Tampa, FL vacation rentals: Houses & more

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Destination guide

Experience Tampa Bay from vacation home rentals

Tampa is a lure for business travelers looking to make a deal, vacationers looking for a happening nightlife, and families looking to be entertained all day long. Once the "Cigar Capital of the World" and a hotbed of organized crime, the city's exciting past has given way to a present filled with historic landmarks, museums, and modern architecture. Give the kids a thrill at the aquarium, walk along the river, or treat yourself to a unique cultural experience. It's all possible from the home base of a Tampa vacation rental.

Things to do

Tourist attractions near Tampa Bay vacation rentals

Tampa's attractions are built for every generation. Busch Gardens is a walkable theme park with epic roller coasters, animal encounters, and live entertainment. On hot days, families flock to Adventure Island, a 30-acre water park with a lazy river, a wave pool, sandy lounging areas, and thrilling waterslides. Add some education to the watery fun at the Florida Aquarium, where you can see herons and ibis, prowl the mangroves, or take an eco-tour in Tampa Bay. For a more spiritual experience, try Wat Mongkolratanaram, a Buddhist Thai temple where visitors can enjoy traditional music.

Activities

Things to do near Tampa Bay vacation homes

Hoping to learn a little history? Hunting for family fun by day? Seeking a spirited club crawl by night? In Tampa, you can do all these and more. If your Tampa vacation rental is near Downtown, head to the Riverwalk alongside the Hillsborough River, a continuous 2.4-mile path connecting parks, shops, and the museums of Tampa's Arts District. Historic Ybor City is home to the city's original cigar factories and can be explored on one of its famous streetcars. Stick around after nightfall and treat yourself to the liveliest bar scene in town.

Outdoor activities

Outdoor fun near Tampa vacation homes

Tampa has some spectacular natural surroundings for outdoor activities, such as tidal inlets, scenic rivers, and dense forests. Wildlife tours, bird-watching, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and biking are popular, as are golf and fishing. For a little more adventure, try skydiving or zip lining throughout the forests. Whatever your interest, you’ll find plenty of outdoor fun near your vacation rental.

Weather

Best time to travel to Tampa Bay vacation homes

Tampa has a tropical climate and is warm year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the 70s in January to the 90s in August. Summer is the most popular time for vacationers. Just plan indoor activities if a heat wave rolls through town. You can save money on your Tampa vacation rental in fall. The months from September to December offer lower prices, lower humidity, and smaller crowds at the city's theme parks and museums. Late winter and early spring are lovely, too, but be prepared for rising prices.

Natural features

Count rhinos and manatees among your new animal friends

Tampa's watery borders provide a welcome refuge for wildlife. The Manatee Viewing Center is the prime spot to view these peaceful marine mammals as they wallow in Tampa Bay's warm waters. Visitors to the sanctuary can see tarpon, sharks, and stingrays, too. The Lowry Park Zoo, north of Downtown, may have its animals enclosed, but you'll feel like you're in the wild. There are several free-flight aviaries, a giraffe-feeding station, and a land animal enclosure that lets visitors get up close and personal with rhinos.

How to get there

Transportation to and around Tampa

Fly into Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight), the closest airport, located 2.5 mi (4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Tampa, FL (TPA-Tampa Intl.), which is 5.2 mi (8.4 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, you can make your way to Tampa Union Station.

Food and drink

Culinary tastes in Tampa

Tampa’s idyllic location, tropical weather, and unique cultural blend creates delectable dishes that are distinctive to the city. The Gulf of Mexico provides delicious seafood specialties, such as grouper, blue crab, and oysters, while the warm weather offers fresh fruit and vegetables all year. Many restaurants near vacation rentals include these ingredients in dishes with Spanish and Italian flair.

Can I find a vacation rental around Tampa?

Yes, our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 2,114 vacation rentals near Tampa. From 990 Houses to 624 Condos/Apartments, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Tampa for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What is the best area to stay when traveling to Tampa?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Tampa:

Northwest Tampa: 882 vacation rentals
South Tampa: 296 vacation rentals
Davis Islands: 25 vacation rentals
Ybor City: 141 vacation rentals
South Seminole Heights: 62 vacation rentals

For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular points of interest near where I can stay when traveling to Tampa?

HomeAway offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Tampa. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: 3,148 vacation rentals
Raymond James Stadium: 2,159 vacation rentals
Tampa Convention Center: 556 vacation rentals
Amalie Arena: 1,575 vacation rentals
MacDill Air Force Base: 4,872 vacation rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Tampa listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in Tampa?

Yes, of course. HomeAway has 990 Houses in Tampa. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Tampa include:

Condos/Apartments: 624 rentals available
Villas: 28 rentals available
Cottages: 131 rentals available

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Bungalows and more.

Can I find a vacation rental with pool in Tampa?

Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 950 vacation rentals with pool available in Tampa. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.