Travel The Best Things to Do in Tampa When Someone Visits

Whether you refer to it as Tampa (correct), Tampa Bay (incorrect unless you throw in “Area” at the end) or God’s Waiting Room (never totally inaccurate) -- the city of Tampa has had its share of skeptics when it comes to believing this Gulf Coast metropolis is one worth visiting. Hey, I get it. I’m from here and it was still a difficult decision for me to move back. But nothing is more satisfying than when you prove these same skeptics wrong, which has happened 100% of the time when out of towners -- even those pessimistic New Yorkers! -- have visited my hometown (Even on non-Gasparilla weekends!). And that’s because despite the incessant rumors, there is far more to do here than strip clubs and theme parks. In fact, these days, Tampa’s growing food and live music scene, killer lineup of breweries and almost eternally beach and boat-friendly weather have made for a quality of life so appealing that Tampa is now considered one of the hottest cities (no pun intended) for millennials. To prove it, here’s a curated list chock full of local-sourced options for actually cool things to do when visiting Tampa, Florida. And not a single solitary one involves a theme park. (Although, that said, Busch Gardens did just get its brewery back!)

Courtesy of Hemingway's

Explore the Tampa Riverwalk Free

Downtown Tampa / Multiple Locations

With more than two miles of winding waterside walkways, the AIA-nominated Tampa Riverwalk is the ideal stroll, bike ride, or even Pirate Water Taxi to soak up the many sights and attractions of Downtown Tampa. A good route is to start at Sail Pavilion (grab a beer for the road!) and either rent a bike or stroll past Curtis Hixon Park (the majestic University of Tampa is right across the river), Tampa Museum of Art, the Straz Center (in the evening there is often live music), and cap it off at Ulele and Armature Works where food and cocktails flow like, well, the Hillsborough River. Eat + Drink Your Way Through Tampa’s Newest Food Halls $$

Tampa Heights

Tampa may be late to the food hall party, but it came in with a vengeance. Case in point: there’s Heights Public Market located in the fully restored 1900s streetcar warehouse Armature Works: -- a 22,000 sq-ft foodie haven filled with 15 food vendors, communal seating, and signature Southern chophouse Steelbach -- all with unobstructed Downtown and Hillsborough River views. Just down the block there’s Hall on Franklin, which while the smaller of the two, packs its own punch with a more “European feel”, giant front and center bar, waiter-served eats and a vibrant nightlife scene complete with silent discos and a live DJ on the weekends. Spend an Afternoon Tarpon Fishing $$

Multiple locations

California has surfers; Florida has fishers. If you don't have a friend with a boat or knowledge of the best hooking spots (the latter, pretty much all locals have), it’s worth the rental fee to charter a vessel and captain for the afternoon. Plus, let’s face it, your worst fishing day on a boat coasting under the famous Skyway Bridge and through the crystal clear waters of Anna Maria Island is still probably your best actual day ever. Take a Hip Hop Yoga Class at Camp $

South Tampa / Palma Ceia

Downward dog is way better when it’s done with Tribe Called Quest in the background. Just saying. Visit Downtown St. Pete St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach

Once upon a time, St. Pete was affectionately known as “God’s Waiting Room.These days it’s considered one of the coolest cities in America. Downtown has been transformed into a sea of restaurants, artsy shops, live music and rooftop bars -- all of which are easily walkable. After spending the day on foot strolling Beach Drive and Vinoy Park, head over to Pass-A-Grille: a picturesque one-block-wide beach town for sun, surf, and an umbrella drink.

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