Florida is a vacation hot spot because it offers many fun opportunities, and the weather is great year-round, with one of its most popular destinations being Tampa Bay. In 2021, the Tampa Bay area had 14.8 million visitors. Tampa Bay offers a fusion of history, outdoor activities, and Floridian culture. Tampa Bay consists of four cities: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Brandon, and Clearwater.
It’s the perfect place to vacation because you can find affordable airport shuttle services, public transportation for when you’re in the city, different cuisines, a lot of history, and so much more! This post will guide you on the best ways to get there and what to do for a memorable trip!
Getting To and From Tampa Bay
Before planning where to go in Tampa Bay, it’s important to figure out how to get there. If staying under budget is your primary concern, check multiple booking websites to see where it’s the most affordable to fly to. We recommend the Tampa International Airport or the Clearwater International Airport.
Both are major airports in Florida but have several flights throughout the day, so you’re likely to find an airline within your budget. Just Tampa airport gets around 60,000 passengers daily.
Familiarize yourself with the distance and how to get around the neighborhoods if you’ve never been to Tampa Bay. You can use a rental car, a shuttle service, or public transportation. Keep a map with you regardless of the transportation you pick.
Packing List For Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is truly a trip you shouldn’t miss. It also makes a trip more enjoyable if you plan ahead. Don’t pack too much, though, because it will only be a nuisance. Here are some essentials we recommend keeping:
- Lightweight clothes like tank tops, shorts, sundresses, etc.
- Comfortable footwear and waterproof shoes if you’re doing water activities.
- A light jacket or sweatshirt if you’re traveling in winter.
- Portable water bottles
- Compact bag to carry your essentials while you explore the area.
Places To Visit
Once you’ve found affordable transportation in Tampa Bay and have your essentials in a bag ready to explore the area, here are some places we suggest putting on your itinerary:
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is one place you have to visit if you like theme parks, zoos, or botanical gardens because it has all of them! It’s only 15 minutes from the Tampa City Center and is perfect for some family-friendly fun. It has thrilling rides like rollercoasters, Tampa’s largest zoo, and beautiful scenery.
Florida Museum
Florida Museum is over 200,000 sq. ft, has air-conditioning, and an aquarium with over 14,000 animals like sea turtles, stingrays, and river otters. You can also explore the mangrove forests and gaze at the aviary filled with exotic birds.
Ybor City Tour
Are you looking for a place drenched in Tampa Bay’s history and promises a memorable time? Try the Ybor City Tour. It was once the Cigar Capital of the World and home to over 200 cigar factories and thousands of cigar makers. Now it’s a treasure trove of history. You can explore this place on electric streetcars.
Manatee Viewing Center
There are several aquarium options in Tampa Bay, but the larger the group/family, the more it will cost to see some exotic fishes. If you’re on a strict budget, see the Manatee Viewing Center instead. The majestic marine mammals aren’t a common sight in other parts of the US. It’s a sanctuary for manatees and other wildlife. However, it’s open from November to April when the manatees are in the water.
Armature Works
Armature Works is a dream for history buffs and trend lovers rolled into one. Once a run-down warehouse, this place is now a food market and cultural center. It’s in Tampa Heights and on the shore of Hillsborough River. It’s one of the most popular gathering places in Tampa and is a food hub with everything from comfort food to artisanal ice creams.
Foods To Try
Because there’s so much history in Florida, you’ll find some of the best food in the US in Tampa Bay! Some must-haves include:
- Pizzeria Gregario for Italian-style pies below only the pies you’ll get in Italy.
- Tampa Craft Beer with eight regular craft beers and dozen more seasonal ones.
- The Library will have you questioning whether vegetables could actually be this good.
- Tropez with an extensive mouth-watering menu meant for sharing.
- Maple Street Biscuit Company for comfort food minus the pretentiousness.
- Columbia Restaurant for its authentic Spanish cuisine and 850-wine collection.
- Bascom’s Chop House with steaks that give you a taste of Texas. Other items on the menu will remind you of ‘composed dishes.’ The kind moms will make, and dads will love but elevated.
- Lenny’s Restaurant has been serving breakfast, lunch, and joy since 1958. It will remind you of a New York Deli.
Looking for Affordable Transportation in Tampa for the Airport?
Tampa has an endless list of places you can visit on your vacation there. The weather is great and the sites even greater; enough to make vacationers want to stay here for good. If you’re headed back home from Tampa International Airport, let us give you a ride at a flat $50/person in our top-of-the-line shuttle. TPA Shuttles LLC offers safe, convenient, affordable, and luxurious airport shuttle services from Orlando airport to Tampa airport and the other way around. Get a shuttle from Orlando to Tampa or a convenient shuttle service for Tampa at amazing prices. We have several boarding times throughout the day, so check it out and make a reservation online.
You can also contact us for more information.
