From spooky encounters to family-friendly fests, here’s how to make the most of the season in the Gulf Coast destination.

By Patricia Harrison

In the autumn, when temperatures start to dip in many regions across the United States, Tampa stays warm and sunny. In fact, the average highs in the city—which is situated along Florida’s Gulf Coast—linger in the upper 70 and 80 degrees from September through November. That makes Tampa the perfect destination to visit in the fall, when it’s also less humid than the balmy summer months and crowds tend to be thinner at popular attractions. To inspire your next Tampa getaway, here are four things to add to your autumn itinerary.

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has tons of rides, shows and animal encounters to experience year-round, but fall is a particularly special time to check out the park. That’s when it hosts multiple iconic special events: Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay (September 8–October 31) and Spooktacular (September 9–October 31). The former invites mature adrenaline seekers to enjoy haunted houses, horror-themed shows and other scary attractions after dark, while the latter offers a family-friendly ambience for trick-or-treating, costume parades and other Halloween fun. If you don’t want to attend these special events, you can still buy regular admission to Busch Gardens, which includes access to all the park’s exciting rides, including the new Serengeti Flyer (a swing that reaches speeds of 68 miles per hour) and the Cheetah Hunt (a triple-launch coaster).

Tampa Boat Tours

Autumn’s milder temperatures make it a prime time to enjoy a cruise on the water. The Florida Aquarium offers a popular Wild Dolphin Cruise, which includes a 75-minute excursion through Tampa Bay in a catamaran. On the ride, you’ll spot bottlenose dolphins, turtles, birds and other animals that call the bay home, paired with commentary from a naturalist. Or you can rent your own vessel from eBoats Tampa, which rents easy-to-operate canopied boats that seat up to 12 passengers (orientation, safety equipment and life jackets are included). For a romantic cruise, book a tour with Tampa Bay Fun Boat. The company’s one-hour excursions on Hillsborough Bay lead to beautiful views of downtown Tampa during sunset.

Ybor City Ghost Tour

Ybor City, once a hub for the region’s booming cigar industry, has more than 950 historic buildings constructed between the 1880s and World War I. Those structures housed social clubs, churches, businesses, factories and public buildings used by the community, which was comprised of immigrants from Cuba, Europe and Asia—and gangers, conspirators and other characters involved in the cigar industry. Take the Ybor City Ghost Tour, perfect for getting in the Halloween spirit, to learn about the neighborhood’s gritty past and see its most haunted buildings. That includes the Cuban Club, a former social hangout where many spirits are known to reside.

Tampa Riverwalk

Fun Fests

Many venues in and near Tampa have fall celebrations that include quintessential seasonal activities such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes and markets. Even if you can’t fit any gourds in your suitcase, it’sll fun to nibble on treats like kettle corn and apple cider doughnuts in the Florida sunshine. For two weekends in October, Armature Works sets up a riverfront pumpkin patch with live music, family activities and food vendors. Keel Farms in Plant City, about 20 miles south of Tampa, hosts Harvest Days (every Saturday and Sunday, starting October 7), which features more than 30 craft and food vendors and special fall releases of beer, wine and cider from the on-site winery and brewery. Or venture to Southern Hill Farms, about 75 miles north of Tampa, for its Fall Festival (Thursday–Sunday, September 23–November 12), featuring U-pick sunflower and zinnia fields, farm wagon rides, a 5-acre corn maze and more.

Where to Stay

The Tampa EDITION
This property, which opened in August 2022, has seven acclaimed dining and drinking venues. That includes a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, a rooftop pool bar with views of Tampa and a cocktail lounge that serves the boozy punches inspired by the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Convenience and style draw leisure and business travelers to the Hotel Alba. The property is in Tampa’s Westshore District near Westshore Plaza’s swanky retail stores and Tampa International Airport and has coveted features such as an outdoor pool and pet-friendly rooms.

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
The bars, eateries and attractions of Tampa’s iconic Riverwalk are located within walking distance of this waterfront gem. Slumber in contemporary rooms accented with calming natural tones and take in beautiful views of the bay while you enjoy fresh-caught seafood at River’s Edge Restaurant.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Clearwater Beach near Tampa, Florida

By Jessica Montevago

Vancouver is home to many vibrant and interesting areas. Broken up into neighborhoods, exploring is made easy thanks to the city being incredibly walkable and bike-able (don’t worry, there’s public transit options as well). Popular neighborhoods include the Downtown, which is in the middle of the city; Gastown, known as the historic quarter filled with trendy restaurants; Kitsilano for beach and water enthusiasts; Yaletown for high-end shopping and dining; Chinatown for authentic cuisine; and the West End, which leads outdoor lovers to the expansive Stanley Park.

Coal Harbor

Coal Harbor

Offering a laid-back atmosphere situated right on the waters edge, Coal Harbor is a charming mix of both residential and business, most notably the Vancouver Convention Centre. Cafes can be found along the Seawall itself, with larger restaurants generally found towards the convention center. Around this area you’ll find locals and visitors mingling on the famous Seawall and the popular marina. Tourists can visit Jack Poole Plaza, home of the Olympic flame from the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, walk towards Stanley Park, go on a harbor cruise, or board a seaplane for a tour over the city.

Where to stay: Fairmont Pacific Rim

The five-star hotel offers breathtaking mountain and harbor views. The hotel features three eclectic dining destinations, resort-style Willow Stream Spa, rooftop pool deck, and lavish guestrooms; while art, music, and fashion take center stage at the city’s most exclusive reservation. Experience a variety of the city’s most luxurious suites including the newest addition, The Fairmont Gold Owner’s Suite Collection: stylish mid-century modern designed suites inspired by what makes a city feel alive.

Granville Street and Downtown Vancouver

Located in the heart of Vancouver, Granville Street is where you'll find Vancouver's main downtown entertainment district with countless restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Lined with neon signs, the Granville Street strip is known as the city’s cultural hub. It’s home to the Commodore Ballroom, a music venue and nightclub that first opened in 1929, as well as the Orpheum Theatre, home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. During the day, visitors can pop in to the Pacific Centre shopping mall or smaller shops lining the strip.

Where to stay: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Following its debut in 1927, the Hotel Georgia came to be known as Vancouver's most elegant retreat. Now under the Rosewood flag, it recently underwent a complete overhaul. The revamped lobby area boasts a contemporary art collection that showcases many of Canada’s top painters and sculptors. The 156 luxurious guestrooms and suites, meanwhile, have high-end amenities such as Pratesi linens and heated bathroom floors. The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is in a prime location at the corner of Georgia and Howe Streets, across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery and a block from bustling Robson Street, the city’s prime shopping destination.

Gastown

Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, with humble beginnings as a single tavern back in 1867. The area has maintained its historic charm and independent spirit. A stroll along Water Street is like a step back in time – Victorian houses line cobblestone streets with vintage lampposts. Powered (partially) by steam, Gastown's well-known antique-style clock was built in 1977 and whistles every 15 minutes to tell the time. Gastown also has an impressive culinary scene, with plenty of walking food tours for visitors who want a taste of everything.

Where to stay: Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites

Affordable and newly renovated, this all-suite hotel is ideal for families or large groups who are looking for spacious accommodations, as well as the option for connecting/adjoining rooms. Amenities include a fully equipped fitness center and a restaurant, Stock & Supply.

The West End

In this neighborhood, the beaches and parks are the main attraction, with the sprawling green space, Stanley Park, bordered along one side. It’s also home to the city’s LGBTIA+ community, centered around Davie Village. Visitors can rent bicycles and ride through the neighborhood, along the Seawall, and into the park. Outdoor adventure junkies can rent a kayak or try stand-up paddleboarding right on the English Bay.

Where to stay: The Sylvia Hotel

In the heart of the West End, the hotel boasts an English Bay waterfront and is just steps away from the beach and the park. The Sylvia Hotel is a designated heritage building, first built in 1912, and now a city landmark. Its old-fashioned character encompasses 120 rooms and suites, as well as a beachside dining experience.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Aerial view of The West End & Downtown Vancouver

4 Festive Things to do in Tampa This Fall