Tampa

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Tampa's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore Tampa's Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local café near the beach. Enjoy some time relaxing on the warm sand and taking a dip in the ocean.

afternoon
:

Head to Clearwater Beach for lunch at a seaside restaurant. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or trying water sports.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a beachfront grill while watching the sunset. Stroll along the beach to unwind before heading back.

day 2
Urban Adventures
morning
:

Grab coffee and a pastry at a local coffee shop in downtown Tampa. Explore the Riverwalk, taking in the views of the bay.

afternoon
:

Visit the Tampa Museum of Art for some cultural enrichment. Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro and continue exploring the city.

evening
:

Dine at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Tampa's skyline. End the evening with a leisurely walk through Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

day 3
Visit Busch Gardens
morning
:

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel. Arrive at Busch Gardens before it opens to maximize your time in the park.

afternoon
:

Enjoy thrilling rides and animal encounters throughout the park. Grab lunch at one of the many eateries within the park.

evening
:

Catch one of the animal shows or special events offered in the evening. Have dinner at the park or nearby before heading back.

day 4
Nature and Wildlife
morning
:

Visit the Florida Aquarium and start by exploring the various marine exhibits. Don’t miss the opportunity to interact with the creatures.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at the aquarium café and then head to the nearby Tampa Bay History Center. Spend the afternoon learning about the area's history.

evening
:

Choose a restaurant along the waterfront for a relaxing dinner. Take a post-dinner walk along the promenade, enjoying the night air.

day 5
Family Fun at Adventure Island
morning
:

Grab breakfast at a popular family-friendly eatery. Arrive at Adventure Island to enjoy a day packed with water slides and attractions.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch in the park area, then continue enjoying the attractions. Be sure to take breaks to stay energized!

evening
:

After a fun-filled day, have dinner at a nearby casual dining spot. Reflect on your day while shooting some pool or playing arcade games.

day 6
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a trendy local spot. Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum in nearby St. Petersburg for a dose of culture.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch in St. Pete and explore the local shops and galleries. Head back to Tampa to visit the Museum of Science and Industry.

evening
:

Have dinner at a delightful eatery that features local cuisine. Attend a performance at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

day 7
Nautical Ventures
morning
:

Have breakfast at a harbor-side café before heading out for an adventure on the water. Consider renting a kayak or boat for the morning.

afternoon
:

Stop for lunch at a waterside restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the coast or taking a guided boat tour.

evening
:

Head back to shore and enjoy dinner at a seafood place known for fresh catch. Watch the boats come in as the sun sets over the water.

day 8
Historical Tampa
morning
:

Start with breakfast in the historic Ybor City area. Explore the unique architecture while learning about the history of cigar-making.

afternoon
:

Grab lunch at a local café and continue exploring the shops and cultural sites. Check out the Ybor City State Museum to delve deeper into its heritage.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving Cuban cuisine. Walk through the streets to experience the nightlife in Ybor City.

day 9
Adventure Hiking and Biking
morning
:

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to the Upper Tampa Bay Trail or Flatwoods Park. Enjoy the scenery as you bike or hike along beautiful paths.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic for lunch and enjoy it in a scenic spot. Continue exploring the park's trails or rent a canoe for some water activity.

evening
:

Head back to Tampa and enjoy dinner at a cozy diner. Unwind with a movie night at a local cinema to wrap up your adventurous day.

day 10
Island Day Trip
morning
:

Have an early breakfast and prepare for a day trip to nearby Anna Maria Island. Enjoy a scenic drive to the island, soaking up the views.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon at the beach or exploring quaint shops and cafes. Grab lunch at a charming beachside restaurant.

evening
:

Before heading back to Tampa, enjoy dinner while watching another beautiful sunset. Take a stroll on the beach before driving home.

Discover Tampa

Read more in our Tampa 2024 Travel Guide.

Tampa Travel Guide