears (or smells!) finest to you. Whereas we have been there, we heard good issues about Empamamas, Dolmoros, Muchachas, Match Bowl Co., and Buddy Brew so that’s what we ended up consuming for lunch.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
After having fun with lunch at Heights Public Market, it was time to get again on the water for our subsequent journey, a stand-up paddleboarding class with Urban Kai.
Whether or not you’re a newbie or simply trying to take pleasure in a while on the water, this expertise presents a enjoyable method to see Tampa from a brand new perspective. For the session, we began from Armature Works, paddled all the way in which to simply by Curtis Hixon Park, after which turned again.
All of those years, we by no means took any classes for SUP and easily rented and went out on our personal. With Mike from City Kai, we discovered the right approach for stand-up paddleboarding which was actually game-changing.
If group excursions or courses aren’t your type, don’t fear, stand-up paddleboard leases are additionally out there, providing you with the liberty to discover Tampa’s waterways at your individual tempo and revel in a bit solo journey on the water.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
| Rental | 1 Hour | 2 Hour | 3 Hour | Full Day |
| Customary SUP | $35 | $45 | $55 | $85 |
| Single Kayak | $25 | $35 | $45 | $75 |
| Tandem Kayak | $40 | $50 | $60 | $90 |
After our SUP expertise, we went again to our resort to relaxation and alter for a enjoyable night time out.
Date night time in Tampa begins on the restaurant Ash by Chef Ferrell Alvarez. We weren’t too conversant in his accolades however by the tip of the night time we have been singing his praises.
We will confidently say that after we tried a wide variety of their sharable dishes, this was the perfect meal that we had in Tampa. As an expertise, every thing was elevated to perfection, whether or not it’s the decor and ambiance, the service, the colourful presentation, and in richness of style and texture.
Whereas every thing we had was wonderful, the standout dish was their fried rabbit. On this case, they’ve taken one thing that’s usually ready in a selected manner and turned it on its head by evoking the familiarity of fried rooster however reconstituted in numerous methods equivalent to with the espuma that tastes like celery and blue cheese dip.
Ash blew us away and is only one of many examples of how sizzling the culinary scene is in Tampa Bay.
If Ash is a bit out of your price range, you must contemplate Ferrell’s unique restaurant that began all of it, Rooster and the Till.
Proper subsequent to Ash is the cocktail lounge Alter Ego. When the discrete black doorways open up, you’re transported to a svelte speakeasy vibe the place the music is nice, there are snacks to nibble on, and the song-inspired drinks hit the spot.
It’s a classy romantic spot to finish off the proper night time out.
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Right now, you’ll be exploring a metropolis inside a metropolis and studying about how Tampa received its standing because the Cigar Capital of the World.
Begin your day by heading to Oxford Exchange. It is a hidden gem of a spot that’s half bookstore, present store, candle making workshop, lounge area, tea store, espresso bar, and restaurant.
Breakfast is a good time to come back or if you find yourself consuming at your resort, come right here to for a cup of espresso or tea.
With our vitality fueled, we headed over to the Ybor City, a neighborhood that’s wealthy in historical past, colourful, and splendidly distinctive. Coming right here looks like moving into a distinct period.
We suggest that you simply go to the Ybor Metropolis Customer Heart which has a stunning brief video you can watch that talks in regards to the formation of Ybor Metropolis due to Vicente Martinez Ybor. It’s his entrepreneurship and imaginative and prescient that formed town.
From there, step onto Cuban soil by strolling into José Martí Park. This park is devoted to a poet, journalist, and revolutionary chief who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spanish rule.
Throughout the road you’ll see a big signal for Ybor Sq.. This was the location of the founder’s unique cigar manufacturing unit.
Head one block south to seventh Avenue. That is the primary thoroughfare for Ybor Metropolis. Ranging from the primary gate, as you stroll east, you’ll see historic indicators, previous brick buildings, balconies, cafes, and cigar retailers. There are additionally many trendy updates as nicely, turning into a well-liked nightlife vacation spot with golf equipment, bars, and lounges.
It’s a type of locations the place historical past and trendy tradition mix in a manner you gained’t discover wherever else in Tampa.
If in case you have time, we suggest the Ybor City Historic Walking Tour. It delves into the wealthy tapestry of Ybor Metropolis’s previous, from its origins as a cigar manufacturing hub to its vibrant immigrant communities. Led by educated guides, you’ll discover notable landmarks, study in regards to the cultural influences that formed the world, and listen to charming tales that convey town’s historical past to life.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
You may’t go to Ybor Metropolis with out going to the legendary Columbia Restaurant. With over 120 years of historical past and run by the identical household for five generations, that is in reality the oldest restaurant in Florida, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the USA.
With impeccable service, genuine Spanish decor, and fantastic Spanish and Cuban impressed household recipes, you come right here for your entire expertise.
Whereas we have been right here, our server organized an order of a few of their finest together with sangria, “1905” salad, empanadas de picadillo, fideua de mariscos, and white chocolate bread pudding.
Earlier than you go, be sure that to wander across the a number of sections of the restaurant the place you’ll see historic pictures, Don Quixote murals, Seville tiles, household heirlooms, and work.
Head again to the resort for a fast change and make your method to downtown Tampa, extra particularly, Sparkman Wharf.
By its entrance is the Tampa Signal the place you’ll be capable of take some enjoyable pictures. This signal truly adjustments all year long so by the point you come, it’ll doubtless look totally different.
If in case you have a candy tooth, be sure that to go to Hampton Chocolate Factory.
We initially heard about The Big Cone, a ludicrously giant and tall 5lb comfortable serve ice cream, however we weren’t hungry sufficient for one. We additionally realized that you should make a reservation if you would like one.
As an alternative, we wished to see what the hype was all about with Dubai Chocolate so we received one in every of their particular sundaes. It was completely divine with their pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi bits, layered soft-serve swirl, and contemporary strawberries.
One of many premiere actions you are able to do in Tampa Bay and ideal for {couples} is Craft Tampa, a romantic night that mixes a multi-course eating expertise with a river cruise that sails by way of the center of town because the solar glows.
Choosing the outside seating, we had an superior view from the strict of the ship. As soon as the boat leaves the dock, you’ll seamlessly transition from appetizer to most important to dessert over the course of the two hours. You additionally aren’t tied to your seats as you’ll be able to ask your server to have your drinks and even dessert served on the bow the place there are extra excessive tops and loungers to benefit from the passing Tampa skyline.
That is actually one thing distinctive and an effective way to ship off your closing night time in Tampa.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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To your closing day in Tampa Bay, squeeze each final second in along with your associate with an excellent breakfast and soothing spa expertise.
Because it gained’t make sense to travel between the resort, try of the resort within the morning and produce your baggage with you.
What may seem to be a gap within the wall, Supernatural Food & Wine is a type of native secrets and techniques you can’t miss.
Come right here for his or her delicious breakfast sandwiches and their contemporary cider sourdonuts. Whereas they make a sugary mess, we couldn’t consider how gentle and fluffy the donuts have been. It’s no surprise that they promote out on daily basis.
Since we have been taking the afternoon flight again to Toronto, we solely had the morning to work with, however that didn’t cease us from benefiting from it.
After we regarded up good spas within the metropolis, the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street had the perfect opinions. So, to spherical out our couple’s journey to Tampa, we booked a 50-minute couple’s therapeutic massage.
Spa by JW operates throughout the resort and lives as much as the repute of the JW Marriott model with stellar amenities, spacious however non-public lounge area, an unique rooftop jacuzzi, and wonderful number of refreshments and snacks.
Most significantly, we have been impressed with how good the masseuses have been and the acute consideration to element with consolation equivalent to using sizzling towels.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
With that, we sadly needed to finish off our journey right here. After we received to take pleasure in a bit further time utilizing the spa’s amenities, we referred to as a Lyft to take us to the airport.
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SIDE TRIP TO DISNEY? I THINK YES!!
Disney World is one in every of our favourite locations to go to! And being simply over an hour from Tampa, we expect you must add this to your journey, particularly should you’re travelling with youngsters! Don’t miss out on our Disney World secrets and techniques!
After 4 unbelievable days exploring Tampa with my spouse, we’re right here to inform you that it’s a spot that’s completely underrated. It’s greater than a pitstop earlier than a cruise or heading to St. Pete’s.
From the unique animals at ZooTampa to the historic streets of Ybor Metropolis, and ending with a calming {couples} therapeutic massage, it’s clear why this metropolis is such a well-liked Florida vacation spot. Whether or not you’re visiting for the tradition, the meals, or the waterfront adventures, Tampa presents one thing for each sort of traveler.
What stunned us essentially the most although was how good the meals scene is in Tampa Bay. As a romantic getaway, this was normally the tipping level for what made our journey further memorable.
Use this Google Map to simply navigate all of the stops on our 4-day Tampa itinerary.
You should use the map as-is by bookmarking this text and coming again to it throughout your planning or whereas on the journey. The opposite manner is to create a duplicate onto your Google account. Merely maximize the map by clicking on the button on the highest proper. This can open the customized map in a brand new tab. From right here, click on on the triple dots and “Copy Map”. This can save a duplicate of this map to your Google account should you’re logged in. Now once you open your Google Maps app, you’ll be capable of entry this map beneath the “You” tab on the backside and “Maps” which is situated on the very backside.
Listed below are a couple of insights from our journey to Tampa that may make it easier to plan your go to or no less than provide you with an concept of what to anticipate.
Join a brand new Lyft account with our referral to get 50% off 5 rides (max CA$10/trip). You should use as much as CA$10 per trip in your first 14 days as soon as utilized.
Earlier than you hit the street, it’s useful to know what to pack for a Tampa journey. From sunny days exploring the Riverwalk to enjoyable evenings after a {couples} therapeutic massage, having the appropriate gear could make your journey extra comfy and fulfilling.
Much like our Miami itinerary, right here’s a fast information of necessities to convey alongside to your 4-day Tampa getaway for {couples}:
The very best time to go to Tampa is in spring (March–Might) or fall (October–November). These seasons convey comfy temperatures, decrease humidity, and fewer crowds in comparison with the recent, wet summer time months.
Sure, Tampa is usually secure for guests, particularly in fashionable areas just like the Riverwalk, downtown, and Ybor Metropolis. As with every metropolis, it’s good to remain alert, keep away from poorly lit areas at night time, and keep watch over your belongings.
Tampa is usually extra reasonably priced than different Florida hotspots like Miami or Orlando. You’ll discover budget-friendly eating places, free outside actions just like the Riverwalk, and resort choices starting from boutique stays to main chains.
Most vacationers discover 3–4 days is the proper period of time to take pleasure in Tampa. That offers you an opportunity to see cultural sights, stroll the Riverwalk, discover Ybor Metropolis, and even plan a brief seaside getaway.
If you happen to’re within the means of planning your journey and placing collectively your itinerary, these are genuinely the perfect sources that the Going Superior Locations workforce stands by 100%.
Credit score Playing cards
Don’t get burned by hidden charges on high of horrible change charges. After we journey now, we use the Wise Card. Merely load it with the foreign money you want earlier than you go and use it as a daily VISA or their digital pockets card. Use their free app to trace how a lot you could have and high up when you should.
Flights
In our opinion, of all of the reserving search engines like google and yahoo, Skyscanner is essentially the most useful and straightforward to make use of due to their Everywhere feature. Kayak can be one other that’s we’ll usually verify.
Rideshare
You in all probability have already got accounts however should you don’t, for brand spanking new Lyft customers, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 per trip). Supply legitimate for 14 days after you’re taking your first trip. For brand new Uber customers, use code cbh4j6plxt8p for a similar provide besides it’s legitimate for 30 days.
eSIM
eSIM: These days, we’ve actually liked utilizing eSIMs. We’ve examined a number of through the years and we’ve got entry to a couple particular promotions.
Wifi Hotspot
We’ve been an enormous fan of wifi hotspot gadgets equivalent to PokeFi (use code GAP24300) as a result of their charges are are exhausting to beat and it really works globally. Solis is one other that we suggest. Professionals are you can share the wifi along with your entire group however cons are that you need to put money into a tool and you need to cost it each night time.
Motels
Our go-to is Booking.com as a result of they’ve the perfect stock of properties together with inns and B&Bs plus they’ve their Genius tier discounts. Expedia can be value utilizing particularly with their One Key rewards program which is principally like money. The exception is Asia the place Agoda at all times has the perfect costs. All the time do a fast verify on TripAdvisor as nicely.
Excursions and Actions
When planning our journeys, we at all times verify each Viator and GetYourGuide to no less than see what’s on the market within the vacation spot that we’re going to. They usually have totally different choices and costs so verify each.
Journey Insurance coverage
Study how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t one thing you need to journey with out.
Test Out Our Toolbox
If you happen to want extra assist planning your journey, be sure that to take a look at our Travel Toolbox the place we spotlight the entire gear, sources, and instruments we use when touring.
This text was made attainable by way of our partnership with Visit Tampa Bay. That mentioned, all opinions are our personal.
