Quick Guide

The best time to travel to Tampa is from late fall through early spring (November to April) when the weather is mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and lower costs, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) or early fall (September). Be mindful of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Tampa Bay is home to two international airports: Tampa International Airport and (much smaller) St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Aside from renting a car or using a rideshare app, SuperShuttle is one of the easiest ways to get to and from the airport. Travelers arriving from certain cities in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the Northeast U.S. can opt to do so via Amtrak.

Getting Around

The most convenient way to get around is via rental car or rideshare. Or, for a charming, only-in-Tampa adventure, hop aboard the TECO Line Streetcar, which connects downtown to Ybor City and the Channel District.

Local Lingo
English is the primary language spoken in Tampa, followed by Spanish. Note that people say “SoHo” for South Howard Avenue and “Ybor” for Ybor City, two of the most buzzworthy areas of the city.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; Hopr (Coast Bike Share)

Insider Tip

If you’re visiting in winter, check out Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, where you’ll see the gentle giants basking in the warm waters of, yes, the local power plant.

The best time to travel to Tampa is from late fall through early spring (November to April) when the weather is mild and pleasant. For fewer crowds and lower costs, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) or early fall (September). Be mindful of hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Visas
Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is in U.S. dollars. ATMs are widely available.

Travel Health

Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

Tampa Bay is home to two international airports: Tampa International Airport and (much smaller) St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Aside from renting a car or using a rideshare app, SuperShuttle is one of the easiest ways to get to and from the airport. Travelers arriving from certain cities in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the Northeast U.S. can opt to do so via Amtrak.

Getting Around

The most convenient way to get around is via rental car or rideshare. Or, for a charming, only-in-Tampa adventure, hop aboard the TECO Line Streetcar, which connects downtown to Ybor City and the Channel District.

Local Lingo
English is the primary language spoken in Tampa, followed by Spanish. Note that people say “SoHo” for South Howard Avenue and “Ybor” for Ybor City, two of the most buzzworthy areas of the city.

Must-Have Apps

Uber; Lyft; Hopr (Coast Bike Share)

Insider Tip

If you’re visiting in winter, check out Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center, where you’ll see the gentle giants basking in the warm waters of, yes, the local power plant.