An Amazing Weekend in Tampa
Tampa is a charming, up-and-coming city in Western Florida. Snowbirds tend to flock there to escape the biting cold of the North, but it is a city that can certainly be enjoyed year-round. We visited Tampa in the fall for a short weekend visit, and I found it to be both affordable and fun. Check out below for a great weekend itinerary to explore the best of the bay!
Day 1: Enjoy the beach and an excellent museum
Most people come to Tampa to enjoy the special beaches, so we suggest you start your weekend right there! After getting some breakfast, head to Clearwater Beach to enjoy the morning & afternoon. Clearwater is consistently ranked in the top 10 beaches of America, given their beautiful white sand and perfectly cool water. Some parts of the beach may get a bit crowded, but you can surely find cozy spots to enjoy the waves. If you’re unable to visit Clearwater, I suggest you try Sand Key Park or Ben T. Davis Beach.
After relaxing at Clearwater, explore the culture of the area a bit by checking out The Dali, home of the greatest artwork collection of surrealist painter Salvador Dali. It houses some of his most famous works, including …The Persistence of Memory and Lincoln in Dalivision. I really loved this museum as it is the perfect size and a great mix of history & art.
You have probably worked up an appetite by now, so I suggest you head back into the city to get dinner at Columbia Restaurant. It is a Spanish-Cuban restaurant with delicious entrees and drinks, in an older, fancier setting.
Day 2: Explore the Aquarium and the Tampa Riverwalk
You’ll want to start your second day in Tampa at Oxford Exchange, an incredible European-style bookstore, cafe, and restaurant all-in-one. It’s a great place to enjoy some coffee and wander around the beautiful building. We had brunch here, and loved both the whipped ricotta and breakfast tacos.
Then you should explore Tampa’s most famous attraction: the Florida Aquarium. Given how much of aquatic life is centered in this state, it’s understandable why this locale is so popular; they do an excellent job balancing beautiful displays of sealife and education explanations of conservation research.
To close out the day, we suggest you walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, which beautifully glimmers at night. Grabbing drinks at M. Bird is a great option, and there are often events at the nearby Water Works Park, Ice Skating Rink, and Armature Works Drive-in Movies. It’ll be the perfect way to close out an incredible weekend in Tampa!
