Florida vacation in the cultural city of Tampa
Vacation in Tampa
The term “Sunshine State” for the sunny US state of Florida is familiar to almost everyone, but have you ever heard of the “Sunshine City”? This refers to the city of Tampa on the west coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in the picturesque coastal region of Tampa Bay. If you’re looking for a Florida vacation that combines sea, sun, action, culture and all kinds of culinary delights, you’ll have a perfect time in Tampa. Any questions? Discover Tampa with Discover Airlines!
Why visit Tampa
✓ The sunny side of life
Tampa is located in the Sunshine State of Florida and appeals to visitors due to its warm temperatures and many hours of sun all year round! A great vacation is a sure thing here.
✓ Action and adventure
Bored? Not in Tampa. With its countless amusement parks, restaurants and cultural events, everyone will find something to enjoy here.
✓ Tampa on the taste buds
Tampa is a melting pot of cultures – and these influences are also evident in the food. It’s all here, from Cuban sandwiches to French crêpes. Yummy!
The most beautiful beach in the US: Clearwater Beach
Yes, Clearwater Beach, located 35 km from Tampa, was indeed chosen by USA Today as the most beautiful beach in the country, but that’s not particularly surprising, because this beach is a real picture-perfect postcard, after all: emerald green water, brilliant white sandy beaches... Say no more. Let’s go!
A tranquil oasis with a great tan guaranteed: Madeira Beach
Also located in the vicinity of Tampa is Madeira Beach, which is regarded as especially clean and peaceful. This snow-white sandy beach offers everything you can find at Clearwater Beach, but is less busy. A small jewel in the Gulf of Mexico!
Cozy Beach near Tampa: Ben T. Davis
Surrounded by lush vegetation with abundant trees, Ben T. Davis Beach is located on the Gulf Coast between Tampa and Clearwater. The small sandy section is perfect for a relaxing day on the beach. Tip: Enjoy the sunset immediately after sunbathing!
Florida Aquarium: thrilling underwater world
Turtles, reef fish and alligators – all these marine animals and residents of the wetlands and rivers live right in the heart of Tampa’s city center: the famous Florida Aquarium, where you can learn everything all about these animals and species protection. A definite must-go!
Busch Gardens: adrenaline rush on the steel frame
Fancy a real adrenaline kick? You’ll be sure to get one at Busch Gardens, an amusement park designed in the style of the African continent. Among its many attractions and rollercoasters is one of the tallest steel rail hybrid rollercoasters in North America, the Iron Gwazi.
Adventure Island: slide into fun
A little more leisurely but no less adventurous is Adventure Island, a water park across the street from Busch Gardens. Climbing frames set in water, every kind of water slide and wave pools... Doesn’t that sound like fun?
Concise history: Florida’s exciting past
The history of the state of Florida is eventful and exciting: From its original inhabitants to Spanish explorers and modern settlers, quite a lot has happened here. Tampa Bay History Center manages to present this 12,000-year-old history vividly over three floors.
Tampa’s Cuban heart with coffee, art and culture
Ybor City is probably the most famous and vibrant district in Tampa. There’s a wonderful aroma of Cuban coffee everywhere, Latin American music streams from the bars, and there’s lots of Cuban art on the walls. Ybor City is a typical migrant district and the little Havana of the United States. Feel the vibe!
Local markets with art and delicacies
Tampa has lots of markets where you can buy small treasures and delicious food. The two best-known ones are probably the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market and the Ybor City Saturday Market. A visit to the local markets not only promises a great atmosphere, but is also a good opportunity to get to know the locals.
Bucket list for your Tampa vacation
1. Sightseeing in the hop-on-hop-off water taxis
The water taxis work just like typical hop-on-hop-off buses. The boats chug along Tampa Bay and stop at various stations. You can get off there and get on another water taxi later. Best way to discover the city!
2. Amiable water giants: sea cows in Tampa
Sea cows love warm water. That’s why they also like to gather in the lukewarm cooling water basins of the electric power station at Apollo Beach near Tampa. A good spot to observe these lovable water giants. The Manatee Observation Center was set up for this very purpose. Ready for an encounter with a sea cow?
3. Multicultural national dish: the Cuban sandwich
Even though the national dish of Tampa Bay is often described as Cuban, it’s actually a Cuban-Italian-Spanish fusion. This is the famous Cuban sandwich, consisting of fried pork, cooked ham, Swiss cheese, pickled gherkins, mustard, and Cuban bread. A definite must-try!
4. Explore Florida
Tampa is the ideal starting point for exploring other highlights of the Sunshine State – and turning your Tampa vacation into a Florida vacation. Head out into nature in the Everglades National Park or Okeechobee Lake. You might also like to visit Universal Studios or Walt Disney World at long last.
5. Glamor and glitter in the shopping mall
Fancy a walk through a typical American luxury mall? Then there’s nothing like heading to International Plaza and Bay Street – it offers more affordable brands alongside Chanel and Gucci etc. The mall is a visual delight thanks to its elegant, modern design – and there’s also a delicious food court.
Weather & best time to travel
There’s actually no ideal time to visit Tampa because it’s warm all year round and the sun shines almost every day. In the winter months from October to March, however, the weather is somewhat milder and it’s not as hot. It’s also less touristy. The peak season in Tampa is spring and summer, in particular. Storms or even hurricanes sometimes occur in the fall – but these are generally easy to predict.
Getting around
Tampa is very big, and being on your feet all day long can be very exhausting. Fortunately, there’s an extensive public transportation network with plenty of buses and trains. There are also many other options for getting from A to B in Tampa: electric scooters, water bicycles, boats, taxis or car sharing. Of course, exploring Florida in a rental car is also no problem – there are car rental offices available both at the airport and in the city.
By the way, Tampa Airport is very central – you can easily get from there to the city center by bus or taxi. Tip: combine your Tampa vacation with a Florida trip. Simply start from Orlando and fly home from Tampa. Both Tampa and Orlando flights operate nonstop to Frankfurt.
Do’s and don’ts in Tampa
✓ Pay attention in the traffic
Some people race down the freeway, others drive at a snail’s speed – even sudden U-turns are not uncommon on the streets of Florida. That’s why you should drive with particular care and attention!
X Simply jump into the water
This applies particularly to the lakes and water around Tampa. Always check in advance who or what lives there. This includes alligators.
X Forget your insect repellent
There are a lot of pests around Tampa and the surrounding area, especially when it is very hot and humid. Mosquitoes, in particular, can become a real nuisance. So: Make sure you don’t forget your bug spray!
X Fail to apply sunscreen
Even if you don’t spend much time on the beach, the many hours of sun on your Florida trip means you actually need sun protection 24/7 – if you don’t want the annoyance of getting a painful sunburn.
✓ Give in to the night life
beach parties, live music, Hard Rock Café or rooftop bars – you can really let yourself go and dance until your feet are exhausted in Tampa, especially in the Ybor district.
✓ Combine Orlando with Tampa Bay
These two special cities in Florida are only two hours apart. So why should you be satisfied with just one Florida travel experience? Start your vacation in Orlando and then soak up the vibrancy of Tampa – book your Florida vacation now.
FAQs about your vacation in Tampa
It takes about 4.5 hours to drive from Tampa to Miami.
Even though the hurricane season varies a little from year to year, the risk of hurricanes increases from June to November especially. However, that doesn’t mean that hurricanes will actually occur.
Although Florida is only half the size of Germany, the state is very long. A rental car is definitely recommended to get easily from A to B and see plenty of sights.
Did you know?
The cigarette manufacturer, Ybor, moved to Tampa at the beginning of the 20th century and helped the city to grow economically. That’s why the city was given the nickname of “Cigar City.” A total of 500 million cigarettes were produced here in 1929.
