Starting in downtown Tampa and ending 4.5 miles later at Ballast Point park, Bayshore is perfect for a nice stroll, energetic run, or leisurely bike ride. This is also where the annual Pirate invasion, Gasparilla occurs in January. Some say if you go on a quite night you can hear the sound of a beer cracking open and an faint "yo, ho!"
Following the part of the Hillsborough River that runs through downtown, Tampa's Riverwalk is an open container area with many restaurants, parks, and playgrounds along the way. Some of our favorites are The Sail near the Convention Center, Four Green Fields in Curtis Hixon Park, and Armature Works - a modern food hall. Make sure you wear your walking shoes and your stretchy pants! Open container rules for your reading pleasure (https://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/drinks-on-the-riverwalk-faces-key-vote-at-tampa-city-council/2205384/)
Previously housing Tampa's electric streetcars, Armature Works is now home to a plethora of offerings. Probably most attractive is their food hall with everything from casual counter service to upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone. Oak and Ola, M Bird, and Ichicoro are some of our favorites. You can grab a bite and a cocktail and sit on their spacious lawn by the river.
Situated by the port, Sparkman's Warf features local Tampa cuisine at their food counters made out of shipping containers, a beer garden, spacious lawn, and a few indoor restaurants. Sparkman's Warf is completely outdoors and pet friendly.
Known as the heart of Tampa, Ybor features Tampa's Cuban culture. In between downtown and the channel Ybor is where Cuban immigrants called home and gave us one of the best gifts...cigars. Know for it's eclectic energy, Ybor has something for everyone. During the day families can walk down 7th Ave and enjoy delicious cuisine. At night, adults can enjoy bar hopping and catch a concert at the Crow Bar. Some of our favorite spots include New Orleans inspired brewery, Zydecco; vegetarian heavy cafe, The Bricks; iconic pizza joint, New York New York Pizza; modern sushi sport, Samurai Blue; and many more.
Hyde Park, offers shopping and dining in a small neighborhood feel with lots of historic charm. Grab a coffee at Buddy Brew, a popsicle at Hyppo, or a glass of wine at Wine Exchange and enjoy shopping at Lululemon, Madewell, Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Kendra Scott and some local shops such as Salt Pines, Downtown Dogs, and Canvas Fashion Gallery. Don't forget to hit up the Cupcake ATM outside Sprinkles!
Newly rebuilt and revamped the *new* St. Pete Pier has something for everyone. Restaurants with breathtaking views of the ocean, spacious lawns with lounge chairs to sip cocktails, splash park for kids (or adventurous adults), and fishing piers. There is a little bit of a walk to get to the end of the pier so its recommended to go in the evening and not in the middle of the day - because you know...Florida.
Where else can you ride a roller coaster, visit a lion, and eat a turkey leg all in one day? Okay well maybe there are a lot of places like that but Tampa's is Busch Gardens. If you're a roller coaster enthusiast then you have to ride Sheikra and experience its 90 degree drop. If animals are more of your thing then you have to ride on the railroad that takes you through all the animal exhibits. Or maybe you are more of a day drinker? Where do you think the theme park got its name...?