Tampa Bay combines a walkable downtown waterfront, Ybor City's cigar-making history, strong museums, and Gulf beaches within easy reach. Here's how to plan a trip, from what to see to where to eat and stay.

Getting to and around Tampa Bay

Commercial flights serve Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Travelers can also arrive by Amtrak at Tampa's historic Union Station or by cruise ship at the Port of Tampa.

Once there, rental cars and rideshares are easy to find, and the TECO Line Streetcar connects downtown to the Channel District and Ybor City.

Things to do in Tampa

Tampa's Riverwalk follows the Hillsborough River through downtown, linking parks, public art, restaurants, cafés, museums, and Amalie Arena.

Ybor City, Tampa's historic "Cigar City," is the place to learn about the cigar industry that shaped the city's Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage.

Across the bay, downtown St. Petersburg's waterfront has restaurants, bars, art installations, and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The Dalí Museum houses one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí's work outside Europe, alongside rotating exhibitions. The seasonal Cross Bay Ferry links downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg; check the current schedule before you plan around it.

The Florida Aquarium on the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are all worth a visit.

Where to eat

Independent restaurants lead the Tampa Bay dining scene. The city is known for its Cuban heritage, and the Tampa-style Cuban sandwich, which adds salami to the ham and pork, is a local signature. Try one at La Segunda or The Columbia in Ybor City, West Tampa Sandwich Shop or La Teresita in Tampa, or Pipo's Cuban Cafe in St. Pete.

For variety, Armature Works is a food hall with indoor and outdoor seating in a restored historic building on the Riverwalk.

Where to stay

Downtown, the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is close to the Riverwalk and the streetcar. In Ybor City, Hotel Haya has a pool and restaurants serving coastal and Cuban dishes. On the Gulf, the Opal Sands in Clearwater Beach is a beachfront option.

Traveling with dogs

Tampa Bay is dog-friendly. Davis Islands, a short drive from downtown, has a dog beach, and Fort De Soto Park, south of St. Pete Beach, has a dog beach and off-leash area. Several hotels in the area welcome dogs, including Le Méridien Tampa, Sandpearl Resort, and The Don CeSar; confirm pet policies when you book.

Flying privately to Tampa

Private flights can use Tampa International (TPA), which has private terminals on the field, or Peter O. Knight Airport (TPF) on Davis Islands, minutes from downtown. Across the bay, St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE) and Albert Whitted Airport (SPG) in downtown St. Petersburg are also options, depending on runway length and the aircraft.

From South Florida, the trip is well suited to a turboprop or light jet. Learn how on-demand charter works.