The best time to vacation in Tampa is from May through December when visitors are fewer and prices are reasonable if looking for the best rates.
Low Season: May through December is less busy. Average Daily Rates of:
- 2 Star: $95-$105
- 3 Star: $105-$125
- 4 Star: $145-$200
- 2 Star: $125-$145
- 3 Star: $145-$175
- 4 Star: $200-$300
Sights you mustn’t miss
Fun for all ages a visit to MOSI, or Museum of Science and Industry is an adventure in knowledge, with well over 450 interactive exhibits and a massive IMAX movie screen, you will believe you are in space.With over 25 miles of beautiful beaches in Tampa, this is the sight to see. Combine that with awesome nightlife just off the beaches at night, and you soon realize that this is an adventure.
Fun things to do
You must spend a day at the Lowery Park Zoo, which has been voted the Number 1 zoo in the whole United States. This beautiful zoo features over 1500 animals and if set on over sixty acres.Visit the Big Cat Rescue and help support this suburban rescue sanctuary of large cats. You won’t believe just how close you can get.
Visit Tampa’s Florida Aquarium Dome and realize just what its like to live underwater.
For Mom and Dad, maybe 18 holes on Saddlebrook Gold Course are in order. It just doesn’t get much better than this.
Take a chill pill away from the heat at Adventure Island, Bush Garden’s Waterpark. These 30 acres of liquid fun offers both relaxation as well as high-speed thrills. With outdoor café’s, gift shops and more, it’s just not an attraction to miss.
Wine and Dine Tips
Dining in Tampa offers no great challenge for finding great food. From fast food on the go, to 5 star “fine dining” restaurants, serving prime beef, seafood to pizza and ice crème, it’s all here. Some suggestions from restaurant fans follow.Lets look at a fine restaurant, Coopers Hawk, which by the way is also a winery. Here you can enjoy a locally produced wine paired with anything from Surf & Turf, Pasta to burgers.
On a more casual note, another fun adventure is the Grill 54 Winebar, where you can experience world class spectacular fresh Sushi with your wine. Offering quite an excellent selection of wines, and truly great prices, which should offset the price of the sushi. If wine isn’t your thing, how about trying a Cucumber Gimlet or Crush Martini?
The Ocean Prime Seafood and Steak eatery, a delicious waterfront restaurant, offers only the finest cut of beef. For seafood, they serve only the freshest naturally harvested fish, monitored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. This is a very modern, and eclectically lit restaurant, pleasing to the eye, and the palate.
Day Trips
A three-hour drive will get you to Jacksonville and some of the best golf in the state of Florida. Also in Jacksonville, you won’t find the crowded beaches like you have in Tampa.Just over four hours away by car is Fort Lauderdale, always a fun adventure, especially back in the days when it was the main “party” during ‘Spring Break”. Today it has taken a turn to the upper class, with tons of luxury yachts in the marinas.
If you leave early in the morning, you can make it to Miami Beach in about 4 ½ hours, and your guaranteed excitement and a major party crowd on that beach.
You might however, think about staying over so you can really enjoy the nightlife and dinner, and not worry about the drive home.
Where to Stay
The InterContinental Tampa features outstanding customer service and an immaculate setting for enjoying everything that Tampa has in store for you. Business and leisure travelers love InterContinental Tampa because of its comfortable yet elegant atmosphere and outstanding amenities. If you need a budget-friendly Tampa hotel, consider staying at the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa North, which is located in New Tampa, off of the I-75. You'll receive spacious rooms, heavenly beds, a business center, a pool, and a locale near all of the best attractions and activities in Tampa.When you stay at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore, it's all about good times and fun with little things like complimentary drinks and appetizers and lunch in a luxurious cabana.
Our recommendations in Tampa
The Westin Tampa Waterside
Located in Tampa, The Westin Tampa Waterside is in the business district and on the waterfront. Tampa Riverwalk and Westshore Plaza Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Amalie Arena or Raymond James Stadium.
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
Located in Tampa, Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore is in the business district and near the airport. Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Tampa Riverwalk and International Plaza and Bay Street. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Raymond James Stadium or George M. Steinbrenner Field.
DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront is located near the beach and in an area with good airport proximity. Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Check out an event or a game at Raymond James Stadium, and consider making time for Big Cat Rescue, a top attraction not to be missed.
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ & Suites Tampa
Located in Tampa, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Tampa North - Busch Gardens Area is in the business district and near theme parks. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Tampa Riverwalk and International Plaza and Bay Street. Check out an event or a game at Yuengling Center, and consider making time for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a top attraction not to be missed.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is located near the bay and in an area with good airport proximity. Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Westshore Plaza Mall and International Plaza and Bay Street. Florida Aquarium and Big Cat Rescue are not to be missed.
Tahitian Inn
Near theme parks, Tahitian Inn is in an area with good airport proximity. Tampa Riverwalk and Westshore Plaza Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Raymond James Stadium or George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Residence Inn By Marriott Tampa Downtown
Located in Tampa, Residence Inn By Marriott Tampa Downtown is in the city center and near the beach. Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Tampa Riverwalk and International Plaza and Bay Street. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Amalie Arena or Raymond James Stadium.
Karma Nest Tampa
Located in Tampa, Baymont by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens is in the suburbs and near theme parks. MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Lowry Park Zoo and Florida State Fairgrounds are not to be missed.
Chase Suite Hotel Tampa
Located in Tampa, Chase Suite Hotel Tampa is near the airport and on the waterfront. Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Raymond James Stadium or George M. Steinbrenner Field. Our guests love the property's quiet location.
Emerald Greens Hotel Condo Resort
Located in Tampa, Emerald Greens Hotel Condo Resort is in the entertainment district and near the airport. International Plaza and Bay Street and Westshore Plaza Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Big Cat Rescue and Lowry Park Zoo. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Our guests appreciate the property's central location.
Quality Inn & Conference Center
In the city center and near theme parks, Quality Inn & Conference Center is in an area with good shopping. Glazer Children's Museum and Tampa Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Lowry Park Zoo and Florida State Fairgrounds.
Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Westshore
In the business district, Ramada by Wyndham Tampa Airport Westshore is in an area with good airport proximity and shopping. Tampa Riverwalk and Westshore Plaza Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Raymond James Stadium or George M. Steinbrenner Field.