Tampa and its surrounding areas, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, are ideal for a girlfriend getaway because of the access to beaches, its cruise port, and constant events like the wild Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The area is easy to get around by rideshare or bike.
This weekend itinerary is ideal for people who have visited Tampa Bay and seen all its major tourist attractions prior but are looking for things to do with their friends.
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Eating in Tampa Bay
There’s no shortage of delicious eateries for every taste from casual cafes to award-winning restaurants that require reservations.
Breakfast
Cafe Soleil– The French bakery and cafe sells pastries like croissants, quiches, salads, and sandwiches for a light breakfast. There are also coffee drinks. St. Pete Beach
La Segunda Central Bakery– When you crave Cuban pastries filled with guava and other fruits, head over to La Segunda, a takeaway spot in Ybor City. Tampa
Oxford Exchange– The Instagrammable restaurant serves breakfast and lunch and the menu features smoothies, avocado toast, salads, sandwiches and hearty, yet light, fare. Tampa
Lunch
Bodega– The modern Latin restaurant has two locations serving fresh juices, Cuban-inspired pressed sandwiches, and hearty plates. They have vegetarian options and Cuban coffee to finish it off. Tampa & St. Petersburg
Columbia Restaurant– Tampa’s most famous restaurant is a family-run Cuban spot dating back over 100 years in Ybor City. It’s known for its Cuban sandwiches as well as the famous “1905 Salad.” Tampa
Pearly’s Beach Eats– Enjoy beachside tacos at this local favorite serving tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. There are two locations open for lunch and dinner. Clearwater
Dinner
717 South– The upscale restaurant in “SoHo,” or South Howard, has been rated one of the top restaurants in Florida. Menu options include seafood specialties, flatbreads, and steaks. Also, check out the wine list, with over 400 bottles, and cocktail menu. Tampa
Red Mesa Restaurant– Open for 20 years, this menu is Mexican inspired with flavorful sangrias, fresh-made guacamoles, tacos, and seafood dishes. They also serve brunch. St. Petersburg
Ulele– Inspired by the native tribes that lived in the area before European settlement, this restaurant is located on the Tampa Riverwalk. The menu features fresh, local ingredients like seafood and vegetables. The restaurant also has its own in-house brewery. Tampa
Drinking in Tampa
Greater Tampa boasts a little bit of everything, from chic rooftop bars to casual breweries. If you’re not looking to imbibe, there’s also juice bars and coffee shops.
Anise Global Gastrobar– This downtown cocktail bar features globally inspired cuisines like burgers and tacos. Belly up to the bar and ask the bartenders for their suggestions. You can even get a four-person punch! Tampa
Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club– It’s easy to pass the unassuming apartment building, but those in the know knock on a big, wooden door and give the password to gain entry. Make a reservation for the password and enjoy the old school drinks. Tampa
The Getaway– What’s more Florida than a tiki bar? Located near Weedon Island, seafood dishes are the highlight here, including fish tacos and fried oysters. Tiki drinks are a must, including the painkiller, mai tai, and Hemingway daiquiri. St. Petersburg
Right Around the Corner Arcade Brewery and Craft Beer Bar– This bar combines old-school arcade games with local beer. The patio is also dog-friendly. St. Petersburg
Breweries- This area has dozens of craft breweries if that’s what you like. Cigar City, Green Bench, 3 Daughters, St. Pete, and Coppertail are just a few options. The Tampa Bay Brewery Tours From Downtown St Petersburg Florida, St Pete Beach and Treasure Island are a great way to see a few in one day.
Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails– By day, it’s a minimalist coffee shop and by night it’s a cool cocktail lounge. No matter which one you go for, you’re sure to enjoy something whether it’s nitro cold brew or an Aperol Spritz. St. Petersburg
Grassroots Kava House– Kava is a traditional Pacific beverage that has become popular in St. Petersburg. They also have traditional tea if you’re not ready to sample the uniquely flavored drink. St. Petersburg
Squeeze Juice Works– Squeeze is the place to go if you’re avoiding booze or caffeine or just want something healthy. There are three locations to choose from. St. Petersburg
Relaxing, Beauty and Fitness in Tampa
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
Tampa Bay SUP– Go kayaking or paddleboarding with this outfitter in downtown Tampa at the Marriott. They offer rentals, tours, and lessons. Tampa
Yoga- Drop-in classes are available at Yoga Loft Tampa for a small fee. The Body Electric in St. Petersburg has both poolside and SUP yoga.
Dry Bar– Get a blowout before going out at the Tampa location of this well-known salon chain. No matter your hair length, they have styles that will work. Tampa
Kodawari Studios– Flotation tanks are only one of the draws here, along with yoga classes and massage therapy. They even have their own healthy cafe! Tampa
Spa Sudeva– For more traditional massages, visit this holistic day spa. They offer facials, hot stone and Swedish massages, body scrubs, and Reiki healings. Tampa
Bike rentals- This area is ideal to explore by bike, especially Tampa’s stunning Bayshore Boulevard. Some hotels have bikes for rent but Coast is St. Pete’s bike share program.
Beaches- There are a number of great beaches nearby. Pass-A-Grille at St. Pete Beach is one favorite. Fort De Soto Park was voted one of America’s most beautiful beaches, made up of a few small islands.
Shopping in Tampa
Browse the hip boutiques and offbeat stores found throughout the Tampa Bay.
Oxford Exchange- It is much more than a restaurant, but also a retail store, coffee shop, and bookstore. Shop for stylish home decor and hardbound coffee table books. Tampa
Brocante Vintage Market– These curated markets are held every month, so plan your visit accordingly. You might find home goods, furniture, and gifts. St. Petersburg
Haslam’s Book Store– The state’s largest book store has both new and used books and frequently hosts author events and signings. Give yourself plenty of time to wander. St. Petersburg
ARTpool Gallery & Vintage Boutique– The eclectic store hosts monthly artisan and vintage markets and sells vintage clothing, comics, records, and handcrafted gifts. St. Petersburg
St. Pete Records– Pick up a gently used album from your favorite artist of any genre as well as record players. Also explore Furnish Me Vintage, in the same building. St. Petersburg
Sightseeing in Tampa
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
Busch Gardens Tampa– While sometimes overlooked because of the Orlando theme parks, Busch Gardens has thrilling roller coasters, live performances, and a ropes course. Get your Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission before you go. Tampa
Tampa Museum of Art– The modernly designed museum stands out among the rest of Tampa, located right on the water. In addition to changing exhibits like the current one on Christo, the permanent collection includes modern and contemporary pieces as well as classic Greek and Roman art. Tampa
Dali Museum – St. Petersburg is home to a museum devoted to Salvador Dali. It features a large collection of his work and regularly changing exhibits on artists that are similar or connected to Dali. St. Petersburg
Street art– Admire the colorful walls around the bay, especially in downtown St. Petersburg.
Historic Ybor City Food Tour– Visit Tampa’s iconic Cuban neighborhood to enjoy the seven food and drink pairings with a local guide. Along the way, you learn about the city’s history. Tampa
Sunset Cruise from Clearwater– See the Tampa Bay by water, admiring the sunset from a boat. A guide points out local wildlife and the trip ends with a champagne toast. Clearwater
Sleeping in Tampa
There’s no shortage of unique places to stay in Tampa Bay, no matter your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations.
Epicurean Hotel – The Hyde Park hotel is a favorite for its in-house restaurants as well as access to nearby shops and eateries. It’s also a Marriott property, so you can earn points during your stay. (Read our review here) Tampa
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino– Even if you don’t gamble, this stylish hotel has amenities like a pool with cabanas, restaurants and bars, and live music. Tampa
The Current Hotel– Close to all Tampa’s attractions, this Autograph Collection property has waterfront views. There’s also a pool, fitness center, and WiFi. Tampa
Hotel Alba– The stylish hotel near Westshore Plaza Mall has an airport shuttle, a swimming pool, and fitness center. Double rooms are perfect to share with your group. Tampa
The Westshore Grand– Also in Westshore, rooms have large windows and coastal decor. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a restaurant, and a fitness center. Tampa
Postcard Inn– This St. Pete Beach area boutique hotel has decor is inspired by surf culture found in king and queen rooms. They boast poolside cabanas. St. Pete Beach
The Don CeSar– The iconic pink hotel from 1928 is worth the splurge for travelers to the area. There are two pools, three lounges, and views of the ocean. St. Pete Beach
Inn on the Beach– The cozy inn has efficiency-style rooms with full kitchens and entertaining space. You also can’t beat the location, just across the street from Pass-A-Grille Beach. (Read our review here) St. Pete Beach
Hotel Zamora– This Kimpton hotel is designed like one you might find on the Mediterranean, complete with one of the area’s best rooftop bars. Rooms and suites have walk-in showers and some even have balconies. St. Pete Beach
Thunderbird Beach Resort– The vintage look of this Treasure Island resort makes it popular. It has a large pool, tiki bar, and rooms include microwaves, refrigerators, complimentary WiFi, and coffee. St. Pete Beach
Avalon Hotel– This downtown hotel has also embraced its throwback signage but the interior is decorated brightly with Art Deco style. Guests also have access to the pool at The Hollander, the sister hotel. St. Petersburg
Airbnb– Tampa Bay has plenty of rental options including beach houses and cozy guesthouses perfect for a group. This Gulfport neighborhood rental in St. Pete was my favorite.
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