Orlando is one of the most visited cities in Florida. In pre-COVID times, the city had over 75 million tourists coming in every year. In 2021, the numbers started improving, and they were up to nearly 60 million. While Orlando has a charm of its own, you should definitely take a trip to Tampa while you’re there.
Tampa is one of the most underrated cities in the state, but it’s also full of hidden gems that will complete your trip to this glorious state. The best part is the commute to Tampa from Orlando is less than two hours, so you can even take a day trip to this city once you’re done exploring Orlando.
Home to Some of the Best Beaches
If you’re a beach lover, your trip to Florida is incomplete without a visit to Tampa. You’ll find some of the country’s best, most pristine beaches in the city. Some are secluded and perfect for a relaxing, laidback day on the shore, while some have exciting water sports for adventurous spirits.
If you’re coming to Tampa and want to check out the best beaches there, here are some that you should consider visiting:
- Davis Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Fort De Soto Park
- Treasure Island
- St. Pete Beach
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Davis Island Dog Beach (if you’re traveling with your adventurous dog)
- Archibald Beach Park
Florida Aquarium
If you’re visiting Tampa with your family, take some time to visit the Florida Aquarium. It’s one of the top-rated aquariums in the country, with breathtaking exhibits such as Wetlands Trail, Madagascar-inspired area, coral reefs, and more. If you want your family to have some outdoorsy time while you’re there, you can also take a thrilling 75-minute dolphin cruise at the aquarium.
Tour of Ybor City for History Buffs
If you’re interested in history, you should definitely take a walking tour of Ybor City. You’ll learn all about the neighborhood’s connection with the cigar industry and the Cuban revolution while witnessing the rich and vibrant Cuban culture coming to life.
This place is also registered in the National Register of Historic Places, so you need to be extra careful not to disrupt anything while you’re there. On a side note, be on the lookout for roosters and chickens roaming freely in the neighborhood!
Exciting Shopping Options
If you haven’t been able to shop in the crowded malls and shops in Orlando, you can easily go to Tampa to get all the items on your shopping list. For all kinds of shopping, you can go to Hyde Park Village, WestShore Plaza, International Plaza, Centro Ybor, and more.
If you want to go to Tampa from Orlando, one way to do it is by taking a luxury shuttle from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Tampa International Airport (TPA).
In this case, TPA Shuttles LLC is your best option. It’s a reliable shuttle service that provides a timely and convenient airport shuttle service in Tampa to take you to Orlando and back. We provide luxury MCO to TPA shuttle and TPA to MCO shuttle that runs 16 times every day!
You can easily book a seat online for a flat rate of $50 per seat. Get in touch with us now to learn more about our services.
