Your Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Tampa, Florida

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Planning your Spring Break in Tampa? Get ready for the ultimate fusion of city thrills and a hint of beachy bliss. Tampa offers plenty of exciting activities, including urban and water adventures. However, if you’re dreaming of a classic beach getaway, St. Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach might be calling your name.

But, if you’re up for a perfect mix of city vibes and a touch of waterfront charm, Tampa has it all. With fantastic boat tours and hotels boasting stunning waterfront views, Tampa delivers a Spring Break experience that perfectly balances excitement with coastal tranquility.

Guide to Spring Break in Tampa, Florida

Tampa spring break activities

Boat tours

What better way to spend your spring break in Tampa than a boat tour?! Sail along the shimmering waters, soak in the scenic waterfront views, and let the good times roll.

If you prefer to be the captain, check out eBoats Tampa, which offers 1- to 4-hour boat rentals. No boating license is necessary.

If you want a private boat with a captain included, Staying Afloat Party Boat prices start at $700 for 4 hours for up to 12 people. Or you can do a 2-hour charter exploring the heart of downtown Tampa for $400 for up to 12 people.

Beach Day

Tampa’s beaches offer a distinct charm compared to destinations like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, but they are still beautiful and a great spot to catch some rays!

Ben T. Davis is probably the most frequented beach in Tampa. Spanning the Courtney Campbell Causeway picnic shelters and beach volleyball courts.

Plus, it’s conveniently located near Whiskey Joe’s (one of my favorite waterfront dining spots in Tampa) and WTR, another lively venue. Keep in mind that parking comes at a cost, and during spring break in Tampa, you’ll be lucky if you can secure a spot. I’d advise Ubering.

Check out this list for all of your beach day necessities.

WTR

I absolutely love WTR— it is such a fun venue! If they aren’t hosting an event during the week you can have a pool day there for free. (If you’re balling on a budget check out my list of fun and free things to do in Tampa.)

They do often have great performers and DJs here, especially on the weekends. The environment here is super fun and there’s always great music. It’s located right on the bay, so you get poolside luxury with a view! This is a Tampa spring break activity you won’t want to miss!

Cruisin Tikis

Cruisin Tikis is your own personal floating bar. Cruise around Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater on a 1½- to 2-hour cruise.

You bring your own booze and snacks, but the tiki provides you with cups, ice, a blender, and a fun way to explore the area. This was honestly one of my favorite boat tours. We had a total blast!

Totally Tiki Tours

Totally Tiki Tours is an incredible experience that takes the fun of a tiki boat to a whole new level! This tour is larger and offers more space for guests to walk around, making it perfect for bigger groups.

The best part? They provide a shot ski, so you can enjoy a round of shots with your crew while cruising along. Another amazing feature is the onboard bathroom, which adds convenience and ensures a comfortable experience for everyone.

They have different options from island tours to sunset cruises!

Sparkman Wharf & Splitsville

This is such an awesome waterfront location located right in Channelside. Sparkman Wharf has a ton of little food stands set up with several fun options.

Once you go into Splitsville, you’ll notice the setup is southern and upscale, but it has a chill vibe. They have darts, pool, lawn bowling, bowling, ping pong, and Skee-Ball.

Hard Rock Casino

You and your spring break crew can try your luck at the slot machines or table games at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. While you’re there enjoy some drinks and live entertainment, and maybe even treat yourself to a delicious meal at Council Oaks.

They also sometimes host pool parties. Check out their room rates!

Enjoy a night out on the town

Tampa has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular nightlife spots in Tampa include Ybor City, SoHo, and the Channelside District.

Check out my complete list of the best bars in Tampa! Or some of the fun speakeasies in Tampa Bay.

Spend a day exploring one of Tampa’s surrounding areas

There are SO MANY amazing day trips from Tampa! A trip to St. Pete Beach is a MUST. There are so many fun beach bars to pop around to!

If you’re up for a lively scene, downtown St. Pete is my personal favorite, along with craft breweries and speak easier, they also have so many fun and unique themed bars!

Best Tampa restaurants

For a lively addition to your Tampa spring break dining itinerary, consider a visit to American Social located in the heart of Tampa’s Channelside District. It’s a modern gastropub that blends an upscale sports bar atmosphere with a diverse menu. They also have an expansive waterfront patio that offers a vibrant social scene.

Check out all of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa!

Armature Works, a repurposed streetcar warehouse, is an amazing food hall, with options from gourmet pizzas at Ava to amazing birria tacos at Muchachas. Similarly, you can find a variety of food vendors at Sparkman Wharf as well.

For a laid-back, tropical ambiance, Whiskey Joe’s offers a lively beachfront haven, they have plenty of seafood specialties, amazing quesadillas, and refreshing cocktails against a backdrop of sandy shores.

On the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Salt Shack will give you panoramic bay views, making it an ideal spot for seafood aficionados. Their lobster bisque is actually my favorite in Tampa Bay!

And of course, if you want something that leans into Tampa’s cultural roots, head to some of the best restaurants in Ybor City and get yourself some of the best Cuban sandwiches you will ever have!

Overall, there are so many amazing dining options in Tampa that would be perfect for your spring break in Tampa. Whether you’re in the mood for steak, seafood, Italian, or you’re just looking for epic waterfront views, you’re sure to find a restaurant that fits your group’s tastes and preferences.

Where to stay in downtown Tampa

Waterfront hotels in Tampa

If you’re here for spring break, I’m going to assume you want to stay by the water. The Godfrey Hotel and The CURRENT Hotel are both solid options providing beautiful sights of Tampa Bay.

The Godfrey Hotel is known for its fun and wild pool parties on the weekends at WTR.

Epic vacation rentals in Tampa

For an unforgettable stay during your Tampa spring break, I highly recommend checking out this fantastic VRBO in the Tampa Heights area. This gem boasts four bedrooms, accommodating up to 10 guests comfortably.

What sets this place apart is the private pickleball court right in the backyard—perfect for some friendly competition and active fun. The thoughtful touch of providing bikes adds an extra layer to your exploration of the vibrant surroundings. (Peep my favorite bike trails in Tampa.)

This was hands down one of my favorite stays that I’ve had in Tampa!

Hotels in Downtown Tampa

If you’re staying in the downtown area, a hotel will most likely be your best bet. There aren’t too many Airbnb’s in the downtown area, and they often end up being more expensive than a hotel with all of the additional fees.

There are a ton of awesome hotels in Tampa. Where you’re going to want to stay just depends on what your itinerary looks like!

If you don’t mind splurging The Tampa Edition is the newest hottest spot on the block! It provides an extraordinary, luxurious hotel experience that is unlike anything else Tampa Bay has seen. It even includes seven food and beverage venues to be explored. Check out my full Tampa EDITION review for all the details on this spot.

If you want to stay in downtown Tampa, I recommend checking out Hyatt Place Downtown. The reviews are excellent, and they have an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a modern, sleek look. Not to mention the location is prime.

The JW Mariott Tampa Water Street is also a great location, plus you can use your Bonvoy points to book! You’re right in the heart of downtown— a 10-minute walk (give or take a few) to the Riverwalk, nightlife, and the Amalie Arena.

How do you get around in Tampa? 

If you’re planning to explore beyond the city, renting a car can provide you the freedom to go on day trips and discover hidden gems.

However, if your agenda involves indulging in Tampa’s vibrant nightlife or hopping between beach bars, relying on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft might be the more convenient and sensible choice. These options ensure a stress-free journey without the need to navigate parking or abstain from enjoying some tropical cocktails 😉

If you’re trying to explore some different areas in Tampa you can hop on the free streetcar which will weave you through downtown, Channel District, and Ybor City.

If you’re wanting to visit St. Pete, you can consider the Cross Bay Ferry. This convenient water transit connects downtown Tampa to downtown St. Pete, offering a scenic and enjoyable way to explore both cities without the hassle of traffic!

Ready for an epic spring break in Tampa, Florida?

Tampa is a fantastic Florida spring break destination with plenty of activities and attractions to keep your group entertained. Whether you’re basking in the sun on Tampa’s unique beaches, sipping tropical drinks at waterfront hotspots, or dancing the night away, you’re sure to find fun in this beautiful city.

If you have any questions or feel like I left something out, don’t hesitate to reach out <3

And before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:

Best restaurants in Midtown Tampa

Fun bowling alleys in Tampa

Best country bars in Tampa