Tampa is a popular cruise port, so if you are visiting the area pre-cruise, here is a guide to help you maximize your short stay in the city. Luckily, the Tampa cruise port is very near downtown, so it is a convenient city to for one to explore pre or post cruise. One day in Tampa is the perfect amount of time to get a taste for the city.
We have included activity options to suit everyone – families looking for fun, couples wanting to wine and dine, and those who want a little culture and to get a feel for the city of Tampa.
Disclaimer: We received travel agent rates at the JW Marriott in Tampa, however, as always, all opinions are our own.
Tampa Bay – Location & History
Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and estuary on the west coast of Florida. The area includes major cities Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, making it an interesting economic and cultural hub. Tampa has become a popular cruise port, so hopefully this guide helps make the most of your pre/post-cruise time!
Tampa History
Home to the Tocobaga and Calusa tribes, Tampa Bay was explored by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. It remained sparsely populated until the 19th century when Fort Brooke (modern-day Tampa) was established in 1824.
The arrival of railroads and the cigar industry, particularly in Ybor City, cause huge growth in the late 1800s. Tampa later became a key military hub during the Spanish-American War and World War II.
Tampa Today
The city boasts world-class attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and historic Ybor City, alongside world class restaurants, and vibrant city regeneration.
Sports are a big part of Tampa’s identity, with championship teams the Buccaneers (NFL) and Lightning (NHL).
The Riverwalk connects the downtown waterfront to parks, museums, and dining spots, which makes for a lively area for socialising and tourism. With a mix of urban development, scenic waterfronts, and a warm climate, Tampa is growing as a dynamic destination for domestic tourism, as well as cruise lovers.
Where to stay in Tampa
We chose the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street because it was right on the waterfront and not far from the cruise port and downtown. It was the perfect location, and honestly, you could base your entire trip to Tampa around this hotel – it was exceptional.
With a rooftop bar, great restaurants, and easy access to lots of Tampa’s amenities, it’s the perfect choice for a pre/post-cruise trip!
One Day in Tampa
Here’s a well-balanced itinerary to make the most of your time in the city. Tampa benefits from a light rail system, so getting around is easy and compact within the downtown parts of the city.
Morning – Explore the Tampa Riverwalk & Breakfast
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is fantastic for anyone who likes to get up and be active. It was the perfect place for my morning walk, and seeing the river come alive in the early morning was beautiful. If you feel super energetic, you could walk the mile along the riverwalk and over the Kennedy Boulevard Bridge to a great breakfast spot, The Oxford Exchange.
Breakfast at Oxford Exchange
If your hotel doesn’t have breakfast, or you fancy a tried and true Tampa breakfast gem, the Oxford Exchange is a great spot. With items such as stone ground yellow grits, avocado toast, and breakfast tacos on the menu all week, and extended brunch hours and dishes on weekends (8am-5pm), there’s something for everyone.
The vibe is also fantastic. There is a bookstore, champagne bar, and it’s such an interesting place to start your day off in Tampa.
If you are an early bird, use the rest of your morning to explore further up the Tampa River Walk and into Downtown Tampa
Lunch in Ybor City
Tampa’s historic Cuban district, famous for its cigar-making heritage. Stroll the brick streets and visit a cigar shop or two.
Have lunch at Colombia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, known for its Cuban sandwiches and Spanish cuisine. The Ybor City Devil Crab Croquettes on their tapas menu were amazing – we will definitely go back to sample more on a day we are more hungry! There’s also a location at the Tampa Bay History Center on the riverfront, for those short on time
You can take the TECO Line Streetcar from downtown to Ybor City.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the chickens that you’ll see roaming freely in Ybor City are protected by city ordinance? The whole place is classed as a bird sanctuary to protect these legacy animals, which were an integral part of the founding of the area.
Afternoon – Museums or Outdoor Fun
Choose an activity for your afternoon in Tampa – whether you like art, history, sports or nature, there is something for everyone. Here are our suggestions.
The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is a fun, family-friendly spot right on the Riverwalk near the cruise terminals, perfect for a few hours of exploring sea life up close. Inside, you’ll find cool exhibits like a glass-domed wetlands trail with birds, otters, and gators, plus a huge coral reef tank full of sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art is near Downtown’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Renovated and updated in 2023, it houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquity collections in the Southeast alongside vibrant modern and contemporary exhibits, including photography, sculpture, and new media.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class thrill rides with a zoo, where you can enjoy the fun of a theme park and close up animal encounters in the same place!
We visited Busch Gardens many years ago and enjoyed our visit to the rides. During our most recent Tampa trip, we were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the annual food and wine festival that’s held at the park each year. We sampled various cuisines from all over the world.
I definitely recommend arriving early to get a good place in line. It took quite some time to get in and the crowds were very large. One final note, the prices were a bit steep for the food and wine tour, but we did not purchase tickets in advance and simply walked up at each venue. If we go again, we will be sure to purchase a ticket ahead of time.
Evening – Sunset & Dinner in Downtown
Depending on your preferences, there are lots of options for the evening. Sail away for a sunset cruise, or have dinner at a rooftop bar. There are lots of dinner options for foodies, and plenty of bars for those looking for a night out on the town. Here are our suggestions…
Dinner at Ulele or Beacons Rooftop
For Foodies: Ulele is a great dinner spot located right on the Riverwalk near downtown. The menu focuses on native-inspired dishes like charbroiled oysters, alligator hush puppies, and grilled seafood, all cooked over a barbacoa-style grill. They also brew their own beer onsite, and the open kitchen adds to the fun atmosphere. It’s a popular place, so reservations are a good idea.
Rooftop Vibes: Beacons Rooftop at the JW Marriott is such a refined and beautiful place for a pre-dinner cocktail or small bites. With sweeping panoramic views of downtown, the Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, and even Clearwater on clear nights, it’s a great place to start or end your evening.
We also dined at the Driftlight Steakhouse at the JW Marriott, and enjoyed the ambiance and meal.
Sunset Cruise
Watching the sun dip below the Tampa skyline from the water is a laid-back way to wrap up the day. On a Tampa sunset cruise, you board a boat at dusk, sip a drink from the onboard bar, and drift past downtown lights and low bridges as the sky shifts colors. Sometimes, you might get lucky and spot playful dolphins! Some cruises include light bites and narration, while others provide music and open bars.
Nightlife in Soho
If you want a night out, head to SoHo (short for South Howard Avenue), Tampa’s go-to nightlife district for bar hopping, live music, and a fun-paced social scene. Packed with spots like Hyde Park Café, SoHo Tavern, and Yard of Ale, the area offers everything from laid-back pubs to energetic lounges where locals gather for drinks and dancing
Pre/post-Cruise Guide to Tampa
If you are cruising out of Tampa, we definitely recommend coming to Tampa 1-2 days earlier than your departure date, to enjoy all the city has to offer. We loved the renewed waterfront and the amazing restaurants on offer. Alongside the great attractions, you’ve got a great weekend trip destination or pre-cruise trip!
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