Sun and Fun in Tampa for 72 Hours
By Lisa B | September 4, 2018
Most people know just how excellent of a destination Florida is especially in the winter when we want to escape the cold north to get to some sunny Floridian weather and beach atmosphere. But Tampa is sometimes overlooked over more popular destinations and that is a shame. Tampa is situated on the north shore of Tampa Bay in West Central Florida where Saint Petersburg lies west of the bay. From a bustling business centre in the middle to beautiful sandy beaches there will be plenty to go on a vacation here. We are here to help you find the best things to do, eat and see while visiting on an awesome holiday!
Day 1:
We suggest you book a room at Epicurean Hotel. This beautiful boutique hotel is situated in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of South Tampa, also known by locals as SoHo. There are 137 rooms and suites all with great design and all the comfort you need for an enjoyable stay while visiting Tampa. At the hotel you will also find magnificent dining and a beautiful spa.
Speaking of spas, another spot to treat yourself on this vacation, and maybe how to perfectly begin your holiday, would be to head to Tampa Floats Wellness Center. This is a different and unique spa experience where you can try the all natural and holistic floatation therapy which will leave you feeling amazing, relaxed and so ready to explore the city.
Next you should make your way to Tampa Bay Markets to now float around between amazing stalls of local food and and hand crafts while listening to some live music. Go and check out the different markets taking place as you will always find something cool and unique suited to what you are in the mood for.
Before heading for dinner we suggest you make a stop at The Ybor City Wine Bar. Here you can find a selection of over 200 hand-picked and reasonably priced boutique wines by the glass. Or you can buy the entire bottle. If wine isn’t your thing you can also find over 100 craft beers by the bottle. The surroundings are intimate and upscale and you can sit back while enjoying some splendid beverages!
Then when you feel ready for dinner, make your way to Restaurant BT. Here you will be able to continue with some excellent drinks as they have an entire drink list with deliciously tasty options. Or if wine is your drink, the wine list is amazing. With a slogan eat local, think global you also know that the food served here is top quality using only the best ingredients! This is a perfect spot to enjoy your first meal in Tampa!
Now, you have probably heard about this and for good reason, it’s a lot of fun, Top Golf! This is the perfect place to end your evening with some friendly competition paired with rooftop bar vibes at Topgolf Tampa. You can enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots on a TV screen in their hitting bay. Besides playing some golf, Top Golf Tampa also has a chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs and music. This is a place fun for all ages and skill levels, so go have some fun to end your first evening in Tampa!
Day 2:
Your second day in Tampa has officially begun and how about starting with a walk on The Tampa Riverwalk. There are so many magical things happening along the way you might end up stopping all the time to take pictures, eat and drink. Make sure to do the whole Riverwalk 4 km pedestrian thoroughfare in the heart of downtown as it links Tampa Bay’s most popular restaurants, hotels, parks, and cultural attractions like gems on a string.
After this walk we suggest a meal oozing with some of Tampa’s history. Goody Goody Burger was opened in Tampa in 1925, but sadly closed in 2005. However, it is know reopened and super popular. This place used to help create Tampas identity and sitting here you feel the history while you can enjoy a delicious burger! You can dine-in or take it to go. If you’re early their brunch menu is incredible too.
For a little adventure this second day you should go to USA Trike Adventures next. This is a small family owned business where they ride you in the back of their motorcycles while you can relax and enjoy the scenic views of Tampa. There are different tours to choose from so you can decide what area you want to check out. Visitors to Tampa have rated them top for tours to check out so this is definitely worth a try!
For dinner this lovely second evening find Ichicoro. They actually have different restaurants around Tampa featuring Ichicoro Ramen, Ichicoro Imoto and Ichicoro Ane. They offer different styles and settings but all serving some absolutely delicious food you simply have to try out when in Tampa. So find the one closest to you and go have a great meal!
To end your evening a fun way and stimulate your brain a bit while having a great evening, try out one of the escape rooms in town. We suggest you try one of two. Imagine Escape Games is the highest rated escape room in Tampa and eveything is super unique as it is designed, developed and built by a couple. Their games follow a connected storyline and it is really cool. Another one you must check out is American Escape Rooms Tampa. This is also offers a fun, intellectual and interactive challenge where you can work as a team to solve clues and puzzles to escape one of the three family friendly award winning games. But you got to hurry, you only have 60 minutes!
Day 3:
To begin your final day in Tampa make your way to Armature Works. Heights Public Market is a food-lover’s dream and a really innovative concept in Tampa. It consists of a 22,000 sq-ft industrial market which has an open floor plan with communal seating. Around the seating you will find 14 different food and drink vendors showcasing the top chefs and restaurateurs in the Tampa Area. This is one of those places you just have to try in order to say you’ve seen the best of Tampa!
After this how about spending some time on the water with eBoats Tampa. eBoats Tampa is an electric boat rental company and their eBoats are very easy to drive, they fit 12 passengers and you can explore the Hillborough River, Tampa Bay or even stop off at some of the excellent Waterfront Restaurants and bars. They are highly rated so you can trust you will have an awesome time.
After some hours on a boat you should book yourself a tour with Tampa Bay Food & Craft Beer Tour. This is the perfect way to ensure that you try the very best food and beer Tampa has to offer. The Heights is one of the hottest, new culinary and craft beer destinations in the Tampa Bay area. And on this tour they will show you how to eat and drink in true local Height’s style while also discovering the culture in the city. The tour includes 4 to 5 food tastings from local independent restaurants and pours from several craft breweries. You are bound to have a tasty time!
After a food tour you can continue the drinking, this time at the beach. Find Whisky Joe’s Bar & Grill. This is a super popular destination for both locals and tourists. You can sit with your feet in the white sand, feeling the warm tropical breeze while enjoying yourself at the bar. They have 14 different types of mojitos, 30 types of margaritas and over 52 beers on tap. This is definitely where to go to feel the relaxed, tropical Floridian vibe!
Time for your final dinner in Tampa and we found just the spot; Ulele. Located right on Tampa’s Riverwalk you will find some delicious food and amazing atmosphere to unwind and enjoy your meal while thinking back on your Tampa adventures. The food is a vibrant fusion of ingredients from Florida waters and land and many dishes are prepared on the 10′ diameter barbacoa grill. We think this is your perfect final dinner spot in Tampa!
That’s a wrap. Your Tampa vacation is over, and we know it’s been a spectacular time. How could it not be when you get to see an awesome American city with one of the best Florida vibes you’ll find. It is absolutely a place we know you will want to return too again in the future!
