I’ve just returned from an amazing sunshine-filled road trip through Florida. It wasn’t the standard Miami / Orlando / Disney route… for this trip I headed to the Gulf Coast for an adventure that spanned so many interests. From amazing wildlife, top food, and beautiful beaches, to adrenaline activities, cityscapes and more, there was plenty to keep me busy!
Here’s a little flavour of what I got up to….
My trip kicked off in Tampa, a city that really surprised me. It was cosmopolitan, but with a retro vibe. It’s a city where new life is being breathed into old buildings, as they’re converted into buzzy food halls. Nostalgic eatery Goody Goody Burgers has made a historic comeback. Ybor City, the former cigar capital of the world, once a booming area of trade, then left for many years, has transformed into a cool part of town with bars, clubs and restaurants.
Tampa, Florida (photo: Macca Sherifi)
So, it turns out there are plenty of things to do in Tampa! With 48 hours in the city, here are my top picks. Plus if you’re looking for my tips on where to stay, scroll down for my selection of the best hotels in Tampa, Florida.
British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Tampa in around 9 hours, and once you land, you’re moments from the action. So, if you’ve just arrived in Florida, here’s how to kick off your trip!
Start with breakfast at Oxford Exchange. In my food blog about the trip I described this as ‘the most photogenic restaurant I’ve been to in ages’. Stop by for breakfast and enjoy coffee and avo toast in their sunlit conservatory room. Then head to the book store and gift shop to pick up some presents to take home.
Oxford Exchange, Tampa
Oxford Exchange, Tampa
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