Morning: Depart Garland, TX early by car or flight, enjoying scenic stops along I‑35 and I‑75. Arrive in Tampa by mid‑day and pick up your rental car.
Afternoon: Check‑in at your downtown Tampa hotel and unwind with a quick walk along the Tampa Riverwalk to stretch your legs.
Evening: Dine at Ulele on the riverfront, savoring fresh Gulf seafood while watching the sunset over the Hillsborough River.
Find HotelsMorning: Start with a leisurely bike ride on the Tampa Riverwalk, stopping at the historic Straz Center for photos.
Afternoon: Explore the Florida Aquarium, where you’ll encounter marine life from the Gulf and the Amazon River.
Evening: Head to Armature Works for a vibrant food hall experience, sampling local craft beers and tacos.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive early at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay to beat the crowds and enjoy the opening ceremony.
Afternoon: Ride the iconic roller coasters, such as SheiKra and Cheetah Hunt, and watch the animal shows in the Serengeti Plain.
Evening: Relax back at the hotel with a dip in the pool and a casual dinner at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Clearwater Beach for soft white sand and gentle Gulf waves; rent a paddleboard for a calm glide.
Afternoon: Stroll along Pier 60, enjoy street performers, and sample a famous frozen lemonade.
Evening: Dine at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill on the beachfront, savoring fresh grouper while watching a stunning sunset.
Find HotelsMorning: Wander the cobblestone streets of Ybor City, visiting cigar factories and the historic Ybor City Museum State Park.
Afternoon: Head to the Tampa Museum of Art to admire contemporary and classical collections, then relax in the adjoining Riverwalk park.
Evening: Experience a lively dinner at Columbia Restaurant, the oldest Spanish restaurant in Florida, followed by live music in a local bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Arrive at ZooTampa at Lowry Park for a safari‑style walk among animals like manatees, tigers, and otters.
Afternoon: Join the interactive “Wild Encounters” program and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shaded jungle garden.
Evening: Return to downtown and treat yourself to a rooftop cocktail at Rooftop at The Westin, overlooking the city lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive across the bay to The Salvador Dalí Museum, marveling at the world‑class surrealist collection.
Afternoon: Spend a relaxing few hours on St. Pete Beach, swimming in clear waters and renting a beach cabana.
Evening: Explore the vibrant St. Pete Pier with its rooftop bar and dinner at a seaside bistro.
Find HotelsMorning: Stroll through the tropical oasis of Sunken Gardens, discovering exotic plants and waterfalls.
Afternoon: Head to Fort De Soto Park for kayaking through mangroves and climbing the historic fort’s towers.
Evening: Enjoy a casual beachfront dinner at Utopia Beach Bar, listening to acoustic guitar under the stars.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse high‑end shops and boutiques at International Plaza and Bay Street, picking up souvenirs and designer items.
Afternoon: Unwind with a round of golf at the renowned Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course (optional) or lounge by the hotel pool.
Evening: Celebrate the final night with a sunset cruise on the Hillsborough River, followed by dinner at Bern’s Steak House.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel’s café, soaking in the last views of the river.
Afternoon: Return the rental car and head to Tampa International Airport for your flight back to Garland, TX.
Evening: Arrive home with memories of sun, sand, and excitement, ready to share photos with friends and family.
Find HotelsIf you’d like to shorten the trip, consider skipping the optional golf day at Innisbrook and consolidating the St. Petersburg art and beach visit into a single day, which can reduce the itinerary by a day and save roughly $200‑$250. To extend the adventure, add an extra day for a dolphin‑watching cruise from the Tampa Bay Marina or a day‑trip to nearby Weeki Wachee Springs for the famous mermaid shows and kayaking, which would add about $150‑$200 to the total cost.