About Tampa - Known for being a great city for families, nature lovers, and all other kinds of travelers, Tampa is one of the most quintessential representations of Florida, mainly because this city just seems to have it all. Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County, situated on the north shore of Tampa Bay in West Central Florida. It’s an enduring favorite destination and has been wowing visitors for decades with its cultural venues, world-class dining, and family-friendly attractions. People also visit Tampa for its constant sunshine and beautiful beaches but soon discover that there’s more to discover. Once you’ve chosen the right Tampa accommodations for you and your loved ones, you’ll find that these vacation rentals are ideally located, and you’ll be glad to have your own place to call home at the end of each adventure-filled day.

Where to Stay & Why - From vacation rentals with outdoor patios and pools to waterfront condo rentals, you’ll find the perfect accommodation that best suits your needs. Choose lodging that has 2 bedrooms or more, making sure everyone gets to enjoy their privacy. The living room is spacious and is a great place to hang out any time of the day. Watch shows or movies provided along with games to have some family fun. Whip up your culinary magic in the fully equipped kitchen or in the BBQ grill outside, where you also get to choose to dine at the dining table or in the patio set.

Relax on the lounge chairs so that you can enjoy the sunshine on the large deck. For some shade, there may be a large covered patio overlooking the pool where you can cool off. The homes have all the modern amenities you would expect like WiFi, washer, dryer, air conditioning, parking, and more. Some owners give out a starter supply of bath and paper products, quality towels and linens.

What to See & Do - Tampa is a laid-back city with plenty of opportunities for adventure. For residents and visitors alike, there’s no shortage of things to do here, whether it’s paddling along the Hillsborough River, enjoying a pro football or hockey game, or attending an opera at the Straz Center. If you’re into hiking, biking, or bird-watching, hit one of the many parks and preserves like Lettuce Lake Park in north Tampa. For an interesting glimpse at one of the Tampa Bay area’s iconic endangered animals, check out the TECO Manatee Viewing Center. There’s also plenty of adventures to be had in Tampa’s museums and theme parks. Busch Gardens has plenty of rides, shows, and attractions to fill up a whole weekend, and the nearby Adventure Island water park offers daring drops and relaxing wading pools. The Tampa Museum of Arts is directly next to the Glazer Children’s Museum which is a great place to visit for the entire family.

Where to Eat & Drink - Foodies will love the culinary scene in Tampa, so don’t miss out on the city’s two specialties: waterfront dining and delicious cocktails. Oystercatchers has some of the freshest seafood in town. For a more casual setting, take a jaunt to Harbour Island for Cafe Dufrain’s locally sourced plates. Bern’s Steak House is perfect for special occasions, while Rooster & The Till features a farm-to-table twist on modern American tapas. When it comes to drinks, Ocean Prime stands out so be sure to try their signature Peach Vodka and Muddled Basil creations. Ybor is now world-renowned as a hot nightlife spot. Downtown has new fusion-cuisine dining options, craft cocktails, beer bards, and regular festivals, concerts, and events hosted in Curtis Hixon Park. Nearby Hyde Park also has excellent restaurants and bars.

How to Get Here & Getting Around - Get in via the Tampa International Airport (TPA), located near the waters of Tampa Bay along I-275. Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is an alternative and is only 15 miles away. Further than that is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), offering proximity to beautiful Gulf beaches to the south of Tampa. By car, the city is easily accessible via the I-75 from north and south, and I-4 from the east. From either highway, exit onto I-275 to reach Tampa.

There are plenty of ways to get around. Transportation across Tampa Bay is available by shuttle, taxi, and car. Or take a stroll and enjoy the many waterfront areas throughout Tampa Bay, from the scenic Tampa Riverwalk stretching through downtown Tampa to Bayshore Boulevard.

When to Go - The best time to visit Tampa is in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and pleasant. May through September are the warmest months when plenty of swimming and relaxing in the sun is on top of the agenda. During summer, if the heat gets too much, simply spend the main part of the day enjoying indoor activities before going for a stroll along the beach in the evening. In the winter, opt for a vacation home with a heated pool so kids can still splash in the water any time of the day.

For more information to add to your itinerary, check out our Tampa Travel Guide.