The west coast of Florida, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, is a great change of pace for those who don’t suit the theme parks of Orlando or the extravagance of Miami. Tampa and the west coast boasts a year round climate that is absolutely perfect golf, beaching and seeing the sights. With a landscape that is far less built-up than other areas in the state, the Tampa area feels more natural and there are outstanding spots of natural beauty to be found everywhere, especially on the golf course.
With flights now heading to Tampa directly from the UK, this gorgeous region is more accessible than it has ever been, but remains largely undiscovered by golfer heading to Florida. Just an hour outside of Tampa city lies the Streamsong Resort, an absolute bucket-list golf experience, with 3 different courses all regularly ranked inside the top 100 courses in all of America. For holiday days not spent on the course, there are plenty of things to see and do, including try the cuban-influenced local cuisine.
A regular stop on the PGA Tour, Innisbrook features 620 hotel rooms, 4 golf courses, 3 restaurants and a spa. Perfect for your dream golf holiday.
A rare combination of three masterpieces in golf architecture, Streamsong is a contender for best golf resort in the country, let alone the state.
An all-encompassing golf resort, Saddlebrook offers two fantastic Floridian golf courses. Paired with these is first-class accommodation and host of on-site activities.
There are many outdoor activities in and around Tampa that prove popular with both locals and tourists alike, one of the biggest highlights among them are the phenomenal beaches. On the west coast, overlooking the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches are some of the most beautiful in America, and much quieter than the ones in Miami.
Whilst life here moves at a slower speed than in commercial hotspots like Jacksonville and Orlando, there are still a number of local attractions that offer endless fun for groups and families. The Florida Aquarium and Tampa Zoo are both highlights for animal lovers and the Botanical Garden’s makes a great day out. Tampa has a rich history with many influences, something that can be experienced through the many museums.
Tampa boasts some of the best restaurants and breweries on the west coast of Florida, the diverse culture has led to diverse cuisine, offering gastronomical delights of endless variety. Tampa Bay is one of the craft beer hotspots in the Sunshine State, offering a host of unique, locally inspired beers. The moonshine distillery is worth a visit for a taste of the legendary American drink.
Nothing says ‘America’ like cruising down the highway, heading somewhere awesome. Take a look at drive times from Tampa to key attractions to visit during your stay.
Drive Times By Car
1.5 hrs
30 mins
1 hr
45 mins
Flying to Tampa couldn't be easier, with regular direct flights from London Gatwick to Tampa International Airport, then within a 20 minutes drive you are in the heart of downtown Tampa. Take a look at some key flight details, with tips of when the best time of year is to travel.
Flights & Weather
10 hrs
Tampa International - TPA
October - May
22 - 30° C