Florida is one of those vacation powerhouse states, with big name destinations such as Miami, Key West, Orlando, and new hot spot Destin. Tampa is probably not the first option that comes to mind for a Florida vacation, but we think you should consider this lesser traveled destination. A Tampa Bay vacation means more than the city of Tampa; Saint Petersburg, usually referred to as St. Pete, Clearwater and Ybor City are also part of the bay area. It’s a wonderful place with lots to see and do. Five days in Tampa Bay can be the perfect vacation, and we have put together this sample Tampa Bay 5 day itinerary to show you just how many highlights the area has.
Here are two tips that helped give me a better experience. Buy a City Pass before you go. It saves you over 50% on admission costs for some of the most popular attractions, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Museum of Science & Industry, or The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise. Also book your cruise ahead as they often sell out.
The second tip relates to parking. Parking is expensive and often difficult, so whenever possible, use the free or almost free trolleys.
- Looper Trolley is your free transportation in Saint Petersburg. It stops at the entrance to the pier and near most of the city’s attractions.
- Tampa has the free TECO Line Streetcar beginning in Ybor City and traveling to Channelside and downtown. It stops near almost all the attractions.
- Parking is free along most streets in Ybor City for two hours and cheaper at the parking lots for longer terms.
- In Clearwater, you can ride the Jolley Trolley costs $5.00 for an unlimited ride pass, $2.50 for a senior, and the pass is interchangeable with the local bus system.
If you are visiting the Tampa Bay area as part of a Florida road trip, or while traveling through to other destinations, you may be interested in some of our other Florida itineraries such as a Weekend in Key West, a Weekend in Punta Gorda, Kayaking at Silver Springs, or Falling Waters State Park!
How to Spend 5 Days in Tampa
We think the best option is to spend time in all 4 of the local cities during your Tampa Bay 5 day itinerary. Each of the four cities has its own flavor and distinct set of attractions.
Tampa Bay Vacation Day 1 – St. Petersburg
Sunken Gardens opens at 10 am and has free parking. Along with some ancient plants and gorgeous flowers, you’ll find wildlife in St. Pete’s oldest botanical garden.
There are ponds filled with shining koi. Exotic parrots and macaws may speak to you from their cages, and a flock of flamingos greet you as you stroll the shady paths filled with flowers and trees.
Drive to the St. Pete Pier lot and pay for a full day so you can leave the car there, and ride the Looper Trolley to attractions. Head for the pier and some fun. There is a shuttle that will drive you out if you don’t want to walk. St. Pete Pier offers a fantastic view of the bay. As you amble along, there is a playground if you have the youngsters along.
The Museum of History is near the beginning of the pier. You’ll see a lifelike paperboy hawking newspapers in front. Inside, the first thing you see is a full-sized replica of the Benoist XIV aircraft. It was the precursor to modern day passenger planes. Little Cooperstown tells the area’s baseball history.
You can walk back a few blocks to the Dali Museum. If you’re an art lover, you will be thrilled. The Museum has an extensive collection of his works and another gallery with temporary exhibits. Currently, Lee Miller’s work is on display there. There’s a video explaining the Surrealist Movement.
Catch the Looper Trolley to Morean Art Center and Chihuly Collection It stops about three blocks from Morean. The Morean Arts Center has an exhibit of Chihuly Collection glass art. He created two of his pieces just for this exhibit.
Just around the corner you can see the glass blowing demo. It is amazing to watch as a simple glob of glass becomes a work of art. The last demo is at four.
Additional Options for your Day in St. Petersburg
- Visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, a rehabilitation center for injured birds. It’s a great place to learn about local bird species and conservation efforts.
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in the Central Arts District, where colorful murals adorn buildings and alleys.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the Vinoy Park waterfront, enjoying scenic views of the bay and passing by the historic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.
- Discover the treasures of the Imagine Museum, featuring a stunning collection of contemporary glass art from around the world.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Fort De Soto Park, known for its pristine beaches, nature trails, and historical fortifications.
Tampa Bay Vacation Day 2 – Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is an all day attraction. They have an award-winning zoo with over 200 species. Rides range from thrill roller coasters like Kumba, Sheikra, and Tigris, to peaceful rides like Serengeti Express that takes you on a peaceful ride through their zoo’s Serengeti Plain on an open-air tram style ride.
There are live shows as well. If the weather is hot, it’s a good idea to schedule the shows in the middle of the day to get a break from the heat.
There are many restaurants ranging from small snack stops to full-service restaurants. Oasis Pizza serves salads or handmade pizza. Zambia Smokehouse offers barbecue ribs and more. Their newest bar is the Giraffe Bar at Serengeti Overlook. It’s appropriate, as Busch Gardens started as a small free attraction featuring birds and free beer samples. It grew well as today it is Tampa’s number one visitor hot spot.
Parking starts at $25 per day.
Tampa Bay Vacation Day 3 – Ybor City and Tampa Channelside
I combined seeing Channelside attractions and Ybor City, saving on parking by using Ybor City’s TECO Line Streetcar. I parked on a side street with free two-hour parking near Centennial Park, TECO’s number one stop, and rode about 15 minutes to The Tampa Bay History Center.
The center is three floors of interesting exhibits ranging from Florida’s prehistoric days in its “Tusks to Tails” exhibit to Ybor City’s founding that tells the cigar making history of Tampa and on to modern times.
There’s an excellent video about the Second Seminole War. There’s “A Land Remembered” display and more.
Just follow the Riverwalk to American Victory Ship Mariners Museum at The Sparkman Wharf. This is one of only four fully operational WWII ships in the country. My guide, Gary Brooks, who is also the ship’s chaplain, took me through the entire ship. I got a feel for the men who served about this ship. One caution: the tour involves climbing several steep stairs.
Ride the TECO Streetcar back and move your car. I went way over the two-hour limit and didn’t get a ticket. Doesn’t mean you won’t, it’s just an observation.
Ybor City Museum State Park is small, but it really catches the feel of Ybor City. The museum is housed in the old Ferlita family’s bakery where Cuban bread began. They baked those long skinny loaves of Cuban bread here until the 1960s. It tells the story of how Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, a well-to-do Spaniard, immigrated from Cuba and created the cigar capital of the world here. Cuban and Spanish cigar makers worked and lived side by side with Sicilian, Italian, Romanian Jews, and other immigrants who came to Ybor City for a chance to make a decent living.
I discovered the museum garden and Centennial Park just across the street had free Wi-Fi. The Museum Garden has shaded tables and seats with a sparkling fountain to relax you. It’s a great place to catch up on email and other computer needs. Just across the street, Centennial Park has many free roaming chickens so you can get photos.
Move your car to a new free parking spot and visit Florida Aquarium. It is a stop in TECO. The aquarium charges $10 for parking so using the streetcar saves money. It has large exhibits of not only Florida but world sea and ocean life. The otters are adorable and the touch pond is a learning experience.
That night after dinner, I took the Official Ybor Ghost Tour. Max Herman was my guide and blends the paranormal with history for an unbelievable tour. Ybor City has some of the most haunted buildings in the country. The great thing about this tour is we went into some buildings. The clubs are unique to Ybor City. They were more of a mutual aid society, with medical help as well as entertainment. Some of the most haunted clubs we visited were the Spanish Club and The Cuban Club. The Travel Channel named the Cuban Club as one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America.
Additional Options for Your Day in Ybor City and Tampa Channelside
- Explore the vibrant street art and cultural scene in Ybor City, known for its historic buildings, cigar factories, and lively nightlife.
- Take a scenic cruise along the Tampa Riverwalk, offering picturesque views of the city skyline and waterfront attractions.
- Visit the Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the University of Tampa campus, to learn about the region’s history and the legacy of railroad and hotel magnate Henry B. Plant.
- Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Ybor City’s iconic Cuban restaurants, such as Columbia Restaurant or La Segunda Bakery, known for their authentic cuisine and cultural heritage.
- Experience live music and entertainment at one of the many bars, clubs, and theaters in Ybor City, showcasing a diverse range of performances from jazz and blues to Latin music and comedy shows.
Tampa Bay Vacation Day 4 – Clearwater
I suggest heading for Clearwater today. Start the day at the fun and educational Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
There are many other dolphins and plenty of other sea life at the aquarium. Many of the residents are rescue animals saved from boating accidents, environmental hazards, habitat loss, and other situations, including dolphins, various species of sea turtles, pelicans, otters, stingrays and even a shark. Besides seeing all of the creatures in a recreated natural setting, there are a variety of animal encounters and care programs, photo opportunities, virtual experiences, and boat tours.
Winter, the dolphin featured in the Dolphin’s Tale, was a long time resident of the aquarium, known for not only her fun-loving personality, and also for her prosthetic tail. She was a loved and integral member of the aquarium “staff.” Sadly, Winter passed away in November of 2021 due to an intestinal abnormality. She is remembered through a number of memorials at the aquarium, including a virtual reality experience that enables visitors to swim alongside her.
Since I love dolphins, it is no surprise I chose the Tropics Boat Dolphin Exploration Cruise from my City Pass. You can choose either 1pm or 3:30pm. Either way, they ask you to be there about an hour ahead. I only made it about a half-hour ahead and it was no problem. The beach parking lot across the street is a pay-by-license-number at $3 per hour.
The beach is across the street. It’s a lovely beach with a plenty restaurants and attractions on it so either way allow some beach time either before or after the tour.
Additional Options for Your Day in Clearwater
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Clearwater Beach, known for its powdery white sands and clear blue waters. Take in the scenic views and relax by the shore.
- Visit Pier 60, a bustling area with a fishing pier, shops, street performers, and a nightly sunset celebration featuring local artisans and live music.
- Explore Clearwater’s vibrant downtown area, filled with shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants offering fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Take a sunset cruise or boat tour to admire the stunning sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico, a popular activity in Clearwater.
- Discover the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program, which focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles back into the wild.
Tampa Bay Vacation Day 5 – Tampa
Henry Plant came to Florida and built the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel. He was a self-made millionaire who built steamships, railroads, and hotels.
The museum is a monument to extreme wealth and takes you back to early 20th century.
Tampa’s Lowery Park Zoo has won countless awards. It has the most interesting wildlife. I especially enjoyed watching the elephants playing in a pool with a waterfall.
My favorite resident is Lucy the Florida panther. Lucy was one of four kittens. Her mother abandoned her as a tiny cub. Since Lucy had a head injury, the mother panther may have thought Lucy could not survive. Lucy needed a lot of intensive care, so zoo personnel had to bring her home overnight in her early days. I didn’t get to see her this time as the zoo is expanding her habitat and will be open a new section of Florida wildlife soon.
You will want to spend a lot of time here. The zoo has several restaurants and snack shops.
Additional Options for Your Day in Tampa
- Explore the Tampa Bay History Center, located along the Riverwalk. Dive into the region’s rich past through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays, highlighting Tampa’s maritime heritage, cigar industry, and more.
- Visit the Tampa Museum of Art, featuring contemporary and classical art collections, as well as special exhibitions. It’s a great place for art enthusiasts to appreciate diverse artworks.
- Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic pathway along the Hillsborough River, dotted with parks, museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Discover the Florida Aquarium’s interactive exhibits, showcasing marine life from local waters and around the world. Don’t miss the chance to experience close encounters with sharks and other fascinating creatures.
- Attend a live sports event, such as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game at Raymond James Stadium or a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game at Amalie Arena, for an exciting and memorable experience.
(Visiting both aquariums can provide a well-rounded experience, with Clearwater Marine focusing on rescue efforts and unique marine encounters, while the Florida Aquarium offers a comprehensive look at marine ecosystems and conservation initiatives.)
Dining:
Wherever we go, we need to eat. Here are some choices.
At the St. Pete Pier:
Enjoy dinner with a waterfront view at Doc Ford’s Rum, Bar and Grill. It’s near the middle of the pier. I had the Cuban Sandwich and fresh fruit and loved it.
Driftwood Café is at the far end of the pier. It has a wonderful view. Share the Charcuterie Board or enjoy a traditional pizza.
Channelside:
Sparkman Wharf, where you enter the American Victory Ship, has many restaurants. Jotoro and Gallito Taqueria for Mexican food, Splitsville for typical Southern dining, The Battery is a steakhouse with more. There’s a large bar and an outside patio for dining.
In Ybor City:
Columbia Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Take time to wander around while you dine there. It’s like a museum.
James Joyce Irish Pub, it’s where the locals go.
Where to Stay in Tampa Bay
My two favorite hotels there are the Don Cesar and the Barrymore. They have a very different vibe, but both are equally interesting. Both have all the amenities you want, pool, Wi-Fi, TV and more. If you are looking for traditional-luxury choose Don Cesar. If you are thinking economy, it’s Barrymore. Both are fantastic.
Don Cesar
Don Cesar is a more traditional, upscale hotel. It’s on the east side of St. Pete.
There’s an interesting story about its founding. Thomas Rowe, who became wealthy in his mid-years, built the 10-story Moorish Mediterranean pink hotel in memory of an ill-fated romance when he was a poor young orphan. It opened on January 16, 1928 and over the years survived depression, prohibition, several owners, including the U.S. Army that used it as a hospital, a convalescent center, and a veteran’s administration office.
Today, it is back to its magnificent splendor. Naturally, it is pricy and has a ghost story.
It has several dining facilities; Maritana, Society Table, and Uncle Andy’s Market, which is a kid-oriented café with lots of ice cream. There are two bars as well.
The Barrymore
The Barrymore is newer and a boutique hotel in Tampa’s Downtown River Arts District next to the Patel Conservatory and the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.
The big takeaway from this hotel is the art. The grounds are a mini-gallery with a life-sized stature of John Lennon and a sculpture called Rebirth, a colorful butterfly perched above a heart. Rebirth is by Clayton Swartz and won first place in Tampa’s Art Loud sculpture project for downtown. They filled the interior including the rooms with original local art.
They have a full-service restaurant, WaterWorks Bar & Grille, within the Barrymore hotel that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Are You Ready for Your Tampa Bay Vacation?
Tampa Bay, with its blend of vibrant cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Ybor City, offers a unique vacation experience that often goes beyond the typical Florida destinations. This 5-day itinerary showcases the rich diversity of attractions, from historic sites and cultural museums to beautiful marine life encounters and thrilling outdoor adventures.
Exploring Tampa Bay is made easier with the City Pass, offering significant savings on admission to key attractions like Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, and more. Additionally, utilizing free or affordable trolley services in cities like St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater can significantly enhance your travel experience while minimizing parking hassles and costs.
As you embark on this journey through Tampa Bay, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Ybor City, delve into the vibrant art scene of St. Petersburg, enjoy the pristine beaches of Clearwater, and experience the adrenaline rush at Busch Gardens. Don’t forget to savor the culinary delights and unwind in the comfortable accommodations suggested in the dining and lodging sections of this comprehensive itinerary.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or seeking family-friendly fun, Tampa Bay promises an unforgettable vacation filled with diverse experiences and lasting memories. Start planning your Tampa Bay adventure today and discover why this lesser-known gem deserves a spot on your travel radar.
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About the Author
Kathleen Walls, former reporter for Union Sentinel in Blairsville, GA, is publisher/writer for American Roads and Global Highways. She is a photographer with many of her original photographs appearing in her travel ezine as well as other publications, contributing to many online and print publications.
She is the author of travel books, Georgia’s Ghostly Getaways, Finding Florida’s Phantoms, Hosts With Ghosts, and Wild About Florida series. Her fiction includes Last Step, which was made into a feature movie of the same name by Forbes Productions, Kudzu, Under A Bloody Flag and Under A Black Flag.
Member of International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers (IFWTA) and North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). You can find her on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter.
Some parts of this trip were subsidized. All opinions are my own.
