Tampa is brimming with historic sites, diverse cultures and natural beauty. You can experience historic architecture, charming neighborhoods and big city nightlife all in one place.
To make it easier for you, here’s our Tampa itinerary for the perfect way to spend a weekend on the West Coast of Florida.
Day 1, Friday
Check-in: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is a AAA Four Diamond hotel. It’s located right on the bay, adjacent to a protected salt marsh and has sweeping views of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the city of Tampa.
This resort is the perfect base for your Tampa travels because of its convenient location and luxury amenities. Among them are free on-site parking, a heated outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, a sports and recreation center, including tennis, lawn sports, a health club and much more. This is a great launchpad as you get set to explore the rest of the city and surrounding areas.
Dinner at Columbia Restaurant
Columbia is a traditional Spanish restaurant that dates back to the early 20th century. It’s a must-visit when you’re in Ybor City. Connect with the city’s traditional Spanish-Cuban roots with a bowl of gazpacho followed by paella a la Valenciana.
Take a stroll around historic Ybor City
Tampa is a modern city with a thriving historic district called Ybor City. Ybor City is named after Vicente Martinez Ybor, a Spanish entrepreneur who brought the Cuban cigar industry to the US. At the suggestion of Gavino Gutierrez, he moved his cigar operation from Key West to Tampa, thereby founding what would become Ybor City.
Today, the 1800s-era cigar factories along East 7th Avenue in Ybor have been converted to clubs, pubs, and restaurants. The neighborhood has a Bourbon Street feel and is home to lots of the city’s cultural events. Wrap up your first Tampa evening with a stroll around historic Ybor to get a sense of the city’s cultural roots.
Day 2, Saturday
Breakfast at the Grand Hyatt
Head down to the 1823 Kitchen & Bar, located in the hotel’s lobby, for the breakfast buffet. The buffet lasts from 6:30 until 11:00. Here, you can feast on a hearty meal and enjoy a cup of coffee before starting your day.
Hang by the hotel pool
Take advantage of the Hyatt’s gorgeous in-ground heated pool located in the outside courtyard. The pool is perfect for lounging as you charge up for your day. Gaze out at the serene bay as you sip down a mimosa or an iced coffee from the pool bar.
Explore Downtown St. Petersburg
Pack a bag and make sure to bring a camera, because you’ll be in downtown St. Petersburg in just about 20 minutes from Tampa. St. Petersburg is brimming with culture and beauty. Take a stroll on St. Pete’s pier for some photo ops before making your first move.
Salvador Dalí Museum
The Salvador Dalí Museum is one of St. Pete’s best gems. This museum features an impressive collection of artwork by the renowned 20th-century surrealist master. From oils and watercolors to sculptures and prints, the wealth of styles and genres on display here helps to convey a well-rounded view of Dalí’s life and influence. Not only does the museum house original artwork from Dalí himself, but it also provides creative interactive activities for visitors seeking a more hands-on experience.
Chihuly Collection
Another fabulous art museum in St. Pete’s is the Chihuly Collection. This museum features the vibrant glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. Known for his mastery of glass sculpting and light installations, this iconic artist has created hundreds of captivating colorful pieces that entice the eyes and imagination.
Head to the beach!
After you get your culture fix, take a trip to St. Pete Beach! The Petersburg Municipal Beach is 7 miles of white sand and crystal blue water. Catch some rays and some waves before heading back to the Tampa Bay area.
Dinner at Oystercatchers
Have dinner nearby the hotel after a long day on the go. The AAA Approved Oystercatchers is located right next to the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, and it has some of the best seafood in the city. The restaurant offers stunning waterfront views and a bountiful menu filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Inspired by the flavors of the region, diners can relish in mouthwatering dishes like the signature oyster platter or an expertly prepared seafood entree.
Day 3, Sunday
Checkout
It’s time to check out of your hotel. Today, set your GPS for Downtown Tampa.
Armature Works
Armature Works is a historic building on the Tampa riverfront with a mix of bars, restaurants, lounge areas and event spaces. This is a great place to park your car, get breakfast and take in the sights and sounds of Tampa.
Tampa Riverwalk
After breakfast, take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk. From Armature Works, you can walk south along the river all the way into Downtown Tampa. On the way be sure to stop by The Florida Aquarium. Home to over 8,000 animals, this museum shows off many of the ecosystems throughout Florida and the wildlife within them, making it a great location to wrap up your trip.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Tampa today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.