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Tampa

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Weekend Getaways to Tampa

Tampa
Let the Gulf Shore breeze carry you to a weekend of sun-kissed fun. The Tampa-St Pete area is Florida's second-biggest metropolitan area. Not as flashy as Miami or as crowded as Orlando, the region has grown as a tourist destination, and it's easy to see why: miles of waterfront, sandy beaches, cultural attractions and exciting amusements. Busch Gardens has been drawing visitors for years, but the city also has another zoo, an aquarium and several major museums for those who need some time in the shade.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
Where to Stay
Recommended Reading
Nearby Places Worth A Visit
Where to stay
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina
Holiday Inn Express Tampa - Rocky Point Island
La Quinta Inn & Suites USF (Near Busch Gardens)
Holiday Inn & Suites near Busch Gardens - USF



Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten track, but all are worth a visit.
Theme parksTheme parks
Busch Gardens: The ultimate family adventure, this famous wildlife theme park offers African safaris, bird sanctuaries and other environmentally conscious rides and attractions.
Address: 3000 East Busch Blvd., Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-987-5082
Admission fee
Adventure Island: Visitors happily get drenched at this Key West-style theme park that boasts 30 acres of wild water rides.
Address: 4500 Bougainvillea Avenue, Main entrance on McKinley Avenue, Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-987-5600
Admission fee
MuseumsMuseums
Museum of Science and Industry: Science comes to life at this museum that houses a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and many interactive displays.
Address: 4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-987-6000
Admission fee
Tampa Museum of Art: This museum's impressive collection includes contemporary art as well as Greek and Roman antiquities.
Address: 6600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-274-8130
Admission fee
Family funFamily fun
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo: This popular zoo also has facilities for caring for injured manatees, an endangered species.
Address: 7530 North Boulevard, Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-935-8552
Admission fee
Florida Aquarium: This aquarium features a fascinating array of animals and birds found along Florida's waterways.
Address: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-273-4000
Admission fee
RestaurantsRestaurants
Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern's Steak House: A meal at this local favorite isn't complete without a tour of the wine cellar and a nightcap in the dessert room.
Address: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, Florida
Phone: 813-251-2421
Lee Roy Selmon's: Southern cooking and barbecue are what you'll find at this cozy restaurant serving comfort food and hospitality.
Address: 4302 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, Florida
Phone: (813) 871-3287
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Tampa

Tampa Trip Lists

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Nearby Places Worth A Visit
Nearby placeNearby places worth a visit
St. Petersburg
A thriving city on Florida's West Coast, St Pete's boasts 35 miles of white sand and surf on 20 barrier islands. Families flock to the area for its great beaches and close proximity to Tampa's commercial and cultural attractions.
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travellers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Popularity index: #19 in Tampa
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina
Popularity index: #31 in Tampa
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
Marriott.com Get Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee & Earn Rewards
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Holiday Inn Express Tampa - Rocky Point Island
Popularity index: #52 in Tampa
HIExpress.com Find the best price on our website or your first night is free.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
La Quinta Inn & Suites USF (Near Busch Gardens)
Popularity index: #22 in Tampa
LQ.com Southwestern ambience, top notch service. Book direct for best rates.
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites near Busch Gardens - USF
Popularity index: #86 in Tampa
HolidayInn.com Find the best price on our website or your first night is free.
Priceline.com More Ways to Save on Hotels. Save up to 50% on Top Brands.
Hotwire.com Photos, Reviews & Low Prices
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Recommended Reading
"Tampa-Clearwater with Kids: Where to Stay & What to do"  Family Vacation Critic
Tampa-Clearwater with Kids: Where to Stay & What to do
"Spend a Night in Historic Tampa and Imagine What Life Was Like in Ybor City"  TravelLady, 1 Dec 2007
Tampa's Ybor City is a highlight on a trip to Florida's west coast.
"Tackling Tampa's Taste Temptations"  TravelLady
Tampa proves its culinary mettle with some surprisingly good restaurants.
"Tampa Bay Wildlife Safari"  TravelLady, 1 Feb 2008
If you can't afford a trip to Africa, Tampa's wildlife parks and zoos may be the next best thing.
 View all articles, guide books and user reviews about Tampa