Tampa, FL

Travel Guide
Tampa featuring interior views
A gateway to some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast, this city actually has many appealing attractions away from the ocean.

The city of Tampa lies at the northern end of Tampa Bay, with spectacular weather in the heart of Florida’s glorious beach surroundings. Enjoy the many cultural attractions in the city and visit beaches and other towns all around the bay.

Downtown Tampa offers all the diverse restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife you might expect in a large city. Stroll along the Riverwalk for all this as well as playgrounds, public art and the large Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Learn about the region’s early Native American residents and Spanish conquistadors at the Tampa Bay History Center in Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. See a film, with a Wurlitzer organ prelude, in the lavish 1926 Tampa Theatre.

Visit the Florida Aquarium and take a harbor cruise on a quiet electronic boat (eBoat). Go east to Ybor City and step aboard the America Victory Ship, an operational World War II naval vessel.

The region has lots more activities for kids. To the north is Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, with more than 1,300 animals, including manatees in a critical care center. Go to Busch Gardens Tampa for endless roller coaster rides, shows and animal attractions. Across the street is Adventure Island waterpark. Nearby, let kids have hands-on experiences involving space, the human body, weather and a ropes course at the Museum of Science & Industry.

Watch professional sports with Tampa Bay Lightning hockey at Amalie Arena, New York Yankees spring training at Steinbrenner Field and Tamba Bay Buccaneers football at Raymond James Stadium. For outstanding stage events see a Broadway show, concert, dance or comedy at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

When you’re finally ready for some beach time, cross the long, tall and impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge and head to Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The white sands and warm waters will put a nice cap on your visit to the Tampa Bay area.

Where to stay in Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Downtown Tampa

4/5(1,135 area reviews)

Explore top attractions like the Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children's Museum, and Tampa Riverwalk, or indulge in the vibrant nightlife and dining scene in the River Arts District. Easily navigate the area with TECO Streetcar and HART public transportation.

Downtown Tampa
Ybor City

Ybor City

4/5(150 area reviews)

Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, this Tampa neighborhood boasts the Ybor City Museum State Park and a variety of attractions like the Cigar Museum. Enjoy Florida's oldest restaurant, Columbia, and vibrant nightlife along 7th Avenue, easily accessible via TECO Line Streetcar.

Ybor City
Private dock to create your own oasis. What a gem. 

#LifeAtExpedia
#Tampa
#Beaches

Rocky Point

Boasting one of Florida's oldest golf courses, Rocky Point offers a mix of luxury hotels, restaurants, and residential developments. Easily accessible via Courtney Campbell Causeway, it's just a mile from Tampa International Airport.

Rocky Point
Hyde Park

Hyde Park

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Hyde Park. You might want to make time for a stop at Tampa Riverwalk or Hyde Park Village.

Hyde Park
Dilapidated Truck monochrome study

Temple Terrace

4/5(559 area reviews)

Rolling landscape, majestic trees, and Hillsborough River views define this Tree City USA, with attractions like Eureka Springs Park and Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club. The area is undergoing redevelopment for a pedestrian-oriented downtown.

Temple Terrace
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Town 'n' Country

If you're spending some time in Town 'n' Country, Tampa Bay and Countryway Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Town 'n' Country
Hotel Alba, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel Alba, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
5303 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL
The price is $135 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
$135
$153 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,218 reviews)
"Amazing !! Very safe for young girls and very accessible to everything !"

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Hotel Alba, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Westshore Airport South
Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Westshore Airport South
3 out of 5
1200 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL
The price is $97 per night from May 19 to May 20
$97
$110 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
6/10 (2,408 reviews)
"Good restaurants"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Westshore Airport South
Hotel Haya
Hotel Haya
4 out of 5
1412 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL
The price is $130 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$130
$154 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Beautiful Property in historic area
"It’s a beautiful space and property. Central to Ybor City and the historic part of Tampa. The property itself needs a deep clean. Couches and tables in lobby area especially. The restaurant if top notch. Excellent food. Room was in good shape too."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Hotel Haya
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sailport Waterfront Suites
Sailport Waterfront Suites
3.5 out of 5
2506 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,099 reviews)
"Was very happy I chose this property. From a bar and eating grill by pool. The places to sit and watch the waters and the sunset. Wonderful place to stay. Will pass the word if you in Tampa bay check this out you will not be disappointed. ❣️❣️❣️❣️"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Sailport Waterfront Suites
Chase Suite Hotel Rocky Point Tampa
Chase Suite Hotel Rocky Point Tampa
3 out of 5
3075 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,144 reviews)
"Complimentary bottle water will be nice"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Chase Suite Hotel Rocky Point Tampa
ROOST Tampa
ROOST Tampa
5 out of 5
1050 Water St, Tampa, FL
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Tampa. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (264 reviews)
"Place is very clean from the front desk to the room. I love this hotel"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

ROOST Tampa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Tampa

Most Florida destinations require a car for the best experience, and Tampa is the same. Rent one at the airport, or pick one up in the city. If you are unable to rent a car, you can get around downtown on the In Town Trolley. The vintage-style TECO Line Street Car system also takes in some of the best-known sights. Or, use taxis, which can’t be hailed in the street, but can be found at stands. Visit the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority website.Browse Tampa rental cars.

Best time to visit

Think carefully about when to book your Tampa vacation and you could end up saving yourself a lot of money. Sweltering May and August are high season, and that means high prices. September to December, however, will not only be much less crowded and slightly cooler, it will be less expensive too. Many hotels knock huge amounts off their prices at this time of year in order to bring in guests.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Tampa

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3113
" "5 - Excellent 36.33710750554453%
4 - Good
3984
" "4 - Good 46.50402708065834%
3 - Okay
1240
" "3 - Okay 14.4741449749037%
2 - Disappointing
149
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7392319365005253%
1 - Terrible
81
" "1 - Terrible 0.945488502392903%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 8, 2020

It was nice

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

its a city in Florida

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 3, 2020

We came to visit friends for a couple of days before moving on to a property at Bradenton Beach. Great location near airport.

1/5 - Terrible

Sam
Jun 2, 2020

If wasn't for the Hardrock casino. Nothing in Tampa. As for now the Hardrock does not matched any comp or transfer the credit from others Hardrock property.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

Very nice city, but with massive traffic issues...

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 30, 2020

Tampa is a nice city!!

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