Tampa in 2 Days for Friends - Brunch at Oxford Exchange
A lively 2-day weekend for a group of friends who want great food halls, active play, local craft beer, and upbeat nightlife. Spring in Tampa means sunny days, long evenings, and plenty of outdoor Riverwalk time—perfect for social groups.
Highlights
- Brunch at Oxford Exchange
- Stroll & bike-friendly Tampa Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard
- Lunch at Armature Works food hall
- The Florida Aquarium visit
- Cigar City Brewing tasting
- Topgolf group session
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Evening at Sparkman Wharf and Ybor City nightlife
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunny spring day exploring downtown waterfront highlights, a food-hall lunch, an aquarium visit, then Ybor City by night for local brews and live music.
Brunch at Oxford Exchange (fuel up for the day)
Bright, stylish brunch spot that handles groups and has communal seating—great for coffee, creative breakfast plates, and a relaxed start.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table ahead for 4+; Oxford Exchange books fast on weekends—ask for a long communal table if you want to sit together.
- Street parking fills quickly; use the small garage behind the shop or valet on Kennedy if you have a lot of bags.
- Spring mornings are sunny—grab a seat on the patio for fresh air and group photos.
Tampa Riverwalk & Bayshore Boulevard bike-friendly stroll
Leisurely walk along the waterfront with optional short bike ride along Bayshore Boulevard for skyline views and group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone wants to rent wheels, suggest scooter or bike rental apps—meet at the southern Riverwalk end so everyone can depart together.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses—March has bright days and long riverfront stretches with limited shade.
- If someone prefers to sit, stop at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park playground area while the rest do a quick loop on Bayshore (easy regroup spot).
Lunch at Armature Works (food hall & rooftop views)
A social food hall with multiple vendors—great for groups who want different cuisines and shareable costs. Grab a few dishes and picnic on the lawn or at long tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim for vendors with single-line ordering and then meet at one of the long communal tables; split bills by dishes to keep costs easy to share.
- Check the second-floor seating and the rooftop deck for quieter group spots with skyline views—ask staff for table suggestions for parties of 4–6.
- Bring a light jacket for the rooftop in case of breezy spring evenings; the lawn is perfect for a casual group hang if you want to linger.
The Florida Aquarium visit (underwater walk-through exhibits)
One of Tampa's top attractions—great for groups who enjoy marine life and interactive exhibits. Plan for 1.5–2 hours to see the highlights.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance for smoother group entry—group discount options can sometimes be arranged at the box office.
- Start at the touch pools for social photo ops, then head to the wetlands and coral reef exhibits to avoid later crowds.
- March weather is warm—if anyone’s coming straight from the beach, keep a small towel handy for wet shoes after interactive exhibits.
Quick break at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (recharge & regroup)
Short pause to relax on the waterfront lawn, use restrooms, and plan dinner—an easy spot to stretch before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the park restrooms and water fountains here to freshen up before heading to Ybor City—public facilities are well maintained.
- This is a perfect photo op spot for golden-hour pictures if you want an early sunset group shot along the Hillsborough River.
- If one person wants to grab a quick coffee or snack, the nearby Riverwalk kiosks are open in spring; meet at the large outdoor chess board to regroup.
Dinner & sampling at Cigar City Brewing (local craft beer and shareable snacks)
Local favorite brewery with an on-site tasting room—perfect for groups who enjoy craft beer and casual plates. Tours and tastings available if scheduled.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a tasting flight or set up a small table in advance for groups—Cigar City can handle lively groups but tours sell out on Friday/Saturday.
- Try the seasonal brews on tap and split a few appetizers to keep costs shared and low for the group.
- If parking is tight, use a rideshare from downtown—it's an easy, inexpensive way to get to the brewery and back safely after tastings.
Ybor City nightlife & live music at The Ritz Ybor (historic venue or bar-hopping)
Head to Ybor for cobblestone streets, live music, and late-night bars. If The Ritz has a show, it's a marquee option; otherwise bar-hop for live bands and trivia.
Tips from local experts:
- Check The Ritz Ybor's calendar and buy advance tickets for shows—if there's a concert it's the marquee option for a longer single-venue night.
- Ybor's sidewalks are lively—reserve a larger table at a bar if you want to secure seating for a group of 4–6; many spots welcome upbeat groups.
- For late-night eats, keep an eye out for 24-hour Cuban sandwich spots nearby if the group gets hungry after music.
Day 2
A playful active morning, cultural afternoon, then games and waterfront dinner—designed for friends who want both action and chill group time.
Topgolf Tampa — group bays and playful competition
Active, high-energy start: reserve a bay for friendly competition, music, and drinks. Great for groups of 4–6+ and easy to split the bill per bay.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a bay online for a specific time; spring weekends fill quickly—ask for an outdoor bay for better views and fresh air.
- Bays seat up to 6 comfortably—split the cost per bay to keep things fair and social for the whole group.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer for wind off the range; Topgolf provides clubs, so no gear needed.
Late-morning bites at Sparkman Wharf (casual waterfront food + lawn)
Casual waterfront spot with rotating food vendors, great for groups who want flexible ordering and outdoor tables.
Tips from local experts:
- Grab orders from different vendors and meet at one of the long picnic tables to share—Sparkman Wharf is great for mixed diets.
- Check the events board—spring often has live weekend music or outdoor games that are perfect for a social group.
- Arrive early for shaded seating; the lawn fills in the afternoon when bands start playing.
Tampa Bay History Center (culture & local stories)
Learn about Tampa Bay’s rich past—good mix of indoor exhibits if you need a cool break from the sun and a relaxed group activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy combined admission if anyone wants to add the Riverwalk boat cruise later—saves time and groups often appreciate the combo.
- Start with the Cuban and cigar-making exhibits for quick, conversation-starting highlights about Ybor’s history.
- There's a scenic rooftop area and museum café—perfect for regrouping and photos after exhibits.
Shopping & strolling in Hyde Park Village (light shopping and coffee)
Charming neighborhood for boutiques and casual shopping—good mid-afternoon break for a slower pace and window-shopping.
Tips from local experts:
- Hyde Park Village has many small shops with friendly staff—split up for 20–30 minutes and reconvene at the central green.
- Great spot to pick up a snack or locally made souvenir; many shops accept group card payments but check for minimums.
- If someone wants a quiet coffee or to recharge phones, several cafés offer comfortable seating away from the main strip.
Games & arcade at Dave & Buster's (friendly competition indoors)
Arcade, group games, and a lively bar/restaurant—a playful late-afternoon option if the group wants indoor fun with shared costs.
Tips from local experts:
- Purchase game cards at the counter and load credits as a group—set a budget per person to keep costs fair and fun.
- Reserve a table or call ahead for bigger groups during event nights; Dave & Buster’s has group packages for parties of 4–6.
- Use the app to find game deals or happy hour specials—spring weekdays often have quieter slots if you book mid-afternoon.
Evening dinner & live music at Sparkman Wharf (waterfront wrap-up)
Return to the riverfront for a relaxed dinner, outdoor seating, and often live music—an easy place for final drinks and group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table if you want a guaranteed spot for dinner; otherwise stake out a lawn area early and rotate food runs from vendors.
- Spring evenings are comfortable—grab patio seating for waterfront breezes and to keep the vibe lively without being crowded indoors.
- If someone wants to keep going after dinner, it’s a short rideshare to Channelside or Hyde Park bars for a final nightcap.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 8 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 13 |
| Total Places | 13 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Outdoor, Attraction, Break, Experience, Nightlife, Sport, Culture, Neighborhood |
