Travel TipsWinter temperatures in the Tampa Bay area rarely fall below freezing. Skies are mostly sunny, and humidity is moderate. However, from May into October highs hover around 90 degrees. The “heat index” reading—a combination of heat and the relative humidity—may make it feel more like 100. Afternoon thunderstorms offer relief but can be capable of producing high winds, lightning, driving rain, local flooding, occasional hail and, possibly, tornadoes.
Even though Tampa is businesslike when it comes to attire, dress tends to be informal. Few restaurants require a jacket and tie, and most nightspots are decidedly casual. When sightseeing, dress for comfort.
Tampa, FL
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection1207 S Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606
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Members save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel4200 Jim Walter Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
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Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore2225 N Lois Ave. Tampa, FL 33607
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The Westin Tampa Bay7627 W. Courtney Campbell Cswy. Tampa, FL 33607
Book NowCity Population
352,957
Elevation
27 ft.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is 8.5 percent in Hillsborough and 7 percent in Pasco County. An accommodations tax is 6 percent in Hillsborough County and 5 percent in Pasco County.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(813) 231-6130; Sheriff (813) 247-8200
Fire (non-emergency)
(813) 274-7011
Hospitals
AdventHealth Carrollwood, (813) 932-2222; AdventHealth Tampa, (813) 971-6000; Memorial Hospital of Tampa, (813) 873-6400; Tampa General, (813) 844-7000.
Visitor Information
201 N. Franklin St., Suite 102 Tampa, FL 33602. Phone:(813)226-2752 or (800)448-2672
Air Travel
Commercial domestic and international flights entering Tampa land at Tampa International Airport (TPA). Several commercial airlines and private planes use St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Private and corporate planes have access to Albert Whitted Airport (SPG) in St. Petersburg and Peter O. Knight Airport (TPF) in Tampa.
Rental Cars
Hertz, which offers discounts to AAA members, is at the car rental center at Tampa International Airport, (813) 874-3232; St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, (727) 532-4801; and at St. Pete Beach, (727) 360-1631; or phone (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
Tampa's Amtrak station is at 601 N. Nebraska Ave. in downtown Tampa, behind historic Union Station. Daily service is offered; phone (813) 221-7600 or (800) 872-7245. Bus service to Union Station is available via HART routes 9, 12 and 400; phone (813) 254-4278.
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc. is at 610 E. Polk St. in Tampa; phone (813) 229-2174.
Taxis
Major companies include United Cab Co., (813) 777-7777, and Yellow Cab Co., (813) 253-0121.
Public Transportation
HART serves Tampa and its immediate suburbs, including shopping malls and area attractions. Service also includes the TECO Line Streetcar System, which makes 11 stops along a 2.7-mile track between downtown Tampa and Ybor City. For HART bus and streetcar fares and schedules, phone (813) 254-4278.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.