Sachin Walls
Tampa Bay is a bustling hub of activity, offering a seamless transition from air travel to adventure. Within a short distance from the airport, you can find yourself immersed in a variety of attractions, dining experiences, and entertainment. Whether you're seeking relaxation or thrilling escapades, Tampa has something for everyone. From the serene Courtney Campbell bridge overlooking the bay to the lively International Plaza, and from the Florida Aquarium to the heart-pounding roller coasters at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay promises an exciting time for all. So, get ready to explore, unwind, or seek heart-pumping adventures in this vibrant Florida destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from the airport | 5-10 minutes by car |
| Restaurants | Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Blue Martini, CA Pizza, Bahama Breeze |
| Shopping | International Plaza Mall, Channelside shopping |
| Attractions | Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa Riverwalk, Pirate Water Taxi, Henry B. Plant Museum, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa |
| Views | Level 9 roof parking area for views of the runways |
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What You'll Learn
Visit the Florida Aquarium
If you're looking for something to do near Tampa Airport, why not visit the Florida Aquarium? Rated among the best aquariums in the US, the Florida Aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including sea turtles, sharks, dwarf seahorses, lemurs, river otters, and alligators. Located in downtown Tampa, it is easily accessible by cab from the airport.
The Florida Aquarium features engaging exhibits, conservation programs, and fun activities for all ages. One of its highlights is the 500,000-gallon panoramic Coral Reef Gallery, which houses impressive sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and barracudas. The Coral Reef exhibit also includes interactive experiences such as Stingray Touch, No Bone Zone, and Moon Bay, where you can safely touch moon jellies.
The Florida Aquarium also offers a free-flying bird aviary with a lush mangrove tunnel, native fish, and Wetlands of Florida habitat. Outside, you'll find a splash pad children's play area, The Cove bar, and the Penguin Pavilion. For a truly unique experience, try SeaTREK, a helmet diving adventure, or set sail on the Wild Dolphin Cruise in Tampa Bay.
The Florida Aquarium is more than just an attraction; it is also committed to protecting and restoring the environment. Through its conservation programs, the aquarium works to rehabilitate rescued sea turtles and advance scientific research to save the Florida coral reef tract.
Whether you're looking for fun, education, or a chance to support conservation efforts, a visit to the Florida Aquarium is a great choice during your time near Tampa Airport.
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Shop at International Plaza Mall
International Plaza Mall is a great option for travellers looking to shop near Tampa Airport. The mall is located a short distance from the airport, with an estimated travel time of 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a diverse range of shopping and dining options.
The International Plaza Mall offers a vibrant mix of well-known brands, unique specialty stores, and a variety of dining options. The mall boasts an extensive collection of market-leading brands, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Gucci, and St. John, among others. Alongside the renowned brands, the mall also features numerous distinctive shops, providing a refreshing change for those seeking something different.
The dining options at the International Plaza Mall are just as impressive as the shopping choices. For those seeking a more formal dining experience, the Pacific Rim restaurant offers an elegant setting. Alternatively, the Blue Martini provides a lively bar atmosphere for a more casual evening. The mall also features a typical food court, offering a range of familiar options for a quick bite.
In addition to its proximity to the airport, the International Plaza Mall offers a convenient and comprehensive shopping experience. With its mix of high-end and unique stores, as well as a variety of dining options, it is a popular choice for travellers looking to make the most of their time in Tampa. Whether you're looking for fashion, gifts, or simply a place to relax and refuel, the International Plaza Mall is a great destination to explore and enjoy.
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Explore Tampa Riverwalk
If you're looking for a place to relax and explore near Tampa Airport, the Tampa Riverwalk is a great option. This 2.6-mile-long walk runs along the Hillsborough River, offering beautiful waterfront views and plenty of attractions, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. Here's how you can make the most of your time at the Tampa Riverwalk:
Start your journey at the bustling Heights Market at Armature Works, where you can explore various local restaurants in a carefully curated waterfront food hall. Sample dishes inspired by Tampa Bay's early native and Spanish explorers or opt for vegetarian fare at the modern Riverwalk Café. If you're visiting on a Sunday, don't miss the Heights Public Market's popular Sunday Brunch Market, featuring live music and local vendors.
As you stroll along the Riverwalk, take in the vibrant Curtis Hixon park and continue until you reach Sparkman Wharf. You can choose to walk, bike, or even take a scooter, with a convenient bike repair station available along the route. Along the way, you'll discover unique attractions, such as the Tampa Museum of Art, with its impressive collection ranging from ancient Greek and Roman artefacts to Pop Art. Enjoy the colourful lights that illuminate the Riverwalk at night, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
For those who want to get out on the water, Tampa Riverwalk Rentals and e-Boats Tampa offer boat rentals, or you can hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for a unique mode of transportation into downtown Tampa. If you're feeling adventurous, unlock the Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass to access seven distinct attractions, including the chance to spot dolphins in the bay and interact with sea creatures like stingrays and river otters.
Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, the Tampa Riverwalk has something for everyone. With its transformation of the downtown waterfront, it has become a vibrant hub, making the Hillsborough River the centre of attention in the city of Tampa.
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$11.44
Relax at Courtney Campbell
The Courtney Campbell Causeway is a great place to relax and enjoy the water of Tampa Bay. The causeway, which connects Tampa and Clearwater, is a haven for wildlife, including many species of birds, mammals such as manatees, and rare subtropical plants. It also provides breeding grounds for young fish, crab, and shrimp.
There are several hotels near the Courtney Campbell Causeway, including the Sailport Waterfront Suites, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Airport, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as bike rentals, outdoor pools, and complimentary breakfast. The nearby Ben T. Davis Municipal Beach offers picnic tables, a small car park, and access to fishing and other water activities.
The Courtney Campbell Causeway is also conveniently located near the Tampa International Airport, the International Plaza and Bay Street, and the Westshore Plaza. The International Plaza offers excellent shopping, with stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Gucci, as well as restaurants and bars.
If you're looking for a relaxing day trip from the Tampa Airport, the Courtney Campbell Causeway and the surrounding area offer a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, shopping, and dining options. Whether you're interested in cycling, picnicking, or simply enjoying the panoramic views of the bay and coastline, the Courtney Campbell Causeway is a great choice for a relaxing day in Tampa.
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Enjoy the nightlife
Tampa's nightlife is diverse and vibrant, offering something for every type of traveller. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening or a night of dancing, Tampa has you covered.
If you're a beer enthusiast, Cigar City Brewing Co is a must-visit. This local brewery outpost offers a spacious brick-lined bar with an excellent selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as delicious pub food. For a more upscale experience, head to the South Howard Avenue (SoHo) district, known for its chic bars, restaurants, and lounges. Start your evening with a craft cocktail at Bar HWRD, which boasts an elegant atmosphere and innovative drinks.
For a scenic evening, take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk. This waterfront walkway offers beautiful views of the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa, with parks, restaurants, and bars dotted along the route. If you're looking for live music, Stumps Supper Club usually has bands performing, and Ybor City offers a vibrant Latin Quarter experience with over two dozen drinking establishments and great restaurants.
For a night of dancing, Club Prana is the place to be. With multiple floors of music and themes, this club offers stunning views of Tampa Bay and a range of genres, including hip-hop, EDM, and Latin beats. If you're looking for a more relaxed evening, there are also beachside bars where you can sip cocktails under the stars.
Tampa's nightlife truly offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking a chic evening in SoHo or a vibrant night of dancing in Club Prana.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few attractions in Tampa that are not too far from the airport. The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa is an easy cab ride away, and Channelside shopping and restaurants are right next to it. The International Plaza Mall is also very close to the airport and offers excellent shopping with top brands such as Gucci and Nordstrom. If you want to stay in the airport, the onsite Marriott has a revolving restaurant and a lounge in their lobby.
The Courtney Campbell bridge is a nice spot to relax and be by the water of the Tampa Bay. Clearwater Beach is also an hour away from the airport and is one of the prettiest beaches you'll find. If you want to explore the city, you can get around in style on the nation's only Pirate Water Taxi or use the free streetcar, bike, and scooter rentals.
Yes, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a charitable organization committed to conservation, education, recreation, and research. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is ranked among the "Top 25 Zoos in the U.S." by TripAdvisor. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also offers a range of rush-inducing attractions, from screaming roller coasters to up-close animal encounters.
