Tampa & Crystal River
Tampa is a city with soul, a place that rewards the kind of traveller who wants sunshine and substance. Stroll the two-mile Tampa Riverwalk as the Gulf breeze rolls in, spend a lazy afternoon in Ybor City - Tampa's historic Cuban quarter, where hand-rolled cigars and Spanish architecture tell a story that predates most of America’s. Enjoy the relax pace with a craft beer in hand and some of the finest stone crab you'll ever taste. Tampa Bay isn't just a holiday - it's an adventure waiting to happen. The kind of place where one day you're riding the rails at Busch Gardens, the next you're swept up in the spectacle of Gasparilla, Tampa's legendary pirate parade that takes over the entire city every January. With so much on offer, it's genuinely hard to know where to begin. A CityPASS gives you instant access to the best of Tampa Bay in one simple bundle, taking the guesswork out so you can get straight to the good stuff.
Just an hour's drive north of Tampa lies Crystal River, a place so naturally extraordinary it earned the title of Manatee Capital of the World. This is home to the only National Wildlife Refuge in the U.S. created specifically to protect the habitat of Florida's beloved official marine animal, and the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural environment is the kind of experience that stays with you forever. But Crystal River is far more than its famous residents. Spend a morning reeling in some of Florida's finest fishing, then sit down to a proper fish-to-fork meal as the sun dips low over the water. Dive for scallops, cycle one of America's top-rated trails, hike through forests that feel genuinely untouched, or tee off on a course with views that make you forget your handicap entirely. For those who like their adventures a little slower, the lakes, rivers and springs offer kayaking and paddleboarding through some of the most peaceful scenery you'll find anywhere in the sunshine state.
Venture a little deeper into Citrus County and you'll discover three small towns that each offer something distinct yet together paint a picture of a Florida that most tourists never get to see. In Floral City, time seems to slow beneath a cathedral canopy of moss-draped oaks along the famous Avenue of the Oaks, where historic homes and a quietly unhurried atmosphere evoke the soul of old Florida at the turn of the twentieth century. A short drive brings you to Homosassa, an original Gulf Coast fishing village where the rhythms of daily life are still dictated by the tides; whether you're casting a line, scalloping in the shallows, or simply gliding through the waterways by kayak, this is Florida as it was always meant to be experienced. Then there's Inverness - small-town living done properly, with a lively historic Courthouse Square at its heart, a genuinely walkable and cycle-friendly centre, and a clutch of great restaurants, inviting pubs and independent shops.
Holiday Ideas
Our Favourite Stays
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa North - Tampa Bay
Moderate
From £99 per room per night
Set in the peaceful Hidden River Corporate Park, this hotel is ideally situated just 10 minutes from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and close to Lettuce Lake Park and the University of South Florida. Downtown Tampa can be reached in around 20 minutes, while Tampa International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away.
The hotel features 126 guest rooms, each offering complimentary Wi-Fi and modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a free hot buffet breakfast each morning, relax by the outdoor swimming pool and make the most of the hotel's convenient location for exploring the Tampa area.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District - Tampa Bay
Moderate
From £112 per room per night
Situated in the heart of Historic Ybor City, this hotel enjoys a convenient position just off I-4 and within walking distance of Centro Ybor, as well as the area's restaurants, bars and attractions. Downtown Tampa and The Florida Aquarium are just two miles away, while the Cuban Club, Italian Club and Cruise Port are all within a mile.
Featuring 96 guest rooms, providing a comfortable base for exploring Tampa. Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub or enjoy all-day dining in the hotel's restaurant. Its central position also offers easy access to Amalie Arena, the cruise terminals and the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Epicurean Hotel - Tampa Bay
First Class
From £237 per room per night
Located in South Tampa’s stylish Hyde Park district, the Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection offers a stay close to Bayshore Boulevard, Amalie Arena and the dining and nightlife of SoHo Tampa. Renowned for its culinary focus, the hotel provides a unique base for exploring one of Tampa’s most celebrated neighbourhoods.
There are 193 contemporary guest rooms and suites, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy chef-driven dining experiences, cooking classes and panoramic city views from the EDGE rooftop bar. Additional facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and the luxurious Spa Evangeline, offering a range of rejuvenating body and facial treatments.
Grand Hyatt - Tampa Bay
Deluxe
From £169 per room per night
Set on a 35-acre waterfront nature preserve overlooking Tampa Bay, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay offers a peaceful resort-style setting just minutes from Tampa International Airport and within easy reach of downtown Tampa, Raymond James Stadium and the area's leading attractions.
Onsite there are 442 guest rooms and 24 suites, including secluded Casitas with private patios. Accommodation features modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and spacious work areas, with many rooms offering views across the bay or city skyline. Enjoy two outdoor swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness centre, tennis and pickleball courts, waterfront jogging trails, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Dining options include award-winning seafood, authentic Italian cuisine and casual American fare, while a poolside bar and lobby lounge provide the perfect place to unwind.
Retreat at Crystal Manatee - Crystal River
Moderate
From £150 per room per night
Located in the heart of Crystal River, The Retreat at Crystal Manatee is a charming, family-owned hotel within easy walking distance of the area's most popular natural attractions. King's Bay Park and Hunter Springs are less than five minutes away on foot, while the renowned Three Sisters Springs, famous for its manatee encounters, can be reached in around 10 minutes.
There are 19 modern guest rooms, providing a comfortable and intimate base for exploring Florida's Nature Coast. Guests can enjoy European-inspired cuisine at The Three Musketeers restaurant, serving gourmet salads, citrus-marinated skewers and homemade desserts. Room service is also available, allowing guests to dine in the comfort of their accommodation.
PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge - Crystal River
Moderate
From £160 per room per night
On the waterfront in Crystal River, Paddletail Waterfront Lodge offers excursions for experiencing the area’s famous manatee encounters. Manatees can be spotted year-round from the lodge’s docks, while the property also provides easy access to Crystal River’s outdoor adventures and natural attractions.
With 114 guest rooms, along with an inviting outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and Waterfront Adventures dive shop, the hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the area. Enjoy breakfast in the meeting room or relax at the waterfront Tiki Bar & Grill, serving craft beers and casual bites throughout the day. With dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
