{"id":11845,"date":"2024-03-17T19:25:36","date_gmt":"2024-03-17T19:25:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/things-to-do-in-tampa\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T10:50:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T10:50:39","slug":"things-to-do-in-tampa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/things-to-do-in-tampa\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Things to do in Tampa Florida for a Weekend Getaway"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Things to do in Tampa<\/h1>\n

The Tampa Bay region is one of the fastest-growing destinations in Florida with new beautiful new hotels, hip restaurants, and a beautiful waterfront. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you about the changes Tampa has seen within just a few years- empty spaces are now turning into dining concepts, bars, and outdoor fun. <\/p>\n

In this post, I’m dishing out the best things to do in Tampa Florida<\/strong> for a weekend getaway. Plus, I’ll give more travel tips for this cool destination like where to stay, eat, and more! <\/p>\n

And if you’re a foodie<\/strong>, get excited.  Tampa has award-winning restaurants, incredible dining options throughout the city, and is a hub of craft beer brewing in the state of Florida. <\/p>\n

This post contains affiliate links.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/i>Let\u2019s Connect on Social:<\/strong>  Instagram<\/a> |   Facebook<\/a>  |   Pinterest<\/a> |   Youtube<\/a><\/p>\n

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Where is Tampa Florida<\/h2>\n

Tampa Florida is located on the Gulf side of Florida in the center of the state. Its neighboring major cities are St. Petersburg and Orlando Florida. <\/p>\n

How to get to Tampa Florida? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Plane: <\/strong>You can fly directly into Tampa International Airport (TBI) which is just a 14-minute drive to Downtown Tampa. Check for cheap flights. <\/p>\n

Drive: <\/strong>You can also drive directly into downtown Tampa from neighboring cities. Clearwater<\/a> to Tampa is just a 35-minute drive, and Orlando to Tampa is a 1 hour and 20-minute drive. <\/p>\n

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Read my Clearwater\/ St. Petersburg Guide:<\/strong> Best Things to do in St Petersburg \/ Clearwater Florida<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Things to do in Tampa Florida<\/h2>\n

Visit Sparkman Wharf<\/h3>\n

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Located right on Water Street, Sparkman Wharf<\/a> is a new outdoor hub with incredible views of the city. It features a dining garden, Biergarten, recreational lawn, restaurants, shops, and loft-style office spaces making it a perfect spot to wind down & relax in Tampa.<\/p>\n

Live music plays over the weekend, along with other fun events<\/a> during the week. Plus, parking is available on site. <\/p>\n

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Armature Works<\/h3>\n

1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602<\/em><\/p>\n

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Here’s another foodie recommendation:<\/strong> check out  Armature Works<\/a>. Here you’ll find dining options from top chefs and restauranteurs in the Bay Area with communal seating. This is a great place to try all kinds of delicious bites when in Tampa. Plus, the interior is gorgeous! <\/p>\n

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Oxford Exchange<\/h3>\n

420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606<\/em><\/p>\n

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Oxford Exchange<\/a> is a very hip concept located nearby the University of Tampa. Housed in a historic building, inside you’ll find a gift shop, coffee shop, bookstore, Champagne Bar, Warby Parker, Oxford Exchange restaurant, co-working space, and event space.<\/p>\n

P.S.<\/strong> the gift shop<\/strong> is definitely worth checking out. There were so many things I would have bought (if only I had room in my suitcase!) You’ll find niche candles, local Florida Goods, coffee table books, home decor, beauty & more! <\/p>\n

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Learn to Stand Up Paddle<\/h3>\n

Urban Kai<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Armature Works, 310 W 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602<\/em><\/p>\n

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Take a Stand-Up Paddle lesson from Urban Kai<\/a> located in Downtown Tampa! If you are new to paddleboarding (like I was) you’ll learn from the best instructors that make you feel comfortable on the water. This activity is perfect for complete beginners or those who’ve been on a board before. <\/p>\n

The tour takes you along the Tampa waterfront and gives you amazing views, a little exercise, and you’ll be able to spot some Florida wildlife!<\/p>\n

You can also rent paddleboards and check out the schedule<\/a> to see what specialty classes are happening.  <\/p>\n

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Walk Along the Tampa Waterfront<\/h3>\n

A great way to see Tampa on foot is to walk along the waterfront for great downtown views! Start at Armature Works and make your way down the Hillsborough River to Sparkman Wharf. You’ll see some waterfront restaurants, scenic views, and some Florida wildlife. <\/p>\n

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Discover Ybor City<\/h3>\n

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Ybor City, pronounced ee-bor, is a historic neighborhood just outside of downtown Tampa. Named after, Vicente Mart\u00ednez e Ybor, who founded his cigar empire in Tampa in 1886!<\/p>\n

To see the best of Ybor City, you can take an immersive walking tour<\/a> around to learn more about the history of the Cuban and Latin influence of this historic neighborhood. But, if you do solo- be sure to stroll down 7th Avenue for cute shops & dining while you’re there. <\/p>\n

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Shop & Dine at International Plaza<\/h3>\n

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Shop Nordstrom<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n

Located just outside Downtown Tampa is Tampa Bay’s premier shopping mall, International Plaza<\/a> includes a mix of luxury brands & favorites like Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch,<\/a> Nordstrom<\/a>, and unique store experiences like Tesla & Peloton. <\/p>\n

After some serious shopping, you can walk outside the mall on Bay Street<\/strong> where you find indoor\/ outdoor dining along the pedestrian street. If you’re in the mood for dessert, you have to order the Whiskey Cake<\/strong> from Whiskey Cake.<\/a> Read more on Tampa Restaurants. <\/p>\n

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See a Lightning Game at Amalie Arena<\/h3>\n

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One thing is for sure, the Locals are huge fans of the local Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Team, which won the Stanley cup in 2020. If you’re lucky, you can see them in action at Amalie Arena which features lightning-throwing Tesla coils and a huge Bud Light Party Deck with amazing views of the city. <\/p>\n

Even if you aren’t into hockey, the energy from the fans and the excitement of the game are definitely worth looking into! <\/p>\n

Check to see what’s happening at Amalie Arena.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Spa Day at JW Spa<\/h3>\n

Treat yourself to a Spa treatment at JW Marriott.<\/a> This new spa features 10 treatment rooms and specializes in facials, massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, and eye & lip treatments. <\/p>\n

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Even More Things to Do in Tampa<\/h3>\n