Tampa Holidays

Tampa & Ybor City Tailor Made Florida Holidays

The perfect mix of culture and nature, tranquility and excitement

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Welcome to Tampa on Florida’s West Coast

The happening city of Tampa is the perfect mix of culture and nature, tranquillity and excitement, with heritage sites and contemporary spaces. The thrilling downtown area will delight you with attractions, restaurants and nightlife to suit every taste, while the peaceful parks and vistas over the bay revive and relax in equal measure, making this a wonderful place to rest and play.

The high-energy Busch Gardens theme park, with its many roller-coasters, will happily entertain those of a more dynamic mind-set, while the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park and historic Henry Plant Museum will appeal to nature-lovers and culture vultures alike.

Then enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Cuban-influenced Ybor City, Tampa’s historic quarter, which dates back to the 1880s and maintains much of its original charm and allure, with a terrific array of dining outlets, shops, activities and its own original craft breweries and distilleries. This was once the Cigar Capital of the World and that rich heritage is still firmly to the fore, notably at Ybor City Museum State Park.

Location

Weather in Tampa

Average temperature (°C) and average rainfall (days)

Jan

16 7

Feb

17.4 7

Mar

19.6 7

Apr

22.2 5

May

25.8 6

June

27.9 12

July

28.3 16

Aug

28.4 13

Sept

27.6 6

Oct

24.6 7

Nov

20.6 5

Dec

17.3 6

Hotels in Tampa

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay hotel provides guests with a luxurious and comfortable stay. From the hotel, you can look out over spectacular views of Tampa Bay while relaxing and unwinding.

Grand Hyatt outdoor pool in Tampa Florida

Aloft Tampa Downtown

The Aloft hotel is right in the heart of Downtown Tampa, proving quick access to all the best sights and attractions of Tampa. Enjoy simplistic, stylish rooms and truly relax in the middle of a vibrant city.

Aloft Tampa Downtown lobby in Tampa Florida

Aloft Tampa Downtown bar in Tampa Florida

tpatl fitness center 6574 hor clsc tampa holidays

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Things to do on a Tampa holiday

Tampa’s history

The Henry B Plant Museum

You can’t miss the Henry B Plant Museum as you tour downtown Tampa. This imposing and impressive local landmark is just as beautiful inside as outside. Visit the lavishly restored rooms from the building’s days of Victorian grandeur as the Tampa Bay Hotel and be dazzled by the collection of art and opulent tropical gardens.

The Tampa Bay History Center

This interactive and innovative museum educates and entertains in equal measure with its collection of displays about the history of Florida dating back 12,000 years.

American Victory Ship Mariners Museum

History buffs should place the American Victory Ship at the top of their must-do lists. As one of only four World War II ships still in operation in the country., you can tour the decks and cabins and get a hands-on introduction to an important part of world history.

Cracker Country Living History Museum

This open-air museum lets you peek inside the lives of some of the first settlers of Florida with the help of historical re-enactments in the shops and houses that form the museum. Learn about daily life in rural Florida through demonstrations and take part in hands-on activities throughout the site.

Museums & arts in Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art

The striking Tampa Museum of Art, situated in the downtown area of the city and overlooking the waterfront, has won awards for its modern design. With a collection that focuses on contemporary art, the permanent and visiting exhibitions are first-class with works by world-renowned artists. You should also check out the programme of outdoor events that make the most of the stunning setting in the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

The Dali Museum

The unusual glass and concrete structure is one of the most striking buildings in Tampa and very befitting of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The collection is the largest outside of Europe. Whether you’re experiencing Dali’s paintings for the first time or you’re an established admirer, walking through the captivating spaces and tasting some Spanish delicacies in the museum cafe is a great way to spend the day.

David A. Straz Jr Center for the Performing Arts

This regular stop-off for all the best Broadway shows has a varied programme of productions and concerts that make for a memorable evening in the city.

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

Celebrating and protecting the works and practice of photography, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts has collections from all periods of history. Admire works by iconic names and discover new pieces that will pique your interest.

Phoenix Glass Studio & Gallery

Susan Gott opens her studio to give public demonstrations of glassblowing. You can browse her gallery and buy finished pieces of her unique glass art.

Best of Tampa’s Beaches & Parks

Try out exhilarating thrill rides or lazy river tours around Tampa’s waterways and bay area. Pristine beaches are never far away, making a day at the beach an excellent way to enjoy the glorious Florida sunshine.

Tampa’s spas and wellness

Evangeline Spa at the Epicurean Hotel

You’ll feel contented and revived with a relaxing spa treatment or two at this ambrosial spa.

Safety Harbor Resort and Spa

Enjoy a variety of activities and treatments at the fitness centre and spa of this heritage resort. Surround yourself with history and elegance while you relax into professional treatments and wellness experiences.

The Spa at Saddlebrook

Knowledgeable therapists at the Saddlebrook Resort use top quality products and superior practices to provide you with a spa experience like no other. As well as a full menu of tempting treatments, you can restore your senses in the steam room, saunas and whirlpools.

Tampa’s wildlife & outdoor activities

Canoe Escape

Whether it’s a day-long adventure or a couple of hours paddling, the Canoe Escape on the Hillsborough River is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the wildlife and natural surroundings of the Tampa Bay area.

Manatee Viewing Center

If you’re an animal lover and want to support the protection of Florida’s wildlife and its natural habitats, the Manatee Viewing Centre is somewhere you’ll want to make the time to visit. See the majestic creatures in this important sanctuary and support a good cause.

Bok Tower Gardens

Step into another world as you wander around the peaceful paths and trails of Bok Tower Gardens. Explore the bird sanctuary and gaze at the 205-foot tall Singing Tower of ornately carved marble.

Hillsborough River State Park

Canoe or kayak down the park’s exhilarating rapids, follow hiking trails, enjoy long bike rides and experience great fishing at Hillsborough River State Park.

Tampa’s sporting highlights

Sports fans are spoilt for choice when they visit Tampa, with professional leagues and quality collegiate teams in basketball, football, baseball, and hockey.

Raymond James Stadium

With a huge pirate ship looming above the end zone, you won’t forget you’re at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when you visit the ‘Ray Jay’ stadium. Watch out for the explosive celebrations from the pirate ship’s cannons and join in the passionate support of this NFL team.

George M. Steinbrenner Field

Tampa might not seem like the most logical location to catch a glimpse of the legendary New York Yankees, but as the baseball team’s spring training stadium of choice, you can get a taste of the Big Apple here on the Gulf Coast.

Tampa Bay Times Forum

Take in the electric atmosphere at the Tampa Bay Times Forum and cheer on the city’s NHL team the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Eating & drinking in Tampa

Angry Chair Brewing

Angry Chair Brewing in Seminole Heights allows you to sample beers from other Florida breweries as well as their own offerings. The Coppertail Brewing tasting room is a great destination bar that offers tasty food and craft beers as well as tours behind the scenes. Six Ten Brewing is a friendly company with a tasting room that overlooks the brewing equipment so you can watch their craft beers being made as you drink.

Noble Rice

This popular restaurant is great for a quick lunch or a delicious dinner. The highly skilled chefs use traditional ingredients and the freshest fish to give you an authentic sushi experience.

Rooster & The Till

Local produce is at the heart of this contemporary American bistro. With so many local favourites on the menu, you’ll want to go back again!

Edison: Food & Drink Lab

Have a meal you won’t forget in Tampa’s revolutionary restaurant. Chef Pierola and his team use the finest produce to create innovative dishes that are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Ulele

The delicate flavours in the Ulele dishes come from the sizzling barbacoa grill, with top quality ingredients sourced from Florida’s bountiful soil and sea.

Tampa’s Micro-Breweries

If you’re a beer-lover who knows your pale ale from your porter, or just an interested tourist looking for a tipple, the many breweries and distilleries in and around Tampa make for an interesting and thirst-quenching day out. Plenty of the local brewers offer tastings and tours to give you an insight into their history and brewing processes.

Tampa shopping & retail highlights

Channelside Bay Plaza

Situated in an enviable position close to downtown Tampa, this waterfront complex has everything you need for a day of retail therapy. Top name brands and a host of restaurants and cafes make the plaza a marvellous shopping experience. You’re also only steps away from some of Tampa’s most popular waterside attractions.

Ellenton Premium Outlet

Find 25 percent to 65 percent reductions on designer name brands like J.Crew, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Coach, Nike and more every single day.

Hyde Park Village

This pleasant open-air shopping centre not only has a range of great shops from national brands and local independent retailers, but also a deluxe cinema, salon and a fantastic choice of restaurants. If you’re looking for a sweet treat while you shop, there’s a cupcake ATM too!

Big Top Flea Market

Roll up your sleeves and find some hidden treasures at a flea market with over 1000 sellers. You’ll spot bargains at every turn, from clothing and antiques to fresh produce and electronics.