A Long Weekend in Tampa, Florida

Welcome to Tampa, Florida! Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa is known for its sunny weather, stunning beaches, and lively atmosphere. Daniel and I traveled to Tampa recently and we must say that the inexpensive flights from RDU make for a memorable weekend getaway. For our Valentine’s Day weekend trip, we hit some of the best attractions Tampa has to offer:

The Tampa Riverwalk: This beautiful and scenic walkway stretches for 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The Riverwalk is accessible to everyone and is a popular destination for walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters. It connects several parks, museums, restaurants, and shops along the river, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring. We started our day at the Tampa Museum of Art, and then meandered down the length of the Riverwalk to the Columbia Cafe, just outside the Tampa Bay History Center. If, like us, you enjoy a delicious dry red sangria, this is the spot for you! We sipped our drinks and appreciated some live music, all while taking in a perfect sunset over the river. Choice!

Tampa Museum of Art: Located in downtown Tampa, the art museum features a collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. The building itself is a work of art, with a stunning design that incorporates natural light and water features. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, so be sure to check its website before you visit. While we were there, the museum was featuring an exhibit highlighting some of the spectacular works of local high school artists, and we were blown away by the quality and depth of insight some of their works conveyed.

Busch Gardens: This amusement park and zoo located in Tampa is a must for ride-enthusiast and animal lovers. Known for its thrilling roller coasters, like Iron Gwazi and Cheetah Hunt, this versatile park also offers unique shows and close encounters with wildlife. We chose a great weekend to visit the park; flawless, mild weather and Mardi Gras-themed festivities throughout made for a remarkable day. We may have gone a little overboard with our picture-taking, but there are just so many incredible exotic animals to admire. Check out the linked video.

The Florida Aquarium: Home to over 7,000 aquatic plants and animals from around the world, the aquarium features several exhibits, including a coral reef, a small penguin rookery, and a shark tank. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour or participate in a dolphin or penguin encounter for an additional fee. The Florida Aquarium is committed to conservation efforts, so be sure to learn about the ways they are working to protect our oceans and marine life. Daniel and I spent hours here and cannot recommend the aquarium enough to all those who visit Tampa!

No journey to Florida is complete without Cuban and Mexican cuisine. Daniel and I tried many restaurants over our short weekend getaway, but Luv Child in the Courier City-Oscawana neighborhood stands above the rest. The Cubano with homemade stone ground spicy mustard is to die for and the off-dry sangria will have you ready to greet the day!

Overall, Tampa is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, wildlife, or thrilling rides, you’re sure to have a great time in Tampa. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!