Tampa holidays

How to reach Tampa

• Flight time: Flights to Tampa from London take about 9 to 10 hours. Direct flights for Tampa holidays are available from major UK airports, including London Heathrow.

• Transfer time: Tampa International Airport is about 20 minutes from the city centre by car. Taxis, rideshare services and an airport shuttle are available.

• Price: The airport shuttle costs around $20. A taxi ride to downtown Tampa typically costs between $35 and $40, while rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are slightly cheaper, costing about $25.

Weather and best time to visit Tampa

Picking the perfect time of year for your holidays to Tampa depends largely on your weather preferences and what you want to do.

• March to May is one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm but not too hot, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 27°C. Rainfall is moderate at 30–70mm per month, with 8–9 hours of sunshine daily.

• June to August is Tampa's high season and the hottest time of the year. Average temperatures soar from 27 to 35°C. Daily rainfall is heavy, and the humidity is high. Expect 9–10 hours of sunshine a day.

• September to November offers a more comfortable climate, with temperatures dropping from around 23 to 20°C. Rainfall decreases to 50–110mm monthly, with 7–8 hours of sunshine daily.

• December to February is the coolest period, but still mild compared to winter in the UK. Temperatures range from 10 to 20°C, with 40–70mm rainfall and 7–8 hours sunshine.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken, with Spanish a close second.

• Local habits and customs: Tampa has a laid-back vibe. Plan on tipping 15–20 percent in restaurants and $1 a drink in bars.

• Health and safety: Tampa is generally safe, but, like anywhere, avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowds.

• Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: Public transport in Tampa includes buses and trolleys. A single bus fare costs $4, and a three-day pass $11.75. The TECO Line Streetcar System is a fun way to get around downtown and Ybor City. Taxis, rideshare services and bike rentals are also available.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 120V. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Tampa is on Eastern Standard Time (EST), 5 hours behind GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport and an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the US. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.

Local dishes in Tampa

One of the many highlights of a trip to Tampa is the chance to indulge in all the culinary delicacies that make it one of Florida’s best foodie destinations.

Meat dishes

• Cuban Sandwich: Tampa’s signature sandwich, made with Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, is a must-try. Often served pressed and hot, it’s a local favourite with a rich history.

• Deviled crab: This dish consists of spicy crab meat rolled in breadcrumbs and fried. With ties to the city’s Cuban and Spanish communities, this tasty treat can be enjoyed in most restaurants and food trucks.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Grouper sandwich: A staple in Tampa, the grouper sandwich features fresh, locally caught grouper, often grilled, fried or blackened. It’s served with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce on a bun.

• Stone crab claws: A local seasonal delicacy served chilled with a mustard sauce.

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie: This quintessential Floridian dessert features a tangy Key lime custard filling in a graham cracker crust, often topped with whipped cream.

• Guava pastry: Influenced by the city’s Cuban heritage, these pastries are filled with sweet guava paste and cream cheese.

Local drinks

• Craft beer: Tampa boasts a thriving craft beer scene. Breweries like Cigar City Brewing are known for their innovative and flavourful brews. Be sure to try the Jai Alai IPA, a local favourite.

• Café con leche: Reflecting Tampa’s Cuban influences, this coffee is made with strong espresso and steamed milk.

Best things to do in Tampa

Tampa is a vibrant city on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering a mix of cultural attractions, natural beauty and thrilling activities.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Bayshore Boulevard: This scenic waterfront road boasts the longest continuous sidewalk in the world and offers stunning views of Tampa Bay. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, especially at sunrise or sunset.

• Tampa Riverwalk: Stretching 4km along the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk provides beautiful views of the water and the city skyline. It connects many of Tampa’s downtown attractions, making it an excellent spot for sightseeing.

The best districts

• Ybor City: Known for its rich history and vibrant nightlife, Ybor City was once the cigar capital of the world. Today, it’s a lively neighbourhood with historic buildings, eclectic shops and a wide range of dining options. Don’t miss a trip to the Ybor City Museum State Park.

• Hyde Park Village: This charming district is perfect for shopping and dining, with a mix of high-end boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

• Downtown Tampa: The heart of the city, downtown Tampa is home to a glut of cultural attractions, including the Tampa Theatre, the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Parks and gardens

• Lettuce Lake Park: A peaceful retreat just outside the city, Lettuce Lake Park offers walking trails, a boardwalk and an observation tower for wildlife viewing.

• Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: Located in downtown Tampa, this spot features splash pads and regular outdoor concerts.

• Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation: This hidden gem is a beautiful garden dedicated to butterfly preservation.

Historic monuments

• Tampa Theatre: Opened in 1926, the Tampa Theatre is a beautifully restored movie palace and a historic landmark.

• Henry B. Plant Museum: Located in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, this museum offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age of Florida. The building itself is a masterpiece of Moorish Revival architecture.

• Ybor City State Museum: Housed in a former bakery, this museum explores the history of Ybor City and its significance as a cigar manufacturing hub.

Day trips in the area

• Clearwater Beach: A short drive from Tampa, Clearwater Beach is renowned for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

• St. Petersburg: Known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful waterfront, St. Petersburg is a great day trip destination. Visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, stroll through the Sunken Gardens or explore downtown’s trendy boutiques and cafés.

• Tarpon Springs: This charming town is famous for its Greek heritage and sponge diving industry. Better still, the authentic Greek cuisine is top-notch.

• Weeki Wachee Springs: Known for its live mermaid shows and crystal-clear springs, Weeki Wachee Springs is a unique day trip destination.

Activities for families in Tampa

Tampa is packed with enough family-friendly activities to keep all ages entertained.

• Parks and playgrounds: Lettuce Lake Park and Al Lopez Park offer playgrounds, picnic areas and trails for a fun day out. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park has splash pads that are perfect for cooling off on hot days.

• Aquarium and zoos: The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa are must-visits for families. The aquarium has interactive exhibits and touch tanks, while the zoo features a wide variety of animals and educational programs.

• Interactive museums: The Glazer Children’s Museum on the Riverwalk offers hands-on exhibits designed to inspire young minds.

• Theme parks and adventure: Busch Gardens combines thrilling rides with a zoo, making it perfect for a full day of family fun. Nearby Adventure Island water park offers exciting slides and pools for all ages.

Free things to do in Tampa

Plenty of free activities in and around the city will make your Tampa holidays enjoyable without breaking the bank.

• Free events: Tampa hosts numerous free events throughout the year, such as the always fun Gasparilla Pirate Festival in January.

• Free museums: Certain museums offer free admission on specific days. The Tampa Museum of Art is free on Thursdays, and the Henry B. Plant Museum waives entry fees on the first Friday of the month.

• Explore Tampa by public transport: The TECO Line Streetcar System is free and connects downtown Tampa with Ybor City.

• Free guided tours: Companies like Tampa Bay Tours offer free walking tours of downtown Tampa and historic Ybor City, operating on a tips-only basis.

• Nature trails: Explore Tampa’s natural beauty free of charge by hiking the trails at Hillsborough River State Park or the boardwalk at Lettuce Lake Park.

Wellness in Tampa

• Spas and wellness centres: The Spa at Saddlebrook Resort and Spa Evangeline at the Epicurean Hotel are among the most popular, offering comprehensive services in tranquil settings.

• Yoga and meditation centres: The Body Electric Yoga Company in St. Petersburg and Yoga Loft Tampa provide a range of yoga and meditation sessions suitable for all levels. Outdoor yoga sessions, particularly along the Tampa Riverwalk, are also popular.