4 Fun Things To Do In Tampa, Florida If you only had a few days or just a weekend. My absolute Favorites and Recommended Activities!
Joshua asked me how do I do it, travel the world and still make a living? What are the things to do in Tampa anyway?
Well, the travelista in me couldn’t help it, so I wrote this post to respond with 4 things to do in Tampa FL if you only had a weekend! And truly I have shared how we travel the world and don’t mind sharing with those who truly wish to start living their life today. Not tomorrow, not when they create a super income or get rich, but today!
Oh yes I know that you know that we got the travel bug. We are wanderers and we love it and I just returned from USA…Tampa Florida. It was the destination of choice for TEAL3. You don’t know what Teal3 is…well I won’t bore you with the details…Other than if you are an entrepreneur on or offline it was the place to be a couple of weeks ago!
So do you wanna know what things to do in Tampa though?
Whether for business or pleasure, we love to travel. We also know lots of people who love to travel. As a reward for all the hard work, no need to wait for a once a year treat …There is so much more to do locally or internationally if you know where to look. Yet many wait, and keep existing. Looking a gift horse in the mouth, someday I will do this someday I will do that. By the way watch this video I shot on That word “Someday” Ditch it from your vocabulary, totally non serving and killing your self-worth!
So who is a fellow wanderer then?
I was lucky enough to spend a week in warm wonderful Tampa Florida and returned home via Atlanta. #Bucketlist items ticked yay! I am stay grounded for a few weeks to settle the children into School.
Meantime one half of this travelling family will be in Pune India for 4 weeks…! But with new classes, new teachers etc etc. one of us has to stay home and be present. 
Earlier in the year, we visited Barcelona, & Budapest then we are off again to Florence Italy so this year is a busy one! But lets talk about things to do in Tampa.
Whether it’s a dreamtrip, action trip or business trip one should see the local area they visit. What if you never go back lol! The people that I encountered in Tampa were great, there is always something happening, its generally safe and I was proud to call it home whilst I was there. The Riverwalk area felt safe so much so that we took evening walks it was warm and lovely. We noticed several wonderful parks that were Kodak moments waiting to happen or is it GoPro moments these days
There is honestly so much to do in Tampa if you have the time. But below are a 4 the things I think you’d love. Some of them things I didn’t get to do …what! 
Yup you heard I am planning an assault on Tampa to partake some more:
But first a brief review of the Hotel I stayed at. It was amazing and I cant tell you about Tampa without telling you about where I spent ¾ of my time as I attended a Business event there too!
1. The Amazing Hotel Marriott Waterside with its breath-taking waterfront views: First it was very convenient getting to this hotel using the Airport super shuttle service. It cost me only $20 round trip! Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina according to the Shuttle driver is only 8 -10 miles from the airport!
It has an unbeatable location by the waterfront and I believe its in the heart of Tampa. I noted a variety of upscale shops and restaurants within close reach of the hotel.
The hotel itself has a breath-taking concierge/reception area with tall live palm trees interspersed between seats. My room was on The 18th Floor, yet with 6 lifts there was no problem getting to and from the room. The views from my room were breathtakingly awesome.
The hotel Pool, Gym and Spa are located on the 3rd floor and I made good use of these facilities on the Sunday before I left Tampa! This hotel features generous, spacious rooms, I should say luxurious, those pillows that you sink in aaaahhh. There was a modern LCD TV and ergonomic chairs. A bathroom with marble fittings. Cleaned daily to perfection.
There is a Starbucks right in the hotel for that morning coffee hit. Yet I completely ignored it and partook of the abundant Buffet breakfast. Man those waffles the size of a frisbee what! Check out some of my images of the Hotel Marriott Waterside Tampa, Fl, don’t mind the quality!
2. Hillsborough Riverwalk
Because of its wonderful weather, flipflops and shorts seemed to be the order of the day. A multitude of people walking, cycling down the Riverwalk, jet skiing etc. So it looks like no trip to Tampa would be complete without visiting this place!
[bctt tweet=”No trip to Tampa would be complete without visiting this place #visittampa #dreamtrips” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
When you view the Riverwalk from a tall building like the Hotel Marriott Waterside, its breath-taking and you will notice the Yachts moored along the marina with all kinds of amusing names.
I claimed mine…Oh yeah It was called PLAN B! 
By the way we did see dolphins swimming in the Marina of a morning. It was a sight to behold. And Guess who didn’t have their camera, by the time I dashed back with it they were gone. Bah homburg. 
The Riverwalk according to the concierge is believed to be just over 2.5 miles long and its one of the most scenic walks you will ever have in Tampa, in my opinion anyway. Its scenic, its beautiful, one side is the river with premium real estate or water estate lolol and you an jog for your daily dose of exercise which I tried once! Loved it!
The Riverwalk takes you past most of the popular downtown attractions including the Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, the Convention Center, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the Channelside Bay Plaza, before ending at the Florida Aquarium. (Info from the website). There are plenty of spots to stop for a rest and grab a drink or a quick bite along the way. Benches to simply catch your breath and behold the views, while adding on to that tan. Be mindful of sun cream and sunstroke.
3. Cycling & Water Activities – my children are crazy about three things, Music, Cycling and Water activities, they love water parks.
So they would love what the Tampa Bay Water Bike Company offers!
Tampa Bay Water Bikes is located on the public docks adjacent to the Convention Center which is right across from the Hotel Marriott Waterside. I noticed so many people riding down the Riverwalk so I got curious. Popped over to find out what the deal was.
I think taking a bike ride would be the perfect sightseeing option to get a water view of the city’s iconic landmarks too. They told me about water biking. Now I’m a lil chicken, but this did sound great fun and they made it sound easy too, you just might love it.
I know my children would. Coz anyone over 8yrs old is allowed to operate a water bike, sounds like a great activity for the whole family too.
I also learned about Kayaks with pedals called Biyaks…! You could explore the Hillsborough River further out to places like the Harbour Islands. Safety gear and instructions are provided. Well guess what you can make Reservations online or in-person.
4. Visit The River State Park
A friend of Robert Frank, of www.robertfrankonline.com fame 
advised us of another thing to do in Tampa; visit The Hillsborough State Park!
In his opinion, it is Tampa at its natural best! This is not far out of town. It is located upriver from downtown Tampa in north eastern Hillsborough County. It is one of Florida’s oldest and most popular state parks.
We learnt that we could have gone primitive camping. Rented a canoe or biyak to go down the river…(Not for the feint hearted as the river is apparently quite fast flowing). There are lots of lil areas for picnics, there is a public pool, although I preferred our Hotel infinity pool. Gorgeous!
And as expected there are numerous hiking trails where, you could spot some wildlife native to Florida if you’re lucky.
In my view if you visit Florida for anything other than Disney world, visit Tampa. This is a wonderful place to bike, walk around and enjoy water activities.
Where to eat in Tampa
Food glorious food….Well you can tell I love my food can’t you!
Hmm I can taste that shrimp…Well we didn’t venture far, I and the friends I hang out with (can you blame us? See image above). We weren’t lacking in the evenings either. Seriously with five on-site restaurants at our Hotel. Yet we still ventured out! Mexican, Colombian, Pub food, Seafood, Champions, shall I go on!
The Hotel Marriott waterside has lots of options including a great terrace where you can sit and enjoy your meal with beautiful views over the Marina and Riverwalk shown in images above…shall I go on! Thank you WorldVentures.
For more things to do in Tampa and explore further I suggest you take a look at this guide by Skye Rodgers
If you do love to travel, Already travel for business or pleasure or both and would like to save on your travels by all means Do Check out our Price Guaranteed Vacation and Travel Club Here!
I sure hope I have given you a flavor of what things to do in Tampa if you had a Free weekend! 🙂 If you have been inspired, By all means do like share and tell me if you have been and what you did!
Definitely Live. Learn. Love more
Julie Syl Kalungi
Skype: Julie.Kalungi1
Email: julie@Juleskalpauli.com
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A water bike! Ha! that is cool. 😉 I’ve been to Tampa once, to watch them play the Dallas Cowboys. I only went to the stadium though. I wish I’d had more time to visit.
You are so lucky! Tampa is such a beautiful place and it would be nice to be able to go on vacation there. The hotels are amazing and the food is just delightful!
Sounds like you had an awesome experience in Florida. I wanted to go there this year with the family. I love your all pictures
Hi Aziel,
Absolutely go and enjoy yourself You will love it!
Julie Syl~
Water biking looks like a blast! That is something I would love to try
Looks like there are many great options for enjoyable activities in Tampa! A friend of mine has a brother that lives not far from there. I am sure we’ll visit one day!
These are great suggestions. I will keep them in mind next time I visit my cousin in Tampa!
Hey Lois,
Absolutely try tem out. You will enjoy. Glad you got value! 🙂
Julie syl~
I’ve always heard Tampa was a great place to visit. The warm weather is enough to make me want to visit.
Hey Clara,
Tampa is amazing. You gotta go, I wanna go again 🙂
Julie!
Been to a few places in Florida but not Tampa so now I know what to do should I go there. Thanks!
You are most welcome Claudette 🙂
Such a fabulous weekend!
It was such Fun Brianna. Thanks for your comment
thanks for the tips, now i know where to go when im in tampa
Absolutely Sheena, and I know you will
coz you are a globe trotter too 🙂
Hi Julie,
Thanks for the ideas about Tampa! I moved about 30 mins N of Tampa in April and really haven’t ventured about. I will definitely check some of these out. Sounds like some great ideas.
Thanks!
Cindy
Hi cindy,
Absolutely head down south and enjoy some of what your local surrounds has to offer
You will love it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Julie,
I love traveling too. Your tips on Tampa are great! This post makes me want to make a plan to give Tampa more of my time one day. Cheers to living the life we want to live now. Looking forward to see where we shared similar travel experiences 😉
Hey Sheila,
I am more than happy to share stories and tips, experiences and guidance on the places I have been.
Happy to share how we do it too! Its all about choices and how long one wants to wait for life or are you ready to go get it.
We chose to bring it into our lives and haven’t looked back since! 😉
Thanks for your comment
Julie
Wonderful things to do in Florida. I have never heard of water biking before — looks like fun. Anything by the water is AOK for me. The views you show are gorgeous.
Someday — hesitancy. Do it or don’t do it. Maybe someday doesn’t work. I love your advice to remove it from your vocabulary — now!
Hello Carol,
Absolutely Get Rid of “someday” a total waste of your breath and time, both are precious.
Tampa stayed in my blood for sure I already am planning a repeat attack on that wonderful City!
I believe we were at one of the most beautiful parts of Tampa. A child could disagree and say Disney world…Huh 🙂
do it!
Julie
Thank you for the great info on what to do in Tampa. It’s always more helpful when you get a personal recommendation. Travel is a blast and letting others know about it is fun. Thanks for sharing Julie.
Hi David,
for sure Travel is a blast ans its our passion so we love to share informative pieces
so others can have an even better experience that we did 🙂
Hope you do go visit soonest if you havent already and enjoy.
Julie
I have to agree with you Julie… Tampa Florida is a really great place to visit. I absolutely loved the river walk, it’s so beautiful and peaceful. I found it to be a very safe area. I wish I could have stayed longer, I know Maria really wanted to get out on the jet ski’s. I would recommend this part of Tampa to anyone for a business or a fun trip!
Tell me about it Rob.
I wish we had all gone on the Jetskis. By the grace Maria will go jetski soon.
Rank advancements galore, whats not to like 🙂
I definitely know I want to go back purely for fun and pleasure.
I am sure the location we were at is truly safe, and thats why I recommend it.
Erica and I went over to the other side for a big of a disco party that Saturday night past 10pm.
Two women…am not sure who was more fearless Lolol
I really appreciated our time and yours and Maria’s company there.
Jules
Well damn I never had the plan on going to Tampa – but now its added to the list – Thanks Julie – looks lke you had a great time. This page is bookmarked!
He heee Alex,
I am glad to be your Specialist Luxury & action Travel Planner 🙂
Absolutely add it to your Bucket List and Get it done 😉
Maybe if you let us know we can pop over and link up have a beer or something
Cheers
Julie
Thanks Julie. I will know what to do next time I’m in Florida.
Cheers, Ron
Absolutely Ron,
Tampa is way more sage, calmer and In my opinion a great place to be
unless you want action packed then Orlando is your destination!
Good to hear from you
Julie
Great tips, looking forward to checking some of these out this winter.
Absolutely Linda, go have some fun and enjoy this life.
Pauli
OOh awesome tips. Love your video – what a powerful lesson you shared – you rock it Julie xx
Cheers EM,
Feeling better love?
Glad you love the video, It needed to be said truly. And where better than a lifestyle post!
We all meed to live a little, see more of this planet and enjoy our lives for we die once!
Someday…is deleted from my vocabulary for sure! And Tampa…well get there soon as you can 🙂
Jules
Sounds like you had a great time Julie. Looks like a lovely place.
I loved Florence when I went. I’m sure you’ll have a blast. If you make it to Rome, give me a shout 😉
Aw Jo,
Thanks for that Invite. We usually travel to Rome Annually, but not this yr,
Time seems to have simply flown. I know we will be in Belgium and Maybe
Rome next Spring. So who knows I may call on you.
We did have a great time and would recommend Tampa whole heartedly!
Julie
Hi Jules, great share. Thanks. I have been to Florida a I think it was in 2003. Unfortunately I didn’t make it to Tampa. But definitely on my list.
Rock on Carina,
Even Florida has changed over the past few years, Disney has definitely had a face lift You will love it.
Tampa was new to me too and I know I will be back in the not too distant future.
Thanks to our travel club and the sheer amazing benefits we get.
You will love Tampa too for sure. Just gimme a shout if you need any info
Julie
love it thanks for the tips
Welcome Sifu 🙂
Thanks for the recommendations, Julie! I’ll check them out the next time I’m in Tampa.
Oh yes you do just that Mike.
You will love it.
Thanks for swinging by 🙂
Florida is a great place to vacation. I love to travel, have you ever been to New Orleans, if you have, can you recommend any tours that would be worthwhile?
Hey Lorraine,
I have never been to New Orleans. We had planned to go visit for the music,
art and friends and it was hit by the disaster a few yrs back.
Our friends moved states. BUT they know stuff so If you don’t mind I will ask and email you some details.
Thanks for your comments
Julie
Thank you Julie, I Live just north of tamp and never even Thought or Heard of some of the places and activities available. I really Do Need to Get out of the House! Looking forward to getting a car Soon so I can explore my area More 🙂
LOVED the Video tip you gave here too. Its Official, SOMEDAY is history Now!! Big Love Julie!!
Hey Tara,
Thank you for your comments and You deserve the car of your dreams.
Someday…can it!
I am on a roadtrip myself right now and I cant imagine life without my car!
You would love Tampa And I Truly want wait to go back for a longer period of time and spend some of the green ones 🙂
Cheers
Jules!
This is a pretty cool article Jules, it has given me a clear idea on how awesome it is to be it Tampa, Florida. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Christian,
Glad you like, Tampa awaits your presence one of these days.
You got the things to do at least 4 🙂
Pauli!
Rock On- I live in Lakeland- Right outside of Tampa. There’s so much going on here and it’s really a great city. There’s a lot of hustle in the Orlando area, but you’ll definitely find some awesome things to do in Tampa and it’s more laid back. Great Write-Up!
Hey Coach Jamie,
Thank You indeed 🙂
I agree with you on the hustle and bustle of Orlando.
And truly some people dont even know that Tampa exist.
So I thought its a good thing to share.Sharing is caring.
Lakeland sounds great fun too: water sports swimming, beaches…am I right…Awesome! 🙂
Julie
Hey Julie awesome, when I’ll be in Tampa those are the places I want to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Hey Vitaliy,
And I hear the voice of a man who is gonna do it coz I know how determined you can be 🙂
I also know you got the deal so A DT awaits you my dear 🙂
Thanks for your comment!
Hello there,
This is really cool. Loved what you did on the water. It is very cool what there is to do here. I am on the other side of the world and maybe I will be able to get there one day. Would love to travel.
Thanks for sharing ..
Hi Lisa,
It was fun, fun, fun.
And Yes You can If you truly love to travel then don’t wait for God knows what.
I am happy to share with you how we do it. Otherwise Keep rocking and thanks for stopping by!
Julie
Great post Julie, I was in Orlando a few months ago and went to visit the Kennedy Space Center which is amazing, so interesting. Haven’t been to Tampa, definitely some good recommendations here!
hey fellow wanderer,
Orlando is such fun and our children absolutely love it.
Truth be told I m a big child at heard and I love it too!
The Kennedy Space Centre wowed us no end! You Must Visit Tampa if you are a water sport Buff…
You will love it for its cleanliness too and awesome weather. Dont forget o=your sun tan lotion!
Julie