Tampa

Why Tampa for a Bach Trip

Tampa is the underrated Florida bach trip. Less expensive than Miami, less crowded than Orlando, with Channelside (the downtown waterfront entertainment district), Ybor City (the Latin-historic neighborhood with bar density), and Hyde Park (the hipster brunch and rooftop area). The Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River is a real urban amenity. Bachelor groups do well here with Tampa Bay boat days and Ybor City nights. Bachelorette groups skew younger.

The right group is one looking for a cheaper Florida alternative with real character. The wrong group is one expecting Miami or Key West vibe; Tampa is its own thing.

Where to Base Your Group

Downtown Tampa (near Channelside and Sparkman Wharf) for waterfront access. Ybor City for the historic Latin-bar district. Hyde Park for the hipster brunch scene. Hotels: Tampa Marriott Water Street, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Epicurean Hotel. For groups, vacation rentals in Hyde Park or downtown; expect $300 to $700 per night.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

Best months: late October through April. Tampa is hot and humid May through September with daily afternoon thunderstorms. Avoid Gasparilla (late January, the city's pirate-themed Mardi Gras-style festival; can be fun if you go for it but lodging triples) and Bucs home games.

The Day Scene

Tampa Bay boat day via Tampa Boat Tours or YOLO Boat Rentals; expect $400 to $1,200 for a half day. Manatee viewing at Apollo Beach or Three Sisters Springs (30 minutes north) in winter months. Busch Gardens for theme park day. Ybor City Walking Tour (historic Cuban neighborhood) is a good 90 minutes. The Tampa Riverwalk for an afternoon stroll. Clearwater Beach (45 minutes west) for the white-sand beach day.

The Night Scene

Ybor City has the bar density: Castle (the legendary alternative club), Hub Bar (the dive), Coppertail Brewing. Channelside: The Pour House, Sparkman Wharf has waterfront drink-and-eat options. Hyde Park: Cordone, Ulele on the Riverwalk. For dancing, Aja Channelside or The Castle in Ybor.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

Cuban sandwiches are the must-do; Tampa claims to have invented them. Top picks: Columbia Restaurant (oldest restaurant in Florida, the Spanish-Cuban classic), West Tampa Sandwich Shop (the local-favorite Cuban sandwich), La Segunda Bakery for the bread. Higher-end: Bern's Steak House (the legendary 1956-founded steakhouse with a famous Harry Waugh dessert room), Edison: Food and Drink Lab. Brunch: Brick and Mortar, Oxford Exchange. Cigar shops in Ybor for the historic Cuban cigar experience.

Pro Tips

Bern's Steak House dessert room is a separate booking after dinner; book both at once. The Tampa to Clearwater Beach drive is 45 minutes; doable as a day trip. Ybor City has a unique 1920s historic feel; do not skip it. Manatee viewing is a winter-only thing (November through March). The Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games are some of the most fun NHL games to attend; check the schedule.