Things to Do in Tampa Bay
With 20 years of living in Tampa, and being in the hospitality industry, I often get asked, "What is there to do in Tampa?" So, here is a list of some of my favorite places to visit & things to do!
Downtown Tampa
Tampa Riverwalk - located along the Hillsborough river, this 2 mile walk will take you from Armature works, through downtown and end at Sparkmans Wharf. Passing bars, restaurants, parks, museums, and businesses. Here are a few of our favorite places to stop:
Armature Works - food hall, bars, and local hang out.
north end of the river walk
MBird - Rooftop restaurant at armature works, has a great view of downtown and Hillsborough River
Ulele - Fresh seafood fine dining on the riverwalk. Also brew their own beer, I would suggest a cocktail though.
Sail Pavilion - outdoor bar by the convention center, south end of the riverwalk. Located nest to boat rentals, water taxi, or ferry to St. Pete. A heavy traffic area, great for people watching, or relaxing with a drink. Rays Fish Camp available for food, new convention center food halls opening soon.
Ricks on the River - fun bar. Across the river from armature works. Live music often.
Columbia Cafe - great place for sangria on the Tampa River Walk
Anchor & Brine - in the Marriott, out back on the Tampa River Walk
Sparkmans Wharf - end of the River Walk. Shipping containers with different restaurants. Beer bar. Large outdoor area with games. Next to the port of Tampa, right on the water
Water Taxi - runs up & down the Hillsborough River all day, $24 I think. Stops all along the River Walk & Ricks on the River
Trolly - Free to ride. Takes you from downtown to Ybor City
Scooter & Bikes are available to rent all throughout Tampa
Kraken Boats - pedal boat. BYOB. Party boat
Water Street - The newest edition to downtown Tampa, this live, work, play rennovation is bringing upscale dining and lodging to our beautiful downtown. A local market happens every Sunday 10-2
Peal, Perladina, & Boulon are just a few of the incredible new restaurants in Water Street.
Amalie Arena - While your in town catch a show or a Lightning Hockey game at our Arena in the middle of downtown Tampa!
South Tampa
Bern's Steakhouse - Top destination steak house in Tampa, not only historical, but also delicious! Make sure to get a reservation in their dessert room!
Haven - Owned by Berns, focuses on cheese & tapas. Huge wine selection.
Salt Shack on the Bay - best sunset dining in Tampa. Can be very busy. Fish forward menu. Live music Friday - Sunday
Hula Bay - bar/restaurant at the marina (same road as salt shack)
Hyde Park Village - Boutique Shopping & some of the best restaurants in town. Short walk to Bayshore & Soho. Market every 1st Sunday (except in Summer), local events like Art festivals, tree lighting, trick-or-treat, etc.
Soho Backyard - Small local bar, with a fantastic menu. Just go, believe me, you wont regret it. Brunch menu on weekends!
Soho Saloon - Best party bar in soho, football games all weekend during season! Ask if Keaton is there, shes the best! Tell her Deb sent you :)
Ybor City
One of 2 historical districts in the state of Florida, St. Augustine being the other. This cute entertainment district will have you partying all day! Bars, clubs, restaurants, breweries and distilleries, Ybor has it all! Make sure to stop into the Ybor City History Museum for a little lesson on our beloved town.
Blind Tiger - coffee, tea, cowork space.
Carmine’s - Italian food. Known for their deviled crab & Cuban sandwich
Bernini’s - Italian food. One of my favorites. First Bank of Ybor building
Zydeco - brewery. New Orleans style food. Live music.
Cigar City Cider and Mead - cider &
Mead. Deliciousness.
Ybor Tap House - my old bar, owned by my business partners now. They’re alright, great selection of beer.
Best Breweries
Coppertail - Ybor
Angry Chair - Seminole Heights. New facility, might not be open yet
Cigar City - I’m sure you’ve heard of it 😉
Hidden Springs - Downtown Tampa, near Armature Works
Strip Clubs
Did you know, Tampa is the Strip Club capital of the world! Tampa local Joe Redner legalized the nude lap dance in the city of Tampa and still owns Mons Venus Famous Nude Strip Club.
Mons Venus - 2040 N Dale Mabry
Full nude, no alcohol
Odessey - N Dale Mabry
Famous spaceship private dance room
Full nude, no alcohol
Scores - my favorite
Doll House - second favorite
Pent House - West shore Blvd
free lunch M-F 12-2pm with purchase of drink, Not full nude - they just rebranded during Covid, might be my new favorite. But daytime is still the best
Transportation
Free trolly - downtown tampa to ybor, every 15 min
Water taxi - along the downtown tampa riverwalk, every 15 min or so
Water ferry - downtown tampa to downtown st Pete 3 times a day, runs Oct - April (double check always changing)
Tampa Bay Party Bus - https://tbpartybus.com">https://tbpartybus.com - Jason or Jonathan - tell them Deb sent you!
Brew bus - tampa based - just Google it