🌴 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Itinerary: Tampa & West Coast Florida Base Location: 8940 E Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33610Trip Dates: Saturday to MondayFocus: Nature, relaxation, budget-friendly fun
Saturday – Road Trip & Scenic Stops
Time
Activity
8:15 AM
Depart Miami
10:30 AM
Arrive at Marco Island – Quick photo stop at South Marco Beach
10:45 AM
Drive to Doreen’s Cup of Joe
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Brunch at Doreen’s Cup of Joe
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Explore Downtown Naples – 5th Ave South & Naples Art Institute (optional)
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Explore Historic Palm Cottage (free gardens + exterior)
1:45 PM
Depart Naples
2:30 PM
Drive-thru St. Armands Circle (Sarasota)
2:45 PM
Walk the Rose Garden (free area at Ringling grounds)
3:15 PM
Depart Sarasota
4:00 PM
St. Pete Highlights: Sunshine Skyway Bridge overlook, EDGE District murals
4:45 PM
Optional: Quick walk at Vinoy Park
5:30 PM
Arrive at Airbnb, Tampa
7:00 PM
Dinner + sunset at Sparkman Wharf
8:30 PM
Optional evening walk on Tampa Riverwalk
11:00 PM
Lights out
Sunday – Springs & Chill Day (Swim + Relax)
Time
Activity
8:00 AM
Light breakfast at Airbnb or nearby café
8:30 AM
Depart for Spring of choice
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Swim, float, hike, picnic, and relax at the Spring (options below)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Return to Airbnb in Tampa
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Budget-friendly exploration: Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, Hyde Park Village
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Dinner at Armature Works or Sparkman Wharf
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Optional hangout: Tampa Riverwalk or Hyde Park
11:00 PM
Lights out
Monday – Chill Beach Morning + Departure
Time
Activity
8:00 AM
Light breakfast / pack up Airbnb
9:00 AM
Drive to Clearwater Beach (~45 min)
9:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Beach time: swim, relax, walk the pier
12:00 PM
Lunch at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (beachfront, casual)
1:00 PM
Optional souvenirs or coffee
2:00 PM
Depart for Miami
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Arrive in Miami
🏞️ Spring Options (Swim + Relax)
Spring
Distance from Tampa
Highlights
Entry Fee
Rainbow Springs
1 hr 15 min
Swimming, nature trails, picnic areas
$2/person
Weeki Wachee Springs
1 hr
Swimming + water park + mermaid show
$13/adult
Gilchrist Blue Springs
1 hr 30 min
Clear swimming, quiet, less crowded
$6/vehicle
Three Sisters Springs
1 hr 30 min
Swim/snorkel access (via kayak launch)
Boardwalk only (no swim access directly)
🍽️ Budget-Friendly Dining at Armature Works & Sparkman Wharf
Location
Restaurant / Food Option
Cuisine
Price Range
Notes
Armature Works
Savor Tampa Bay (food hall)
Variety (tacos, sushi)
$8–15/dish
Many options, casual vibe
Armature Works
Rooster & the Till
Creative American
$12–18/dish
Casual, inventive dishes
Armature Works
Fresh Kitchen
Healthy bowls & wraps
$10–14
Quick, fresh, healthy
Armature Works
Crazy About You
Sandwiches, salads
$8–12
Light, casual bites
Sparkman Wharf
Columbia Cafe
Spanish/Cuban tapas
$10–18
Shareable small plates
Sparkman Wharf
World of Beer
Bar food & beer
$8–15
Burgers, fries, craft beer
Sparkman Wharf
The Bricks
Neapolitan pizza
$12–18/pizza
Great pizza, casual atmosphere
Sparkman Wharf
Yoko’s Sushi
Sushi, poke bowls
$10–16
Fresh, affordable
💡 Activities List (Cheapest to Most Expensive)
Activity
Location
Approx. Cost
Notes
Kirby Storter Boardwalk
Near Miami
Free
Short nature walk, mangroves
Naples Historic Palm Cottage (outside)
Naples
Free
Gardens & historic home (exterior only)
Rose Garden & St. Armands Circle
Sarasota
Free
Public rose garden & upscale shopping
Edge District Murals & Vinoy Park
St. Pete
Free
Murals & waterfront park
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater
Free
Public beach, swim, relax
Tampa Riverwalk & Hyde Park Village
Tampa
Free
Urban walking, casual shopping
Swimming at Springs (Rainbow, etc.)
Various
$2–6
Park entry/vehicle fee
Weeki Wachee Springs (water park + show)
Weeki Wachee
$13
Water park & mermaid show
Sparkman Wharf & Armature Works
Tampa
Free (food extra)
Popular food & drink hubs
Casual Dinner at Local Restaurants
Tampa
$10–20+
Budget-friendly local spots
Kayaking at Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River
$40+ (rental)
Optional kayaking adventure
Sunset Dinner Cruise or Guided Tour
Tampa Bay Area
$50+
Optional scenic tours or boat cruises
