How to Staycation in Tampa Bay
March 1, 2017
With activities ranging from relaxing on the beach to an energetic concert, Tampa Bay has unlimited options for tourists and residents alike. Credit: Gabrielle Vivero (used with permission)
With Spring Break fast approaching, social media platforms are buzzing with luxurious photos from vacations across the globe. Posts from celebrities’ Instagrams range from skyscrapers in foreign cities to serene white beaches, but rarely do they include shots from tranquil vacations in their hometown. Tampa is a prime destination for many tourists, so residents are at an advantage when planning their staycation, or a non-traveling vacation near home. Below is a five-day itinerary complete with various activities for the perfect Tampa Bay staycation.
Day One
– Start the week off with an energizing morning run on the Riverwalk or Bayshore
– Grab breakfast and enjoy the view of downtown at the Attic Cafe on Kennedy Blvd
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLhKHB8g2KU/?taken-by=the_attic_cafe
– Channel your inner five-year-old and browse the Florida Aquarium
– Take a break with lunch at your favorite spot
– Get dressed up for a fun night with dinner and a concert in Ybor City
Credit: Jack Wood (used with permission)
Day Two
– Grab a coffee at Buddy Brew on Kennedy Blvd. and hit the road for St. Pete Beach
– Spend the day at the Don CeSar: rent a cabana and enjoy lunch by the pool or on the beach
– Watch the sunset and take advantage of the luxurious bathrooms to get ready for dinner
– Hit Central Avenue in St. Pete for dinner, dancing, and retail therapy
Senior Kendall Perez says, “The boutiques on Central are so cute and unlike anything in Tampa because it’s all local St. Pete vendors. I already have decorations for my dorm from stores there.”
Day Three
– Make a DIY breakfast acai bowl at home
– BYOB (bring your own bike) to the Courtney Campbell Causeway for a mid-morning ride with stops to take pictures
– Hop in the car for a quick road trip to Ellenton Outlet Mall
– Take in a play at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ_22RKBM2K/?taken-at=266302321
Day Four
– Sweat it out at a morning spin class at Soho Cycling Studio
– Enjoy a photogenic brunch at Oxford Exchange
– Browse the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts or the Dali Museum
– Enjoy an authentic Greek dinner in Tarpon Springs
Day Five
– Hit The Independent for breakfast in Seminole Heights
– Head over to Busch Gardens for a rollercoaster filled afternoon
– Go to a Lightning, Rays, or Bucs game (varies depending on time of year) and enjoy a sports-style dinner during the game
Sophomore Charlotte Carl says, “I love that Tampa has a bunch of different professional sports teams. There’s something for everyone and there’s never any downtime between the different seasons.”