Tampa is a vibrant city in southwest Florida, perched along the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of almost 400,000, it’s the third biggest city in the state, surpassed only by Miami and Jacksonville. Its diverse appeal and year-round warmth make this a perfect spot to visit any time of year. Whether you’re keen to explore picturesque beaches, creative eateries, outdoor exploration, curated museums, unique cocktail bars, or till-you-drop shopping, Tampa has everything you need for an amazing girl’s weekend!
Tampa holds appeals for visitors of all ages, but being a family of girls, we ALWAYS have a girls weekend on the brain. From a mother-daughter trip to a bachelorette party and every celebration in between, Tampa offers the quintessential assortment of entertainment for anyone looking to have a little fun down in Florida.
What do we know about Tampa? Growing up two hours south in Fort Myers, it wasn’t uncommon to visit Tampa a couple times a year, and we’ve continued visiting for all the fun to be had as adults. It’s been fun to watch Tampa grow and evolve over the last ten to fifteen years. We may be biased but we firmly believe the West coast is the best coast…. or at least that’s true in Florida!
Can you feel the warm, wonderful day that awaits you down in southwest Florida? Below we have detailed the most amazing itinerary for your girls weekend in Tampa.
DAY 1
Whether you drove in or flew in, chances are you just might be ready to stretch your legs. Upon arrival, head to the Tampa Riverwalk to meander along the riverside and take in both the delights of the city as well as the peace of the river. It’s a beautiful way to explore…. don’t just take our word for it— the Tampa Riverwalk snagged the 2nd place spot in USA Today’s ‘America’s Top 10 River Walks’.
While you will find a plethora of different spots to stop, Sparkman Warf is a unique community investment integration area. The market-esque ambiance includes both restaurants and retails to make for a perfect medley of waterfront views, craft beers, local shopping, and exceptional dining— plus it’s not uncommon to hear live music here as well.
Night Cap
Depending on how far you wander, you just might find yourself near the Hotel Bar— a charming cocktail bar serving classic cocktails inspired by an array of international hotels. The ambiance is very retro chic, with classy sipping cocktails and a fun bar that just oozes character. If a fresh craft beer is more your style, Magnanimous Brewing is one of the best, if not the best, breweries in Tampa. Not only are the beers amazing, but they have a welcoming outdoor seating area that makes for the perfect place for an evening hang.
DAY 2
Madeira Beach
Saturdays are for the girls, and in south Florida, Saturdays are meant to be spent on the beach. Pack your sunscreen, a towel, and your favorite book, and start heading to Madeira Beach. But first a couple stops along the way! If your day starts the second you smell coffee, a pit stop at Buddy Brew Coffee is going to be a must. Not only is the coffee sublime, they also have gluten free donuts and other baked good options that are delicious.
Just before you cross the bridge to get to Madeira Beach, swing into the Publix for your you’ll-thank-me-later lunch. March yourself over to the deli and order literally any sandwich you want… they’re all amazing. Nothing is better than a tasty pub sub on the beach with a cold beverage. Just make sure that the seagulls don’t snatch it right out of your hand. As someone who is a sandwich-lover and a bird-hater, it is simply the worst to lose your pub-sub to a bird!
Once you get to the beach, snag your own little slice of shoreline and let the relaxation begin. You might even see dolphins from your perch on the beach! The water is amazingly refreshing, whether you’re looking to splash around or take a soothing dip after waking up from a warm beach nap. Time on the beach always has a way of flying right by! Beach traffic can get a little crazy, so you’ll want to bounce around 3pm or so. This usually works perfect to allow everyone to have time to shower and get ready before heading out for dinner!
Dinner & Drinks
Up next? Dinner! Hope you’re hungry for some delicious Mexican food. Urban Cantina is in the heart of downtown Tampa and they do dinner just as well as they do drinks— which is fantastic!
If you’re looking to do a bit of bar hopping, Gin Joint should be the next stop for the evening. This upscale yet inviting gin bar makes a mean drink but also curates a fun environment that’s perfect for girl’s night.
Last but certainly not least, head to the top of The Current Hotel, where you’ll find the tallest rooftop bar in Tampa: Rox Rooftop Bar. A perfect spot for a gorgeous view and a lux cocktail. If you’re visiting in the summer, this makes for a sublime spot to catch the sunset and wind down with your girls.
DAY 3
Can’t start the day without a coffee kick? Bandit Coffee does their own roasting in house every Tuesday, so it’s guaranteed to be fresh. They make all the fun coffee drinks as well as some tasty teas.
Once you’re armed with caffeine, head to The Salvador Dali Museum. You don’t have to be an art savant to enjoy this museum, and I actually recommend paying for the guided tour as the guides were so knowledgeable, provide such incredible details about the art and life of Salvador Dali. There’s a lovely outdoor garden area to enjoy and last time I was there they also had an additional (temporary) Picasso exhibit, so it’s beyond worth it to stop by and wander through for a few hours.
You’ve saved the best meal for last…. grab lunch at The Columbia— above all the other restaurants in town, this is truly the best and definitely our favorite. The Columbia’s been filling hearts and stomachs since 1905, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Florida. They’ve used that time to completely master the art of sangria… as well as just about every dish on the menu!
If you have time for some shopping before you leave town, swing by Hyde Park. This historic yet posh shopping center is the perfect place to wander around and pick up anything that strikes your fancy before it’s time to jet set out of town. Cheers!
written by McKenna
If you look up diva in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of McKenna Lee. Loud-mouthed and overly opinionated she may have the biggest personality (read: attitude) of us all. McKenna is in college at FGCU, but her passion lies in her small business Mack Swimwear and running her small group through church. She lives for days spent in a bathing suit, and goes surfing in every beach town she visits.
