Tampa Vacation Rentals

Arriving in Tampa Bay

Arriving in Tampa Bay needn't be a hassle, as it is served by three airports. Tampa International Airport is the nearest and receives both international and domestic flights. Otherwise, St Petersburg-Clearwater International airport is 15 miles away, while the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is 48 miles away. Renting a car is a great option for getting to and from your Tampa vacation rental. Otherwise taxis and buses are both options.

Dining in Tampa Bay

Foodies will love the culinary scene in Tampa Bay, with fresh seafood and delicious cocktails as highlights. Voted "Best Piano Bar" and "Best Outdoor Scene" by Tampa Bay Metro, Ocean Prime stands out from the crowd. When it comes to drinks, be sure to try their signature Peach Vodka and Muddled Basil creations.

Surf and Turf and all-American cuisine can be found in abundance. From grills to rib-eye steaks, chicken wings and perfectly marinated chops, there is no end of delicious, mouth-watering cuisine here. A wide selection of international cuisine can be found too, from Italian to Mexican and more.

Climate in the Tampa Bay Area

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. Of course, you can always return to your Tampa vacation rental for an afternoon siesta or to top up your sunscreen.

Things to do in Tampa Bay

If you love shopping and dining, then head to Hyde Park Village, an outdoor lifestyle center. There’s a fitness center, salon and cinema to enjoy. It’s located at the corner of Swann and Dakota Avenues, and is open daily. If you want to catch a glimpse of Florida’s eclectic wildlife, then drive just 20 minutes outside of Tampa city center to Lettuce Lake Park to see a variety of birds, fish and of course, crocodiles and alligators.

Art and Culture in Tampa

Head downtown and you’ll find the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the second largest performing arts complex in the southeastern United States. Impressively, since the late 1980s, it has entertained over 10 million guests.

Another great spot to head to for live shows and entertainment is the Amalie Arena, found between The Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Convention Center.

Activities for Children

It can sometimes be a challenge to entertain kids while on vacation. Fortunately, when you stay in a Tampa vacation rental, that is not the case. Fun attractions for little ones include the Glazer Children's Museum, which is a haven for kids and kids at heart. Plenty of fun, interactive exhibits with themes such as 'airplane' and 'hospital' feature, meaning everyone will be kept entertained.

Another great attraction for the whole family is the water park in Adventure Island. Have fun on corkscrew slides, splash around the giant wave pool, or get a tan while lounging amidst the laid-back beach atmosphere. At Fabian's Fun Port, let the little ones hang loose at the water jungle gym.

Cooking in your Tampa Vacation Rental

One of the great things about having your own vacation rental is that if you fancy a relaxing dinner in, you can choose to cook at home. Take your time over preparation, share tasks and enjoy a glass of wine as you talk about the day's fun.

To pick up ingredients for your meal, why not head to the Fresh Market which takes place every first Sunday of the month. Organized to support local vendors, this is where the locals shop, and it features a huge range of specialty goods like handmade craft objects and artisan produce. If you do not manage to catch this market during your stay, there several weekly markets, including Corey Fresh Market on Sundays and Ybor Saturday City Market, amongst many more.

Having your own fully-equipped Tampa vacation home gives you more flexibility so you can relax and truly enjoy your stay in this beautiful region.

Things to do in Tampa

The Florida Aquarium

Home to a wide variety of sea creatures, the Florida Aquarium offers daily shows and talks, over 20,000 animals and plants, and a water play area for kids.

Big Cat Rescue

This is largest sanctuary for abandoned big cats in the US. Take a guided tour with an expert to learn about these majestic animals, their care and rehabilitation.

Lettuce Lake Regional Park

Walk on boardwalks through various different Floridian ecosystems such as a freshwater wetland and oak forest. The park also has a visitor center, playground and barbecue pits.

Tampa Electria Manatee Viewing Center

Manatees love the warm water discharged from the power station, and at the visitor center you can learn about these remarkable creatures and see them from the observation tower.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Sunshine Skyway Bridge spans Tampa Bay, and is over 4 mile long. Drive over the bridge for spectacular views, or take a cruise beneath it for a different perspective.