If you are planning a trip to Tampa Bay Florida and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place. With safety issues emerging in Mexico and travel costs for the Caribbean increasing, many Americans are looking for alternative beach vacation spots and Tampa Bay Florida is a great choice. Tampa Bay is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Brandon. This itinerary includes Sarasota and Siesta Key. The area averages 361 days of sunshine per year and over 100 million people visit every year. You will find white sand beaches, shallow warm water, barrier islands, natural springs, mangrove forests, manatees, Cuban food and cigars, art galleries, and museums. The best time to swim with manatees is between November and April and Spring training games are held in February and March.
It is difficult to determine how to spend a week in the Tampa Bay Florida area, there are so many fun things to see, do, and eat. This 7-day Tampa Bay itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions. Looking for more options? Check each area’s things to do post to supplement this itinerary. Have more time? Consider a visit to Jacksonville and St Augustine on the east coast. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s a day-by-day guide to visiting Tampa Bay Florida in 7 days. Enjoy your time out of the office!
Seven-Day Itinerary for Tampa Bay Florida
Day One: Arrival and Durney Key Stilt Homes
Fly into Tampa International Airport and rent a car. Drive to Port Richey. Have dinner and a cocktail on the water at Gill Dawg before taking a sunset cruise to the Durney Key Stilt Homes. Continue to Crystal River and check into your hotel for the night.
Day Two: Crystal River Florida
Crystal River Florida is the Manatee Capital of the World and is known for its 400+ manatees that migrate to the warm water mid-Nov through Mar. Crystal River Florida is also a US National Wildlife Refuge protecting the gentle giants of the sea making it the perfect place to safely cross this off your bucket list.
READ Things to Do in Crystal River Florida
6 am Go for an early morning swim with the manatees. Return to the hotel to shower and check out. Have brunch at the Biscuit Barn and shop for souvenirs in Heritage Village.
10 am Walk the Three Sisters Boardwalk and photograph the manatees.
12 pm Visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, don’t miss the Fish Bowl underwater observatory.
2 pm Continue the drive back to Tampa and stop at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for the famous mermaid show.
6 pm Arrive in Tarpon Springs early evening. Walk the docks, buy a souvenir sea sponge, and have a Greek dinner at Hellas Restaurant & Bakery. Continue on to Sarasota and check into your hotel for two nights.
Day Three: Siesta Key Florida
Siesta Key Florida is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico 15 minutes from Sarasota. On Siesta Key you will find white sand beaches made of 90% quartz, warm shallow water, pretty lifeguard towers, manatees, and bottlenose dolphin.
READ Things to Do in Sarasota Florida and Siesta Key
Wake at your leisure and drive to the Amish community in Pinecrest for breakfast at Yoder’s.
Spend the day relaxing on Siesta Beach.
Have a late lunch at the Lobster Pot Restaurant and check out the Siesta Key Village shops.
Day Four: Sarasota Florida
Sarasota Florida has six barrier islands, beautiful white sand beaches, palm trees, Amish pies, circus history, flamingos, an amazing botanical garden, daiquiri bars, and a relaxed vibe. This is the perfect city to destress and still do some sightseeing.
7 am Wake early, grab a coffee, and take a walk along Bayfront Park photographing the bay.
10 am Hand-feed the flamingos at Sarasota Jungle.
Noon Grab a quick lunch on the way to The Ringling Museum. Spend the afternoon browsing the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, and the Ca’ d’Zan mansion.
3 pm Wander the exhibit and grounds of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
6 pm Have dinner and check out the Circus Ring of Fame at St Armand Circle.
Day Five: Tampa Florida
Tampa Bay has something for everyone. You will find the Busch Gardens Amusement Park, historical Yorb City, Hyde Park Village, pirate ships, museums, Sparkman Wharf, riverwalk, and manatees.
READ 45 Things to Do in Tampa Florida
8 am Check out of the hotel and have breakfast. Consider waking early and driving out to Anna Maria Island for a walk on the beach.
10 am Arrive at the Manatee Viewing Center and watch the manatees resting in the warm water.
Noon Grab a quick lunch, take a walk on the river, and tour the Henry B. Plant Museum.
4 pm Spend the afternoon wandering around historic Yorb City. Have dinner at the Columbia Restaurant, and order the Columbia sandwich and 1905 salad.
Day Four: Clearwater Florida
Clearwater Florida is a resort city on Pinellas Peninsula across from Tampa Bay. The area is known for its clear shallow water and white sand beaches. Spend an unstructured day hanging out on the beach, playing volleyball, jumping around in the water, enjoying cocktails in a tiki bar, and walking the promenade. Be sure to attend the sunset celebration at Pier 60.
Day Six: St Petersburg Florida
St Petersburg Florida is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water but is also full of art galleries and museums. Be sure to take advantage of the city’s free trolley as you explore.
READ 30 Things to Do in St Petersburg Florida
8 am Grab a coffee and walk St. Pete Pier.
9 am Take a quick walk through the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market.
10 am visit the Dali Museum.
Noon Have lunch, visit the Chihuly Collection, and wander the local street art.
3 pm Wander through the Sunken Garden.
5 pm Spend the evening at John’s Pass Fishing Village on Treasure Island.
Day Seven: Pass-a-Grille Beach and Return Flight
Check out of the hotel. Drive out to historic Pass-a-Grille Beach for one last walk on the beach before heading back to Tampa International Airport, dropping off the rental car, and catching your return flight.
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Tampa Bay Florida Travel Guide
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Tampa Bay Florida Attractions and Day Tours
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