Two days on Tampa Bay: Ybor City and the Gulf beaches
Historic Ybor City on day one, a Gulf barrier island on day two.
As of October 2026, check hours, fees and closures before you go.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning
Drive west to Tampa and start in Ybor City, the historic cigar-making district. Ybor City Museum State Park covers its history.
- Afternoon
Lunch at the Columbia Restaurant on 7th Avenue, then walk the district.
- Evening
Dinner at Bern's Steak House in South Tampa. Reservations are recommended.
Day 2
- Morning
Head to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin for the beach and trails. The ferry to Caladesi Island leaves from the park.
- Afternoon
Smoked fish at Ted Peters in the St. Petersburg area, then the drive home, about 2½ to 3 hours.
Parks & fees
- Honeymoon Island State Park (Florida State Parks)
Open 8 a.m. to sunset. $8 per vehicle. Ferry terminal for Caladesi Island. Use caution near the cut at the north sandspit. - Ybor City Museum State Park (Official site)
Check the official site for fees and hours; we could not verify them for this guide.
Fees and hours as listed on each official page when we checked in October 2026.
Where to eat
Popular, long-running local picks. No paid placements.
- Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City · Ybor City, Tampa
Spanish and Cuban restaurant; its site calls it "Florida's Oldest Restaurant," founded in 1905. Source: official site. - Bern's Steak House · South Tampa
Steakhouse known for its wine collection and dessert room; its site says it has operated since 1956. Source: official site. - Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish · St. Petersburg area
Smoked-fish restaurant; its site says it has served since 1951. Source: official site.
Practical tips
- Gulf beaches are busiest in spring; weekday visits are quieter.
- Summer brings heat and near-daily afternoon thunderstorms.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
Getaways guides are informational. We don't accept payment for listings, there are no sponsored or affiliate links, and we don't rate or review places. Restaurants are well-known, long-running local spots, each linked to its official site. Drive times are rough estimates from Palm Bay without traffic.
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