Things to Do in Tampa

You want to have fun? Well fun you shall have! If you are in town business or pleasure we invite you to check out some of our favorite hot spots and truly Tampa experiences.

Day One

Datz

Located in Hyde Park this local restaurant prides itself in comfort food with flair. Did we mention the monkey bread? Because we like Datz monkey bread in all its sticky gooey glory.
2616 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33629
http://www.datztampa.com/

Hyde Park Village

Burn off some of that breakfast by taking a jaunt around Hyde Park Village for some retail therapy or simply enjoy the serene sounds of the Village’s fountain surrounded by dreamy oak trees.
http://www.hydeparkvillage.com/events

Segway Tours
Strap on your helmet — safety first — and hop on a Segway to glide through the streets on a guided tour of our city including stops along Bayshore Boulevard, Harbour Island, the Tampa Convention Center, University of Tampa (Go Spartans!) and Curtis Hixon Park. These tours are available year round, seven days a week.

Magic Carpet Glide — Segway Tours
http://www.magiccarpetglide.com/

Columbia Restaurant

If you’re looking for dinner with a side of history (over 100 years of it!) you’ve come to the right place. Nestled in Ybor City is family-owned Columbia Restaurant, which opened its doors in 1905. Today, it remains the oldest Spanish restaurant in the U.S. Nosh on an authentic Spanish cuisine here and don’t forget to order the Sangria —it includes a souvenir hand-painted pitcher to take home as a unique souvenir.

2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

Historic Ybor City

Not only is Ybor City the home of the oldest Spanish restaurant in the U.S., it also was once the cigar capital of the world — and we’re not just blowing smoke. We recommend stopping by after lunch to check out the unique experience this district has to offer including handmade goods for sale, local artists work on display, cigar-rolling demos and local craft brews.

http://www.yborcityonline.com/

Tampa Theater

A true cultural gem! Since 1926, this venue has been a treasured piece of the Tampa arts community and visitors alike. The architecture is drop-jaw beautiful and the atmosphere whisks you away to another time with its old-world statuary.
711 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
http://tampatheatre.org/

Ulele

This destination dining experience captures the cuisine traditional to Florida waters and the land once home to Native Americans, including the young princess Ulele.
1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL
http://www.ulele.com/

Live Music & Signature Cocktails
Top off your evening by sipping on signature cocktails and boogying the night away at one of the local live music venues. From clubs to expansive rooftop bars, Tampa nightlife has something for everyone.
http://www.813area.com/nightlife/

Day Two

Pinky’s

If it’s fluffy fruit-filled pancakes you’re craving look no further than Pinky’s. This place has a reputation around Tampa for having the best breakfast. It’s true! Pinky’s has won Best of Tampa’s best breakfast category — five years strong.

3203 Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33629
http://pinkysdiner.com/pd/

The Florida Aquarium

Take a dive into our waters by experiencing over 20,000 aquatic animals and plants during your visit. Keep the fun going with a cruise experience to get a glimpse of the bottle-nosed dolphin and numerous species of birds, rumor has it there are also occasional manatee sightings.

701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
http://www.flaquarium.org/

Riverwalk
After your under the sea excursion stroll along the Riverwalk to bask all this place has to offer: waterfront parks, local shops, dining and history.
The Tampa Riverwalk
http://www.thetampariverwalk.com/

Oxford Exchange

Where foodies and bookworms come together. This lunch spot featuring fresh, simple meals made with organic ingredients brings to light on what it means to create rare and engaging dining experiences. Even better? The Bookstore at Oxford Exchange was voted one of the best bookstores in Tampa Bay.

420 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606
http://oxfordexchange.com/

Tampa Breweries

Discover Tampa’s best local breweries by ordering a flight post-lunch at one of the many breweries in town. Some offer tours extend your knowledge on the business of brewing.

For a full list of breweries, visit www.thebrewerybay.com/.

Whiskey Joe’s
Take some time to unwind and relax near the crackling outdoor fire pits with the Florida sunset as your backdrop in this casual beachside bar and grill.

7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa, FL 33607

http://www.whiskeyjoestampa.com/eats

Evening Itinerary

If you just have an evening to spend with us, let us suggest a fun evening out sure to satisfy business professionals and tourists alike. Here’s the play-by-play.

Baseball & Burgers

Batter up! Enjoy an evening of baseball with the family or coworkers. Just a quick 20-minute drive across the Bay — the views are impeccable, by the way — to watch the Tampa Bay Rays swing their way into victory at the Tropicana Stadium.

Square 1 Burgers & Bar

Looking to grab some grub before the game? Check out Square 1 Burgers & Bar less than 10-minutes from our hotel for an undeniably delicious burger. Ranked number one on The Tampa Sun Times’ best burger list, it’s not hard to see (and taste) why. These gourmet burgers are made with quality beef and topped with whatever your hungry heart desires.

Burger Up!
Grab a bite at the game. Located conveniently in the Tropicana Food Court this burger joint puts the “beef” in beefy. This isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill baseball stadium burger — oh no! — these burgers are cooked fresh to order and so worth it.

Bongo’s II

Postgame lineup. Just .2 miles from the stadium this bar and grill is a staple for fans to come and enjoy the stunning sunsets over the Gulf after the game. You’ll also find regular live music and even an occasional Rays sighting. This establishment is geared for adults looking to get away and enjoy a relaxing evening.