Hotels/Things to do in Tampa for 1 day?

[Wendy_Darling_2001]

We will be spending 1 night next week in Tampa for a Dave Matthews Band concert (yippee!) at the new ampitheatre at the Florida Fairgrounds. Any suggestions as to where to stay near this venue?


We will arrive about noon and have to leave first thing in the morning. Any suggestions for the afternoon? Would there be enough time to check out a beach and if so, which one?

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your help!

 

[geffric]

I don't know where the fair grounds is but we love Busch Gardens. if you are looking for something to do for a day..

 

[Microcell]

I have said before and will say again, my favorite is Clearwater beach. You could catch a Dolphin Cruise there which was fun. Do not go to the Pier, I am not even sure what that was, but it didn't even pass for a mall. If you want a bunch of small seashells then Treasure Island is your place. Those are the two beaches I have most frequented.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

The amphitheater is right across the street from the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. That would be the most convenient place to stay for a quick overnight.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I'd love to check out the HRH and Casino. We love the HRH in Orlando. I would recommend Bern's Steak House if you will be dining out while in Tampa. If you do go to Bern's, ask for a kitchen tour and save room for dessert!

 

[Wendy_Darling_2001]

I did think about Busch Gardens but I don't think I want to spend the money on tickets for just 4-5 hours - we will have to make another trip down for that!

How far are Clearwater Beach or Tresure Island Beach from the Farigrounds?

DukeStreetKing,
Thanks for the suggestion on Hard Rock - I just checked out their website!

 

[Galahad]

Originally posted by Wendy_Darling_2001
How far are Clearwater Beach or Tresure Island Beach from the Farigrounds?

Depends on the traffic. If it is good, probably 45 minutes. If it is bad........it's bad......

I suppose it is possible of the stars are aligned just right to get there faster but I wouldn't count on it.

If you had time to go to Treasure Island, I'd also suggest you try Fort Desoto. There is a public beach there, but mostly there is a great old pre/post civil war fort that oversees the entry to Tampa Bay that is fascinating to walk through.

 

[Wendy_Darling_2001]

Hard Rock is sold out. Apparently The Cure is in concert in Tampa that night as well so the hotels are busy. I will keep on looking!

Sounds like Treasure Island and Clearwater beaches are a little too far for this quick trip!

 

[Galahad]

Originally posted by Wendy_Darling_2001
Hard Rock is sold out. Apparently The Cure is in concert in Tampa that night as well so the hotels are busy. I will keep on looking!

Sounds like Treasure Island and Clearwater beaches are a little too far for this quick trip!

Don't write them off yet. When we lived there we lived in Brandon (same side of town as the Fairgrounds) and would often go to the Treasure Island area for the afternoon. We always thought it was worth the trouble to get over there. If it is a good beach day, 90 minutes travel for 3 hours of beach time seemed completely justifiable. Especially given its low cost compared to other options.

If you're not set on an outdoor activity and have kids in tow, you might try the MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry). It is near the Fairgrounds (across the road from the University of South Florida). A really good Museum of its kind and fairly inexpensive.

 

[Crankyshank]

Ybor City, the Cuban district, in Tampa has some fun shops and places to eat. Busch Gardens is always fun, and there's Lowry Park. There's also St Pete, or the Dali Museum

 

[Galahad]

Originally posted by Crankyshank
Ybor City, the Cuban district, in Tampa has some fun shops and places to eat. Busch Gardens is always fun, and there's Lowry Park. There's also St Pete, or the Dali Museum

Yes....almost forgot. Ybor would be fun as well. Shops and clubs and such. If you go to St. Pete, I wouldn't waste time at the St. Pete Pier.....pretty low rent touristy stuff.

 

[orvilleair]

Article in the paper recently that the "Lowry Park Zoo" in Tampa has won some awards for being family friendly. I haven't been there myself, but I've heard the manatee exhibits are good.

 

[Wendy_Darling_2001]

Thanks everyone!

I have lived within 10 minutes of the beach my whole life but on the east coast of Florida. Haven't seen west coast beaches since I was a kid and my fiance used to vacation in the Tampa area every summer so I kinda want to check it out. But we will already be driving 4 hours to get to Tampa that morning, so hmmm!

I have always wanted to visit the Dali Museum, forgot about that!

And manatees are my favorite animals so that would be cool. Although I have seen them at Epcot and Sea World.

You guys are making it harder!

Thanks again!

 

[vernon]

I'd give a massive vote for the Dali museum, if you have even the remotest interest in art it's a great way to spend 4 or 5 hours. I found it very interesting to be able to follow the career of one artist through his different phases. IMHO it's a unique way to view art, seeing as it's dedicated to the work of just one man.

P.S. If you go do take one of the free tours they give, it's a much better way to see the works as the guides will explain some of the metaphores Dali uses. It really helps to glimpse inside the mind of Dali.

http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/