Tampa, Florida Vacation Rentals
Explore 92 rental homes and villas in Tampa, Florida for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Air Condition Homes, Pet-Friendly Homes and Best Affordable Homes. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $89 per night with homes containing as many as 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Tampa Overview
Nestled on the shimmering shores of the Gulf Coast, Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant city that promises an unforgettable escape. With its harmonious blend of historic charm and modern allure, Tampa is a treasure trove of cultural, culinary, and coastal delights.
Imagine waking up in your own private home, a tranquil haven where each day begins with a dip in your personal swimming pool, surrounded by the lush Floridian landscape. Rental homes in Tampa are not only abundant but come with a variety of amenities that cater to every need, including pet-friendly options so your furry friends can join in on the adventure.
The city's crown jewels are its famous attractions. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay thrills with its exhilarating roller coasters and up-close animal encounters, offering a world-class theme park experience. The Florida Aquarium invites you to dive into the aquatic wonders of the world, while ZooTampa at Lowry Park provides interactive experiences with exotic wildlife.
For those drawn to the arts, the Tampa Museum of Art and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts are cultural beacons, showcasing everything from contemporary masterpieces to Broadway hits. Ybor City, the historic heart of Tampa, tells the story of its cigar-making past through charming brick streets and restored buildings.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the natural beauty of Tampa's beaches and waterfronts. The soft sands of Ben T. Davis Beach provide the perfect backdrop for a day of sun and surf, while the iconic Bayshore Boulevard offers the longest continuous sidewalk for scenic walks and breathtaking views of the bay.
The culinary scene in Tampa is a reflection of its diverse heritage, with an array of dining options from succulent seafood to the legendary Cuban sandwich. Local breweries pour craft beers that capture the spirit of the city, ensuring every meal is paired with the perfect pint.
Sports aficionados will find their haven here, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Rays igniting the local spirit. And for those who love to shop, Hyde Park Village and International Plaza offer a plethora of stores from high-end boutiques to beloved brands.
In Tampa, the experience is elevated by the luxury of space and privacy that a rental home provides, creating a personalized retreat that is uniquely yours. Whether you're seeking thrills, relaxation, or a taste of local culture, Tampa's blend of attractions and the allure of private, poolside living make it a destination that truly has it all.
Cultural Attractions in Tampa
Tampa, Florida is a city rich in arts, history, and local customs that would appeal to any traveler with similar interests. The city boasts numerous museums catering to diverse tastes. For instance, the Tampa Museum of Art is renowned for its vast collection of Greek and Roman antiquities alongside modern and contemporary art. History buffs can delve into the region's past at the Tampa Bay History Center.
The city's vibrant music scene offers live performances at various venues. Broadway shows to classical concerts are hosted at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts while Skippers Smokehouse provides a relaxed atmosphere for live blues and rock music.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate Tampa's thriving arts scene with numerous galleries located especially in the Ybor City district which showcases local artists' works. Downtown Tampa also hosts an Art Walk on every first Friday of the month allowing visitors to explore local galleries and studios.
Tampa also provides unique cultural experiences through its local customs and events such as the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival which features parades, live music, and various other activities. Food lovers can enjoy traditional Spanish and Cuban cuisine at Columbia Restaurant located in historic Ybor City.
Despite its size and layout making it generally non-walkable, there are pedestrian-friendly areas like downtown or Ybor City where attractions are closely situated. However, for farther exploration or beach visits, it is recommended to utilize public transportation or rent a car.
As for reaching Tampa, it is easily accessible by air via Tampa International Airport which services numerous domestic flights daily from across the country. Alternatively, one could opt to drive or take a bus or train if traveling from another location within Florida or nearby states.
Family friendly activities in Tampa
Tampa, Florida is a haven for family-oriented activities that are sure to captivate both adults and children. The city's radiant weather and picturesque landscapes create an ideal setting for numerous outdoor pursuits.
Start your journey at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a park with an African theme that seamlessly blends exhilarating rides with a zoo that is home to more than 12,000 animals. The Serengeti Plain exhibit allows children to interact closely with giraffes, kangaroos, and other animals.
Continue your exploration at the Florida Aquarium where young ones can discover aquatic life from wetlands to the vast ocean. Notable features include touch tanks that encourage interaction and a half-million-gallon coral reef habitat brimming with sea turtles and sharks.
The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) is another attraction not to be missed. This interactive science center offers exhibits on diverse topics ranging from meteorology to robotics. Children can even simulate the experience of being an astronaut in the Mission: Moonbase exhibit.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Adventure Island water park is perfect or enjoy a leisurely walk along Tampa Riverwalk which has playgrounds and splash pads along its path. Consider taking a day trip to Clearwater Beach nearby for some beach fun.
Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa is another excellent choice for families. Recognized as one of the most family-friendly zoos in America, it hosts over 1,300 animals from around the globe and provides interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes or touching stingrays.
Lastly, make sure you explore Ybor City - Tampa's historic district. With its vintage allure and delectable Cuban cuisine (including options suitable for children), it promises to be popular with all members of your group.
To sum up, Tampa presents a range of experiences designed to engage children's interest in nature and science while offering ample opportunities for enjoyable outdoor activities.
Outdoor activities in Tampa
Tampa, Florida, is a haven for outdoor and nature enthusiasts. While the city is located near Tampa Bay and other bodies of water, it also extends inland. The Hillsborough River flows through the city, providing a serene environment for canoeing amidst wildlife like turtles and birds. However, due to its narrow width and frequent motorboat traffic within the city limits, it may not be the ideal spot for activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
Lettuce Lake Park is a must-visit site in Tampa. This 240-acre park offers wooded picnic areas, a boardwalk that winds through wetlands, an observation tower with stunning views of the park and river, and a visitor center with exhibits on local natural history. It's an ideal spot for hiking or bird-watching.
Beach lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Tampa as well. Clearwater Beach boasts white sand and clear waters perfect for swimming or sunbathing. Honeymoon Island State Park offers nature trails through its slash pine forest - while such forests can be found elsewhere in Florida too, this one still provides a unique experience.
Bayshore Boulevard is another highlight in Tampa. Known as the world's longest continuous sidewalk at 4.5 miles long - it's perfect for jogging or walking while enjoying views of Hillsborough Bay.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center is worth visiting where manatees can be seen throughout the year in warm water discharged from the power station.
Lastly, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers thrill rides combined with animal encounters and wildlife conservation efforts - you can get up close to exotic African animals on a Serengeti Safari tour or enjoy bird-watching at Lory Landing.
In summary, whether you're interested in exploring parks and rivers or relaxing by beautiful beaches - Tampa provides numerous opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Weather in Tampa
Tampa, Florida, is recognized for its subtropical climate due to its location on the Gulf coast of Florida. This coastal position near the warm waters of the Gulf contributes to hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The peak summer months from June through September are indeed the hottest and most humid. Average high temperatures during this period tend to hover in the low 90s Fahrenheit. These months also bring frequent afternoon thunderstorms as a result of high humidity levels. Despite these conditions, summer remains a favored time for beach enthusiasts who appreciate swimming in the warm Gulf waters.
The winter season from December to February is mild and dry with average high temperatures in the low 70s. These months attract visitors seeking refuge from colder climates. However, it's worth noting that occasional cold fronts can introduce cooler temperatures and windy conditions.
Spring and fall are correctly characterized as transitional seasons with temperatures fluctuating between mid-70s to mid-80s. Spring witnesses a gradual rise in temperature and humidity leading up to summer while fall sees a gradual decline following summer.
Late winter and early spring (February through April) typically offer the most pleasant weather conditions with comfortable temperatures and less rainfall than other times of year. This period is often regarded as an ideal time for outdoor activities such as golfing or visiting theme parks in Tampa.
However, it's important to note that Tampa's weather can sometimes be unpredictable due to its vulnerability to tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season (June through November). Visitors are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts during this period.
Transportation in Tampa
Travelers journeying to Tampa, Florida can choose from a multitude of arrival and departure methods. The main entry point is the Tampa International Airport, which is frequented by a wide range of domestic and international airlines. Alternatively, Amtrak provides rail service to Tampa Union Station from numerous cities across the United States for those who favor land travel.
Upon reaching Tampa, there are various means to traverse the city. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) runs a comprehensive bus network that spans much of the city and its outskirts. For more localized commuting within downtown Tampa and historic Ybor City, travelers can utilize the TECO Line Streetcar System for an enchanting and convenient transportation experience.
For those who enjoy driving, car rental services are easily accessible at the airport and throughout the city. In addition, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are commonly used in Tampa. For cycling enthusiasts, Coast Bike Share provides bike rentals at several spots around the city.
The walkability of Tampa largely depends on one's location within the city. Downtown areas like Riverwalk are very pedestrian-friendly with attractions, eateries, shops, and parks all within walking distance from each other. However, if one intends to venture further or visit attractions like Busch Gardens or Adventure Island, some sort of transportation will be required.
In summary, whether one arrives by plane or train or navigates around by bus, car or bicycle; Tampa caters to every traveler's needs with its diverse transportation options.