Hotel Downtown or Outside Tampa?

Question

Hi, We're flying into Tampa and renting a car. We are planning to stay at a hotel for the night with two kids & visit the Florida Aquarium the next day before we go on to the next destination. Would you recommend staying downtown for the night or outside Tampa? Any hotel recs for a family? Also any recs on parking near the aquarium? Thanks.,

Answer

For a family visiting Tampa with kids and planning to go to the Florida Aquarium the next day, staying downtown Tampa is generally the most convenient choice. You’ll be close to the aquarium, the Riverwalk, and other family-friendly attractions, making logistics simpler, especially if you’re only staying one night.

Reasons to Stay Downtown:

Easy access to the Florida Aquarium and surrounding Riverwalk area without long drives or parking stress.
Close to restaurants, cafes, and shops for evening activities or a quick dinner.
Potential to explore other nearby attractions like the Tampa Children’s Museum, Glazer Children’s Museum, or Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park if you have time.

Hotel Recommendations for Families Downtown:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center: Spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas, free breakfast, and indoor pool.
Hilton Tampa Downtown: Comfortable rooms, rooftop pool, and very close to the aquarium and Riverwalk.
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown: Offers family-friendly rooms, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to downtown.

Parking Near the Florida Aquarium:

The aquarium has its own on-site garage, which is convenient but can fill up during busy periods.
Nearby public garages and street parking are available along the downtown Riverwalk area; rates are generally reasonable and pay-by-app options are common.
Many downtown hotels offer overnight guest parking, so if you stay downtown, you may be able to park your car at the hotel and walk to the aquarium.

Alternative Option: Staying outside Tampa could save a few dollars if you prefer suburban hotels, but you’ll need to drive downtown the next morning, which can add extra time and hassle with parking, especially if your visit is short.

Overall, staying downtown Tampa is the most practical choice for a one-night stay with kids, minimizing driving and maximizing convenience for visiting the Florida Aquarium.