Girlfriends Guide to Tampa

Tampa is nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast, where sunshine and excitement go hand in hand. Known for its stunning waterfront, Tampa boasts a captivating blend of natural beauty and urban charm. With its warm, inviting climate, this city has become a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. From strolling along the iconic Riverwalk to exploring the lively streets of Ybor City, there's never a shortage of things to do and see. Whether you're cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or indulging in delicious Cuban sandwiches, Tampa offers a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and a laid-back Floridian vibe.

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Where to Stay

We’ve curated a short-list of moderately priced boutique hotels perfect for your next girls’ weekend.

Note: some of the boutique hotels we recommend have a nightly amenities fee for some awesome extras included in your stay. Be sure to read about what’s included to take full advantage!

Epicurean Hotel

Located in the trendy Hyde Park neighborhood, the Epicurean Hotel offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere perfect for a girls' getaway. This boutique hotel is known for its culinary focus, featuring stylishly designed rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel's pool offers a chic and relaxing environment, and it also houses a spa, a lobby bar, a rooftop cocktail lounge, and an on-site restaurant with delicious food and craft cocktails.

Epicurean Hotel
Hotel Haya Tampa

Hotel Haya Tampa is a captivating oasis in the heart of Tampa, Florida. This boutique hotel exudes historic charm with a modern twist, offering beautifully appointed rooms, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and an on-site restaurant and cafe. Located in the historic Ybor City district, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, diverse dining, and lively nightlife. With its perfect blend of old-world allure and contemporary amenities, Hotel Haya is an ideal destination for a quick getaway to Tampa.

Hotel Haya Tampa
Le Méridien Tampa

Situated in the historic downtown district, Le Méridien Tampa combines contemporary design with the city's rich history. The hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and suites with a blend of modern and vintage decor. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful palm trees, as well as a fitness center and an on-site restaurant serving globally inspired cuisine. The hotel's central location allows for easy exploration of Tampa's attractions and vibrant nightlife. As an added bonus all guests receive complimentary entry to the Tampa Museum of Art.

Le Méridien Tampa

Where to Eat

We’re not gonna lie, trying to recommend a great place to eat in a large metropolitan area is like trying to hit a moving target. Where you stay and the activities you have planned often dictate where you will end up eating.

Most often when planning our weekends away, we put in a little time looking for nearby places that match our taste. Rather than give you a long list of places that might not be right for you, we’re giving you our favorite local search links to help you get started.

What to See

If you and the girls are craving a breezy, scenic stroll, the Bayshore Linear Park Trail is the spot. This super-wide, waterside walkway stretches all the way from the Columbus Statue Park near Platt Street down to Gandy Boulevard, perfect for a long chatty walk, a casual bike ride, or snapping those “look at us being outdoorsy” photos.

Along the way, you’ll find cute little spots to take a break: benches overlooking the bay, water fountains to cool off, bike parking, and even a city marina for those yacht‑day daydreams. There are fitness stations too, in case anyone feels inspired (no pressure!). Plus, parking is easy at Ballast Point Park or Fred Ball Park, so gathering the group is a breeze.

Ybor City is where Tampa’s history comes out to play — and it’s the perfect spot for you and the girls to wander, snack, shop, and soak in some serious charm. The whole neighborhood is filled with gorgeous old brick buildings that once housed cigar factories, a nod to Ybor’s days as the “Cigar Capital of the World.”

And you have to stop at the iconic Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant. It’s a total vibe: stunning tilework, live flamenco on some nights, and food that will make you want to order “one more thing” just to try it. The best part? You can hop back on the TECO Line Streetcar for a free ride from downtown. It’s only about a mile away and makes getting there feel like part of the adventure.

Once you’re in Ybor, take your time. Stroll into a few cigar shops (even if you’re just browsing for a cool souvenir), then wander the streets where Ybor’s famous wild chickens strut around like they own the place. They’re adorable, quirky, and surprisingly photogenic, basically the unofficial mascots of the neighborhood.

If your crew wants that perfect mix of waterfront vibes, amazing food, and a little bit of “we’re on vacation” energy, Sparkman Wharf is the place to be. Set right along the sparkling Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa, it’s basically a playground of craft beer, live music, and killer views.

Think cozy dining garden for grabbing bites from local favorites, a lively biergarten for sipping something cold, and a big open lawn where you can chill, play, or just lay back and gossip in the sun. It’s one of Tampa’s top hangout spots for a reason. The whole place feels like a celebration of good weather, good food, and good company. Perfect for a girls’ weekend night out (or afternoon… or both).

The TECO Line Streetcar is basically your free, hop‑on‑hop‑off ride to all the cutest spots in Tampa. It winds along a 2.7‑mile route connecting downtown and the totally charming historic Ybor City. The streetcars themselves look like they rolled straight out of the 1920s, but don’t worry, they’re fully updated, wheelchair‑friendly, and run every 15 minutes, so you and your girlfriends can glide around town without waiting forever. With longer hours on weekends, it’s the perfect way to explore, bar‑hop, shop, or just take cute photos while cruising through the city.

Tampa Riverwalk
Credit: Keir Magoulas | Visit Tampa Bay

Where to Shop

Spread across six charming blocks, the village blends local character with stylish favorites, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for a girls’ day out. Wander between beloved local boutiques and well‑known brands, pause for standout dining, and snap photos by the bubbling fountains as you explore. Pick up fresh finds at The Fresh Market or take a moment to recharge at one of the cozy spots throughout the district.

International Plaza is the ultimate destination for a group looking to indulge in a day of luxury shopping and dining. Located in the heart of Westshore and just minutes from the airport, it offers the region’s largest mix of designer and contemporary retailers so you can find everything from statement pieces to little splurges. After browsing your favorite brands together, head to Bay Street for vibrant open‑air dining and cocktails. With valet parking, concierge service, and stylish gathering spaces, International Plaza makes it effortless for the group to flow from daytime shopping adventures into evening plans, all in one chic setting.

Yoga in the Park
Credit: Tampa Hillborough EDC | Visit Tampa Bay

Nightlife

For those of you looking for a fun night out on your girls’ getaway, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s dancing the night away or girl talk over delicious cocktails, we’ve got options. We’ll help you find the right fit with our favorite local search links below.

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Events

Gasparilla Pirate Fest
January 30, 2027
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Offers

Spa Experience - Tampa Marriott Water Street
Prioritize wellness during your next stay in Tampa with spa treatments and more.

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