How To Spend 2 Days In Tampa Bay, Florida Travel Itinerary Arriving At The International Airport, Short History, 10 Things To Do

April 11, 2026

Arriving at Tampa International Airport (TPA), you’re just minutes from downtown and the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast charm. Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine, or coastal relaxation, this 2-day itinerary covers the best of Tampa Bay — from historic neighborhoods to scenic waterfronts.

Arrival & Transportation

TPA is consistently ranked among the best U.S. airports for its ease of navigation and modern design. Upon landing:

Rental Car: Ideal for flexibility. Major agencies like Enterprise, Alamo, and Sixt operate on-site.
Public Transit: HART Line 30 bus connects the airport to downtown (~25–40 min, $2 one-way).
Ride Share/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, or taxi take ~15 minutes to downtown (~$20–$30).

Staying near Downtown, Channelside, or Hyde Park puts you within walking distance or a short ride to top attractions.

Spend 2 days in Tampa Bay exploring the vibrant Riverwalk, historic Ybor City, and thrilling theme parks. Arrive at Tampa International Airport (TPA), then dive into waterfront dining, cultural museums, and bustling nightlife, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in Florida’s Gulf Coast hub.

Short History

Originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, the Tampa Bay area was explored by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. It became a US territory in 1821, with Fort Brooke established in 1824. The city grew rapidly in the late 19th century thanks to the railroad and the establishment of the cigar industry in Ybor City by Vicente Martinez-Ybor, earning Tampa the nickname “Cigar City”.

10 Things To Do in Tampa Bay

Tampa Riverwalk: Walk, bike, or scooter this 2.6-mile path connecting downtown parks and attractions.
Ybor City: Explore the historic Cuban district, see wild roosters, and tour cigar shops.
The Florida Aquarium: Discover marine life, including sharks and penguins, located downtown.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Experience world-class rollercoasters and animal encounters.
Tampa Museum of Art: Visit this modern museum in Curtis Hixon Park for diverse art exhibits.
Columbia Restaurant: Dine in Ybor at Florida’s oldest restaurant for authentic Spanish/Cuban cuisine.
Heights Public Market at Armature Works: Enjoy diverse food stalls, drinks, and river views in a revitalized warehouse.
Pirate Water Taxi: Take a fun, scenic boat ride along the Hillsborough River to various attractions.
Oxford Exchange: Shop and dine at this unique venue near downtown, featuring a restaurant, bookstore, and cafe.
St. Pete Beach & The Dalí Museum: Take a short trip to nearby St. Pete to visit top-tier beaches and the world-renowned museum.

2-Day Tampa Bay Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown & Riverwalk Culture

Morning: Arrive at TPA and travel to downtown Tampa. Start with brunch at Oxford Exchange.
Afternoon: Explore the Tampa Riverwalk. Visit the Florida Aquarium and stroll through Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks at Armature Works in Tampa Heights.

Day 2: Historic Ybor City & Theme Park Thrills

Morning: Head to Busch Gardens for rollercoasters, or explore the Tampa Bay History Center.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon in Ybor City. Tour the cigar district, visit shops, and walk down 7th Avenue.
Evening: Dine at the historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor for a classic Tampa experience, followed by drinks on a rooftop bar like Sal Y Mar.

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