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Planning your spring break in Tampa? You’re in for a good time! Tampa has the perfect mix of city fun and waterfront chill, so whether you’re looking for a wild night out, a boat day with your crew, or just an excuse to sip cocktails by the water, you’re covered. If you’re strictly here for a classic beach vacay, you might wanna head to Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach. But if you want the best of both worlds? Tampa is where it’s at.
Spring Break in Tampa Activities
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Click herе for more infoBoat Tours
What better way to spend your spring break in Tampa than out on the water? Whether you’re cruising with your crew, floating around on a tiki bar, or playing captain for the day, there are plenty of ways to soak up those waterfront views.
- Staying Afloat Party Boat – If you want a private boat with a captain, this is the way to go. Prices start at $700 for 4 hours (up to 12 people), or you can do a 2-hour downtown Tampa cruise for $400.
- Cruisin Tikis – Your own floating tiki bar? Yes, please. This 1½- to 2-hour cruise lets you bring your own booze and snacks while they provide cups, ice, a blender, and an epic time. Seriously, one of my favorite boat tours in Tampa.
- Totally Tiki Tours – If you’re rolling with a bigger group, this one’s for you! This tiki boat is larger, has more space to walk around, and even has an onboard bathroom. Oh, and did I mention the shot ski? Because yes, you can take a round of shots while cruising the bay. They’ve got options for island tours, sunset cruises, and more.
Beach Day
Okay, so Tampa’s beaches might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Florida, but they still bring the heat—literally.
Ben T. Davis Beach is the go-to spot if you wanna lay out, play some volleyball, or catch a killer sunset. It’s right off the Courtney Campbell Causeway, so super easy to get to.
Bonus: It’s right next to Whiskey Joe’s, one of my favorite waterfront dining spots in Tampa, and WTR, which always has something going on. The only catch? Parking is a nightmare during spring break in Tampa, so unless you wanna fight for a spot, just call an Uber and thank me later.
If you want a different beach vibe, check out these amazing beaches near Tampa!
WTR
I absolutely love WTR—this place is always a blast! If they’re not hosting an event during the week, you can actually have a pool day for free. Yep, you read that right! (And if you’re balling on a budget, check out my list of fun and free things to do in Tampa.)
On the weekends, it gets even better with amazing DJs and performers. The vibe is always on point—great music, a lively crowd, and stunning bay views while you sip poolside. If you’re looking for the ultimate Tampa spring break experience, this is IT.
Sparkman Wharf & Splitsville
If you’re hanging around Channelside, Sparkman Wharf is such a fun waterfront spot to check out. They’ve got a mix of cool food stands serving up all kinds of bites, plus a great atmosphere to just hang out and enjoy the view.
Right next door is Splitsville, where the fun doesn’t stop at just bowling. You’ll find darts, pool, lawn bowling, ping pong, and Skee-Ball—all in a southern-upscale setting that still feels super laid-back. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, grab some drinks, and get a little competitive.
Hard Rock Casino
Feeling lucky? Grab your spring break crew and head to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for a night of slots, table games, and maybe even some big wins. But even if gambling isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more to enjoy—live entertainment, delicious cocktails, and a top-tier dining experience at Council Oaks.
They also occasionally throw pool parties, so be sure to check their events calendar. And if you’re really going all out for spring break, take a peek at their room rates for the full VIP experience.
Enjoy a Night Out on the Town
Tampa’s nightlife scene is pretty diverse. Whether you’re into bars, clubs, speakeasies, or rooftop lounges, there’s something for every vibe.
Some of the best nightlife areas in Tampa:
- SoHo (South Howard Ave.) – Trendy, lively, and perfect for bar hopping
- Channelside District – A mix of waterfront bars, upscale lounges, and dance floors
- Ybor City – Historic, edgy, and packed with bars and clubs
Need more inspo? Check out my complete list of the best bars in Tampa or some of the coolest speakeasies in Tampa Bay!
Take a Day Trip
As much as I love spring break in Tampa, sometimes you just need a quick escape. Luckily, Tampa is surrounded by amazing day trip spots!
St. Pete Beach is an absolute must. Not only do you get beautiful white sand beaches, but there are tons of fun beach bars to hop around to while you soak up the sun.
If you’re in the mood for a little downtown adventure, head to St. Pete’s city center. It’s one of my favorite spots—you’ll find craft breweries, quirky themed bars, and plenty of amazing restaurants that are totally worth checking out.
Best Tampa Restaurants
If you want to add a lively, social vibe to your Tampa spring break dining plans, American Social has an upscale sports bar atmosphere with a menu that keeps things interesting. Plus, the waterfront patio is the spot to kick back with a drink and soak in the views.
Check out all of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa!
Armature Works is a repurposed streetcar warehouse-turned-food hall that has everything from gourmet pizzas at Ava to incredible birria tacos at Muchachas. And if you’re in Channelside already, Sparkman Wharf has a lineup of awesome food vendors that make it another great option for a casual but delicious meal.
For a laid-back, tropical vibe, head over to Whiskey Joe’s. It’s right on the beach and serves up fresh seafood, killer quesadillas, and refreshing cocktails with your toes practically in the sand.
If you want to level up the waterfront dining experience, Salt Shack on the Courtney Campbell Causeway has unbeatable bay views and some of the best seafood in town. Their lobster bisque? Hands down my favorite in Tampa Bay.
And of course, if you want a taste of Tampa’s cultural roots, you have to hit up Ybor City for an authentic Cuban sandwich. Trust me, you won’t find a better one anywhere else.
Check out my guide to the best restaurants in Tampa for all of my faves!
Where to Stay in Tampa
If you’re coming for spring break in Tampa, chances are you want to stay somewhere with great views, a fun atmosphere, and easy access to all the action. Here are some of the best spots to book:
- The Godfrey Hotel – Perfect for waterfront views and wild pool parties at WTR.
- The CURRENT Hotel – Sleek, modern, and right on the bay for a more relaxed vibe.
- Tampa Edition – The ultimate luxury stay with high-end dining and a stunning design. Most expensive place on the list, here only if you don’t mind splurging! Check out my full review for all the details.
- JW Mariott Tampa Water Street – A prime downtown location, walkable to the Riverwalk, nightlife, and Amalie Arena—plus, you can use Bonvoy points!
- Hyatt Place Downtown – A solid, budget-friendly choice with a pool and fitness center in a central spot.
- Tampa Heights VRBO – Sleeps 10 and comes with a private pickleball court and bikes—one of my favorite stays in Tampa!
For more options available during your dates check here!
How Do You Get Around in Tampa?
Getting around Tampa is pretty easy, and it really depends on what you’re planning to do.
If you want to explore beyond the city—maybe hit some beaches or take a day trip—renting a car is your best bet. But if your plans involve bar-hopping or checking out Tampa’s nightlife, Uber and Lyft will save you the hassle of parking (and let’s be real, you’ll want to enjoy those tropical cocktails stress-free).
For getting around downtown, the Channel District, and Ybor City, the free streetcar is a super convenient option. And if you’re thinking about heading over to St. Pete, the Cross Bay Ferry is such a fun and scenic way to skip the traffic and enjoy the ride.
Ready for an epic spring break in Tampa, Florida?
Spring break in Tampa is the perfect mix of city energy and waterfront fun—whether you’re partying by the pool at WTR, cruising on a tiki boat, or soaking up the sun at the beach. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect getaway! For more spring break ideas check out my list of top Florida spring break destinations!
And before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
Best restaurants in Midtown Tampa
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