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Exploring | Where to Eat | Where to Stay | Nightlife | Shopping | Sports and the Outdoors
84 miles southwest of Orlando via I–4.
Tampa, the west coast’s business-and-commercial hub, has a sprinkling of high-rises and heavy traffic. A concentration of restaurants, nightlife, stores, and cultural events is amid the bustle. The city has really come into its own in recent years. The downtown Tampa waterfront features stunning views and excellent museums. Animal lovers flock here for attractions like Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens, Big Cat Rescue, and Giraffe Ranch. Revelers will enjoy the strip of bars and clubs that constitutes Ybor City, a historic area with a heavy Cuban influence. The city also abounds with art museums, shops, and a wide array of restaurants. Downtown and Ybor City are both excellent spots to look for live music. Not too far out of town are some great golf courses and nature trails. Tampa is also a short drive from a long stretch of gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches.
Getting Around
Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk, on Ashley Drive at the Hillsborough River, connects waterside entities such as the Florida Aquarium, the Channelside shopping-and-entertainment complex, and Marriott Waterside. The landscaped park is 6 acres and extends along the Garrison cruise-ship channel and along the Hillsborough River downtown. The walkway is being expanded as waterside development continues.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit and TECO Line Street Cars replicate Tampa’s first electric streetcars, transporting cruise-ship passengers to Ybor City and downtown Tampa.
Although downtown Tampa, the Channelside District, and Ybor City are easy to navigate without a car, you’ll want to rent one if you plan on hitting the beaches or heading to Busch Gardens, Hyde Park, International Plaza, or any of the zoos.
Bus and Trolley Contacts
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. | 813/254–4278 | www.gohart.org.
TECO Line Street Cars. | 813/254–4278 | www.tecolinestreetcar.org.
Cruise Ship Travel
Tampa is the largest shipping port in the state of Florida, and it’s becoming ever more important to the cruise industry, now with three passenger terminals. In Tampa’s downtown area, the port is linked to nearby Ybor City and the rest of the Tampa Bay area by the TECO streetcar line.
To reach the port by car, take Interstate 4 West to Exit 1 (Ybor City), and go south on 21st Street. To get to Terminals 2 and 6, turn right on Adamo Drive (Highway 60), then left on Channelside Drive.
Parking: Parking is available at the port directly across from the terminals. For Terminals 2 and 3 (Carnival and Royal Caribbean), parking is in a garage across the street. For Terminal 6 (Holland America), parking is outdoors in a guarded, enclosed lot. The cost is $15 a day, payable by credit card (MasterCard or Visa) or in cash.
Visitor Information
Contacts
Tampa Bay & Company. | 401 E. Jackson St., Suite 2100 | 800/448–2672, 813/223–1111 | www.visittampabay.com.
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. The staff here will give you the lowdown on the Pinellas County beaches. | 6990 Gulf Blvd. | St. Pete Beach | 727/360–6957 | www.tampabaybeaches.com.
Ybor City Chamber Visitor Bureau. | 1800 E. 9th St. | 813/248–3712 | www.ybor.org.
Exploring
Top Attractions
Fodor’s Choice | Big Cat Rescue.
Suburban Citrus Park in North Tampa is probably the last place you’d expect to be able to get face-to-face with an 800-pound tiger. Yet at the end of a shaded road just yards off the Veterans’ Expressway, you can do just that. This nonprofit, accredited sanctuary rescues and provides a permanent home for lions, tigers, ocelots, bobcats, cougars, and members of any other large-cat species you can imagine. Each and every one of these marvelous creatures has a unique story. Some arrived here after narrowly avoiding becoming an expensive coat. Others were kept as pets until the owners realized how pricey 15 pounds of meat per day (what it takes to feed some of these creatures) can be. They’re all kept in large enclosures. A volunteer guide will lead you around the property and tell you the story of every cat you see. You’ll also get an earful of little-known facts about these big cats, from the true origin of the white tiger to why some cats have white spots on the backs of their ears. Tours (no unescorted visits are allowed) are every day but Thursday, and special tours for children under 10 accompanied by an adult are offered on weekends. Night tours, feeding tours, and appointment-only private tours are also available. | 12802 Easy St., Citrus Park | 813/920–4130 | bigcatrescue.org | $29 | Mon.–Wed. and Fri. at 3 pm; weekends at 10 am and 1 pm; kids’ tour weekends at 9 am. Other special tours available by reservation only, at varying costs.
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Busch Gardens.
The Jungala exhibit at Busch Gardens brings Bengal tigers to center stage and puts them at eye level—allowing you to view them from underground caves and underwater windows. The big cats are just one of the reasons the theme park attracts some 4.5 million visitors each year. This is a world-class zoo, with more than 2,000 animals, and a live-entertainment venue that provides a full day (or more) of fun for the whole family. If you want to beat the crowds, start in the back of the park and work your way around clockwise.
The 335-acre adventure park’s habitats offer views of some of the world’s most endangered and exotic animals. For the best animal sightings, go to their habitats early, when it’s cooler. You can experience up-close animal encounters on the Serengeti Plain, a 65-acre free-roaming habitat, home to reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, white rhinos, bongos, impalas, and more. Myombe Reserve allows you to view lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in a lush, tropical-rain-forest environment. Down Under–themed Walkabout Way offers those ages five and up an opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies (a cup of vittles is $5).
Interested in watching a tiger get a dental checkup? Then head over to the Animal Care & Nutrition Center, where you can observe veterinary care for many of the park’s animals.
The park’s newest thrill ride is Falcon’s Fury, a 335-foot drop that is reportedly the tallest freestanding drop ride on the continent. It’s the centerpiece of a the park’s newest “land,” Pantopia, a colorful collection of rides, cafés, and retail space that replaces its Timbuktu section.
Many consider the seven roller coasters to be the biggest lure. On the wings of an African hawk, SheiKra—North America’s first dive coaster—takes riders on a three-minute journey 200 feet up, then (gulp!) plunges 90 degrees straight down at 70 mph. The park’s coaster lineup also includes steel giants Kumba, Scorpion, and Montu; a double, and Sand Serpent, a five-story family coaster full of hairpin turns and breathtaking dips. When it’s running, the Cheetah Hunt is an absolutely exhilarating 4,429-foot-high launch coaster. With three different launch points, this coaster takes you through the Serengeti and into a rocky gorge with a top speed of 60 mph.
The off-road-safari Rhino Rally brings you face-to-face with zebras, elephants, and white rhinos. Catering to the shorter set, the Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a 5-acre kids’ playground with Sesame-themed rides, shows, and water adventures. The Air Grover Rollercoaster takes kids (and parents) on minidives and twisty turns over the Sahara, while Jungle Flyers gets them swinging and screeching. If you’re looking to cool off, your best bets are Congo River Rapids, Tanganyika Tidal Wave, Stanleyville Falls (a flume ride), or Bert & Ernie’s Water Hole—complete with bubblers, geysers, water jets, and dumping buckets. Character lunches are available (but you might want to wait until after your rides). | 10165 N. Malcolm McKinley Dr., Central Tampa | 813/987–5000, 888/800–5447 | www.buschgardens.com | $95; parking $15 | Daily 9:30–6.
FAMILY | Florida Aquarium.
Although eels, sharks, and stingrays are the headliners, the Florida Aquarium is much more than a giant fishbowl. This architectural landmark features an 83-foot-high, multitier, glass dome; 250,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit space; and more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals representing species native to Florida and the rest of the world—from black-tip sharks to leafy sea dragons.
Floor-to-ceiling interactive displays, behind-the-scenes tours, and in-water adventures allow kids to really get hands-on—and even get their feet wet. Adventurous types (certified divers age 15 and up) can dive with mild-mannered sharks and sea turtles, participate in shark-feeding programs (age 12 and up), or shallow-water swim with reef fish such as eels and grouper (age 6 and up).
However, you don’t have to get wet to have an interactive experience: the Ocean Commotion exhibit offers virtual dolphins and whales and multimedia displays and presentations. The Coral Reef Gallery is a 500,000-gallon tank with viewing windows, an awesome 43-foot-wide panoramic opening, and a walk-through tunnel that gives the illusion of venturing into underwater depths. There you see a thicket of elkhorn coral teeming with tropical fish, and a dark cave reveals sea life you would normally see only on night dives. The new Journey to Madagascar exhibit features ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, and an Indian Ocean coral reef to showcase the nation’s vast diversity of creatures and ecosystems.
If you have an extra 90 minutes, try the Wild Dolphin Adventure Cruise, which takes up to 130 passengers onto Tampa Bay in a 72-foot catamaran for an up-close look at bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife. The outdoor Explore a Shore exhibit, which gives younger kids a chance to release some energy, is an aquatic playground with a waterslide, water-jet sprays, and a climbable replica pirate ship. Last but not least, two black-footed South African penguins make daily appearances in the Coral Reef Gallery. For an extra cost, you can get an up-close look at the daily lives of these penguins during the half-hour-long Penguins: Backstage Pass demonstration. | 701 Channelside Dr., Downtown | 813/273–4000 | www.flaquarium.org | Aquarium $23.95; Aquarium/Adventure Cruise combo $49.90; Penguins Backstage Pass combo $53.95; Behind the Scenes Combo $35.95; Stingray feeding tour combo $37.95; Dive with the Sharks $175; Swim with the Fishes $75; parking $6 | Daily 9:30–5.
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Giraffe Ranch.
Rural Dade City is known mostly for its strawberries, but word is quickly spreading about something else that makes people flock here: giraffes. These graceful creatures are the headliners at this nearly 50-acre ranch. You can view them as part of a tour in a safari-style vehicle, on the back of a camel, or on a Segway; on any tour, you get to hand-feed them cabbage leaves. You’ll also see tons of zebras, a pair of pygmy hippos, a couple of rhinos, ostriches, and many other animal species roaming the grounds. Near the ranch’s welcome center and gift shop is a corral of enclosures where you can watch guinea pigs chomp on sweet-potato chunks, hold a baby goat, (for a little extra cash) feed a flock of resident lemurs, watch a group of otters (the ranch’s newest residents), or bathe a pair of rhinos. The ranch’s proprietors have encyclopedic knowledge of the animal kingdom, and the overall experience is meant to impart a sense of connection to the animal world—and the environment—on those who visit. Tours take about two hours, and reservations are required. Credit cards are not accepted. | 38650 Mickler Rd. | Dade City | 813/482–3400 | www.girafferanch.com | $75 for tour in safari van; $150 for tour by camelback; $150 by Segway | Tues.–Sun. at 11 am and 2 pm, by reservation only.
FAMILY | Glazer Children’s Museum.
It’s all about play here, and, with 53,000 square feet, more than a dozen themed areas, and 175 “interactives,” there’s plenty of opportunity for it. Areas designed to nurture imagination and strengthen confidence allow children and families to experience everything from flying an airplane to shopping for groceries. Kids can also create art, control the weather, navigate a mini–shipping channel, and “drive” a miniature (stationary) fire truck through Tampa. The Water’s Journey Tree lets kids climb the tree to the second floor and mimics the water cycle. | 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Downtown | 813/443–3861 | wwww.glazermuseum.org | $15 adult; $9.50 children | Weekdays 10–5, Sat. 10–6, Sun. 1–6.
FAMILY | Lowry Park Zoo.
Natural-habitat exhibits include Safari Africa, where a herd of African elephants (including two calves) is free to roam, make the 56-acre Lowry Park Zoo one of the best midsize zoos in the country. Asia gardens features two clouded leopards, and residents of Ituri Forest include a cheetah and lovably plump pygmy hippos. As you stroll through, keep an eye out for okapis, a rare forest giraffe from Central Africa. The stars at Primate World range from cat-size lemurs to a family of heavyweight Bornean orangutans that love to ham for the camera.
For hands-on experiences, Lowry has more options than most large parks, including chances to feed a giraffe, hold a colorful lorikeet, or touch a slippery stingray. Majestic red-tailed hawks and other raptors put on a show at the Birds of Prey Center, and a flock of majestic macaws soars through the zoo in a one-of-a-kind free-flight experience each day at 10:15 and 2. You can come face-to-face with Florida manatees at the Manatee Aquatic Center, the only nonprofit manatee hospital on the planet.
Dwindling native species like Florida panthers, black bears, and red wolves may be tough to find in the wild, but you can easily find them at the Florida Wildlife Center. Adorable koalas, wallabies, and emus populate the Wallaroo Station children’s zoo. There are also water-play areas, rides (all of which are included with zoo admission), shows, and restaurants. | 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Central Tampa | 813/935–8552 | www.lowryparkzoo.com | $24.95 | Daily 9:30–5.
FAMILY | Tampa Bay History Center.
From the early civilizations that once flourished on its shores to the 2000 presidential vote recount, the Tampa Bay region has long had an integral role in Florida history and that of the country as a whole. The interactive exhibits here let you peer back in time at the people and events that helped shape the area. You’ll learn about the Tocobaga and other people who lived in coastal areas and the Spanish explorers who encountered them. You’ll find a wealth of information and artifacts from the Seminole Wars, Ybor City’s once-thriving cigar industry, and Florida crackers who, believe it or not, once drove their cattle in areas now saturated with busy roads and shopping centers. Exhibits also cover the sports teams that have called Tampa Bay home, not to mention the war heroes and politicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. Museumgoers looking for a bite to eat are in for a treat: the café here is branch of none other than the Columbia, Tampa’s most famous and historic restaurant. | 801 Old Water St., Channelside | 813/228–0097 | tampabayhistorycenter.org | $12.95 | Daily 10–5.
Fodor’s Choice | Ybor City.
Tampa’s lively Latin quarter is one of only a few National Historic Landmark districts in Florida. Bordered by Interstate 4 to the north, 22nd Street to the east, Adamo Drive to the south, and Nebraska Avenue to the West, it has antique-brick streets and wrought-iron balconies. Cubans brought their cigar-making industry to Ybor (pronounced ee-bore) City in 1886, and the smell of cigars—hand-rolled by Cuban immigrants—still wafts through the heart of this east Tampa area, along with the strong aroma of roasting coffee. These days the neighborhood is one of Tampa’s hot spots, if at times a rowdy one, as empty cigar factories and historic social clubs have been transformed into trendy boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs. | Ybor City.
Worth Noting
FAMILY | Adventure Island.
From spring until fall, rides named Everglides, Gulf Scream, and Key West Rapids promise heat relief at Busch Gardens’ water park. Tampa’s most popular “wet” park features waterslides and artificial wave pools, along with tranquil “beaches” in a 30-acre package. The most recent addition is Colossal Curl, a massive thrill ride that’s the tallest waterslide in the park. One of the attraction’s headliners, Riptide, challenges you to race three other riders on a sliding mat through twisting tubes and hairpin turns. Planners of this park also took the younger kids into account, with offerings such as Fabian’s Funport, which has a scaled-down pool and interactive water gym. Along with a volleyball complex and a rambling river, there are cafés, snack bars, picnic and sunbathing areas, changing rooms, and private cabanas. Good discounts are sometimes offered on the park’s website. | 10001 N. McKinley Dr., less than 1 mile north of Busch Gardens, Central Tampa | 813/987–5660, 888/800–5447 | www.adventureisland.com | $47; parking $12 | Mid-Mar.–Aug., daily 10–5; Sept. and Oct., weekends only 10–5.
Centennial Park.
You can step back into the past at Centennial Park, which re-creates a period streetscape and hosts a farmers’ market called the “Fresh Market” every Saturday, among a host of other events like festivals and pottery classes. | 1800 E. 8th Ave., Ybor City.
FAMILY | Museum of Science & Industry.
Although this is a fun and stimulating scientific playground, at times exhibits don’t work properly. When things are hitting on all cylinders, however, you learn about Florida weather, anatomy, flight, and space by seeing and by doing. A booth in the exhibit Disasterville lets you experience what a hurricane and its 78-mph winds feel like, though crowds sometimes mean a long wait. The BioWorks Butterfly Garden is a 6,400-square-foot engineered ecosystem project that demonstrates how wetlands can clean water plus serve as a home for butterflies. The SkyTrail ropes course is a 700-foot zip line that starts 65 feet off the ground. The museum’s latest attraction is Imagination Playground, an interactive exhibit where kids can engineer everything from a city to a robot.
The 23-seat Saunders Planetarium has shows at 10, 11, 1, 2, 3, and 4 during the week and hourly on weekends. For adventurous spirits, there’s a high-wire bicycle ride 30 feet above the floor. There’s also an impressive IMAX theater, where films are projected on a hemispherical 82-foot dome. | 4801 E. Fowler Ave., 1 mile north of Busch Gardens, Northeast Tampa | 813/987–6000, 800/995–6674 | www.mosi.org | $22.95 | Weekdays 10–5, weekends 10–6.
Tampa Museum of Art.
Housed in an exquisitely designed new building, the Tampa Museum of Art is emblematic of the city’s efforts to revitalize the downtown riverfront. The facility overlooks Curtis Hixon Park, the towering minarets of the University of Tampa, and the Hillsborough River. The museum’s 66,000 square feet of gallery space displays an impressive permanent collection of 20th- and 21st-century sculpture as well as Greek and Roman antiquities. Five additional galleries host traveling exhibits ranging from the classics to some of the most prominent artists working today. The building’s external walls are lit at night with colorful LED lights, which are best viewed from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Also notable is Sono, the museum’s café, which is operated by Mise en Place, one of Tampa’s top restaurants. | 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Downtown | 813/274–8130 | www.tampamuseum.org | $10 | Mon.–Thurs. 11–7, Fri. 11–8, weekends 11–5.
Ybor City Museum State Park.
This park provides a look at the history of the cigar industry. Admission includes a tour of La Casita, one of the shotgun houses occupied by cigar workers and their families in the late 1890s, held every half hour between 10 am and 3 pm. | 1818 E. 9th Ave., between Nuccio Pkwy. and 22nd St. from 7th to 9th Aves., Ybor City | 813/247–6323 | www.ybormuseum.org | $4 | Daily 9–5.
Where to Eat
Bella’s Italian Café.
$$ | ITALIAN | Carnivores are not slighted here, but it is often more delicious to go meatless at this SoHo (South Howard Avenue) eatery. The lasagna napoletana is bursting with four kinds of cheese, and the garlicky basil-tomato sauce gives it just the right bite. The grouper alla calabrese (lightly battered and sautéed with red wine, capers, olives, and onions) is another memory maker. Bella’s is not too highbrow to ignore pizza and calzones—there are dozens of options. Offerings like these have kept the restaurant popular since 1986. If you’re in a rush, there’s curbside pickup. | Average main: $20 | 1413 S. Howard Ave., Hyde Park | 813/254–3355 | www.bellasitaliancafe.com.
Fodor’s Choice | Bern’s Steak House.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | With the air of an exclusive club, this is one of Florida’s finest steak houses. Rich mahogany paneling and ornate chandeliers define the legendary Bern’s, where the chef ages his own beef, grows much of his own produce, and roasts his own coffee. There’s also a Cave Du Fromage, housing a discriminating selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world. Cuts of prime beef are sold by weight and thickness. There’s a 60-ounce strip steak that’s big enough to feed your pride (of lions), but for most appetites the veal loin chop or 8-ounce chateaubriand is more than enough. The wine list includes approximately 7,000 selections (with 1,000 dessert wines). After dinner, tour the kitchen and wine cellar before having dessert upstairs in a cozy booth. The dessert room is a hit. For a real jolt, try the Turkish coffee with an order of Mississippi mud pie. Casual business attire is recommended. Those looking for the Bern’s touch but aren’t up for donning a jacket and tie should opt for SideBern’s, the steak house’s more low-key sister property a few blocks up the road. | Average main: $32 | 1208 S. Howard Ave., Hyde Park | 813/251–2421 | www.bernssteakhouse.com | Reservations essential | Jacket and tie.
Bernini.
$$$ | ITALIAN | Named for the 17th-century Italian baroque sculptor, this trendy restaurant is something of a gallery for copies of his works. In the former Bank of Ybor City building, it has a classy look and such fare as fusilli Sicilia (veal meatballs, homemade sausage, and hard-boiled eggs tossed with pasta and tomato sauce); cioppino a la cinzano (a stew with fish medallions, clams, sautéed mussels, and shrimp over polenta); and pistachio-crusted grouper. | Average main: $25 | 1702 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | 813/248–0099 | www.berniniofybor.com | No lunch Sun.
BT.
$$$ | ASIAN FUSION | Local restaurateur B. T. Nguyen has earned quite a following since opening her first eatery in the early 1990s. Her modern take on conscientiously sourced local ingredients fits well within its upscale South Tampa surroundings, and the high-style Vietnamese cuisine features fresh herbs grown on-site and a drink list that includes organic sake martinis—some flavored with herbs from that same garden. With a motto like “Eat local, think global,” the menu is inevitably sophisticated yet simple, with creative offerings like Shaken beef, a go-to dish for regulars, consisting of cubed filet mignon flavored with cognac and shallots. Vegetarians and vegans can rest easy here, with options such as Food Karma (braised tofu, edamame, eggplant, and ginger in coconut broth over black rice). Casual dress is acceptable, but patrons tend to dress up. | Average main: $28 | 2507 S. MacDill Ave., Suite B, SoHo | 813/258–1916 | www.restaurantbt.com.
Byblos Café.
$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | Good grub, a friendly crowd, and belly dancers on weekend evenings make Byblos—named for an ancient city in Phoenicia—a fun addition to almost any itinerary. One of the most ordered items on the menu is the Byblos Mezah (for two), which includes hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves, and tabbouleh. The menu is dotted with lamb chops, curried beef, gyros, and other treats. By the way, you can join the dancers—if you have the bravado. If you have a moment, check out the market toward the back of the restaurant—there are loads of international foods and beverages you can take with you. | Average main: $18 | 2832 S. MacDill Ave., South Tampa | 813/805–7977 | www.bybloscafe.com.
Café Dufrain.
$$ | ECLECTIC | Dogs can tag along if you dine on the front patio at pet-friendly Café Dufrain, an eatery right on the Hillsborough River across from the Amalie Arena. Creative menu items, which vary by season, include apple cider-braised chicken breast and short rib mac and cheese. The bar menu has a nice selection of craft beers and cocktails. In mild weather, opt for the waterfront view of downtown Tampa. | Average main: $20 | 707 Harbour Post Dr., Downtown | 813/275–9701 | cafedufrain.com.
Cappy’s Pizza.
$ | PIZZA | Chicago may be the first place you think of when you hear the words “deep-dish pizza,” which is why the high-quality pies this local chain offers may surprise (and please) you. The menu at this family-friendly spot is pretty simple: choose either a Chicago- or New York–style crust, and select your toppings. The “Cappy” features a blend of pepperoni, ham, onions, green pepper, sausage, and mushrooms. You can also go with a calzone. There’s no hostess here, so put your name on the (usually long) list you see when you first walk in. If it’s not too packed, try to get garden seating. The feel inside is very nostalgic—vintage signs and an old toy train set adorn the walls. You’ll find a lengthy list of craft brews, and the kids might enjoy an IBC root beer. This location is cash-only, but there is an ATM on-site. | Average main: $12 | 4910 N. Florida Ave., Seminole Heights | 813/238–1516 | cappyspizzaonline.com | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | No lunch.
Fodor’s Choice | Columbia.
$$ | SPANISH | Make a date for some of the best Latin cuisine in Tampa. A fixture since 1905, this magnificent structure with an old-world air and spacious dining rooms takes up an entire city block and seems to feed the entire city—locals as well as visitors—throughout the week, but especially on weekends. The paella, bursting with seafood, chicken, and pork, is arguably the best in Florida, and the 1905 salad—with ham, olives, cheese, and garlic—is legendary. The menu has Cuban classics such as boliche criollo (tender eye of round stuffed with chorizo), ropa vieja (shredded beef with onions, peppers, and tomatoes), and arroz con pollo (chicken with yellow rice). Don’t miss the flamenco dancing show every night but Sunday. This place is also known for its sangria. If you can, walk around the building and check out the elaborate, antique decor along every inch of the interior. | Average main: $19 | 2117 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | 813/248–4961 | www.columbiarestaurant.com.
Datz.
$ | ECLECTIC | Fans of a hearty meal will not be slighted here; the eclectic menu is mostly massive sandwiches and hefty plates (and printed on tabloid paper, an indication of how much it changes). Ty’s two-fister, for example, combines corned beef and pastrami with Swiss and Muenster cheese and honeycup mustard on house-baked sauerkraut rye. The banh mi tacos, made with braised short ribs, pickled daikon, carrots, and Asian BBQ sauce are a favorite. But the story doesn’t end with the entrées here. For starters, when you walk into this spot, the first thing you’ll probably notice (aside from the vintage decor) is the chocolate counter. If you mosey over to the bar, you’ll find some very special craft cocktail concoctions. If you happen to stop in during the breakfast hour, check out the amazing offerings at the adjacent bakery, Datz Dough, where the donuts (caramel curry, for example) are worth the stop. | Average main: $15 | 2616 S. MacDill Ave., SoHo | 813/831–7000 | datztampa.com.
Edison Food + Drink Lab.
$$$$ | ECLECTIC | In the relatively short time this gastro pub has been around, it has handily earned a spot at the table of Tampa culinary musts. The creative menu changes almost every day as chef/owner Jeannie Pierola experiments with a revolving list of intriguing ingredients. Choices include pomegranate and blood orange–braised short ribs (served with butternut squash polenta and roasted baby beets and tops) and spicy Jamaican fried organic chicken (served with a banana bacon waffle). And the list goes on. The kitchen happily makes substitutions or changes recipes if you have any dietary restrictions. The bar has a great list of craft cocktails. | Average main: $32 | 912 W. Kennedy Blvd., Downtown | 813/254–7111 | edison-tampa.com.
Kojak’s House of Ribs.
$ | SOUTHERN | Few barbecue joints can boast the staying power of this family-owned and -operated pit stop. Located along a shaded stretch in South Tampa, it debuted in 1978 and has since earned a following of sticky-fingered regulars who have turned it into one of the most popular barbecue stops in central Florida. It’s located in a 1927 house complete with veranda, pillars supporting the overhanging roof, and brick steps. Day and night, three indoor dining rooms and an outdoor dining porch have a steady stream of hungry patrons digging into tender pork spareribs that are dry-rubbed and tanned overnight before visiting the smoker for a couple of hours. Then they’re bathed in the sauce of your choice. Kojak’s also has a nice selection of sandwiches, including chopped barbecue chicken and country-style sausage. This is definitely not the kind of place you’d want to bring a vegan. | Average main: $11 | 2808 W. Gandy Blvd., South Tampa | 813/837–3774 | kojaksbbq.net | Closed Mon.
Mel’s Hot Dogs.
$ | HOT DOG | This is a must after a long day of riding roller coasters and scoping out zebras at Busch Gardens. Visitors as well as passersby usually are greeted by a red wiener-mobile parked on the north side of the highway near Busch Gardens. Venture inside to find walls dotted with photos from fans and a hot-diggity menu that’s heaven for tube-steak fans. You can order a traditional dog, but try something with a little more pizzazz, such as a bacon-cheddar Reuben-style bowwow on a poppy-seed bun, or the Mighty Mel, a quarter-pounder decked out with relish, mustard, and pickles. Herbivores, fear not: there’s a vegan option on the menu, and it’s mighty tasty. To avoid lunch crowds, arrive before 11:30 or after 1:30. | Average main: $8 | 4136 E. Busch Blvd., Central Tampa | 813/985–8000 | www.melshotdogs.com | No credit cards | Closed Sun.
Mise en Place.
$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Known to locals as “Mise” (pronounced meez), this upscale, modern downtown space is a popular lunch spot for Tampa’s political and social elite. At night, it transforms into an elegant, understated dining destination with a menu that offers adventurous yet meticulously crafted modern American cuisine. The menu changes every week, save for staples like the chicken liver pâté and the rack of lamb. Another thing that doesn’t change is the intricacy of every item listed—whether it’s tandoori-crusted tofu or pumpkin-spiced rubbed scallops. The long list of boutique wines and specialty cocktails further demonstrate the intelligence and imagination that go into the crafting of the menu. This place is on the western edge of downtown, just across the street from University of Tampa’s shining minarets. Parking and entry are behind the building. | Average main: $29 | 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 110, Downtown | 813/254–5373 | www.miseonline.com | Closed Sun.–Mon.
Pearl in the Grove.
$$ | SOUTHERN | For those who need a break from the urban sprawl—or who may be just in search of a decent early dinner after a Giraffe Ranch excursion—this farm-to-table eatery in distant Dade City will hit the spot. In an old one-story farmhouse in the middle of a kumquat grove, it’s a low-key escape for the most cultured of Tampa Bay residents (though casual dress is fine here). Popular dishes include, as one might expect, fried green tomatoes, shrimp creole, honey-chili-glazed quail, and rabbit confit, but keep in mind that the menu is ever-changing with the seasons. The beer menu features local brews, and the wine list is extensive. | Average main: $20 | 31916 St. Joe Rd. | Dade City | 352/588–0008 | pearlinthegrove.com | Reservations essential | Closed Sun. and Mon.
Taco Bus.
$ | MEXICAN | It’s a Mexican joint with a simple name in a less-than-magnificent location, but that matters not to anyone who’s ever eaten to this legendary late-night establishment. Its popularity has turned what was little more than a food truck into a small local chain. You have a long list of meat, seafood, and vegetarian/vegan options, which employees will stuff into the casing of your choice and hand to you through the window of a stationary bus. Don’t let the low-key nature of this establishment fool you—the menu features classier items like ceviche, butternut-squash tostadas, and chicken mole among the quesadillas and carne asada. There is also a downtown Tampa location (505 Franklin St.) as well as one in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District (2324 Central Ave.). | Average main: $11 | 913 E. Hillsborough Ave., Central Tampa | 813/232–5889.
Fodor’s Choice | Ulele.
$$$ | ECLECTIC | Named after a 16th-century Tocobagan princess, this hot spot from the same family behind the historic Columbia restaurant in Ybor City has become the go-to spot for Tampa diners in the know. The diverse menu focuses on locally available ingredients but has an easy-to-detect Southern accent. Favorites include gator bites, okra fries, pan-seared Florida pompano fillet (served with sun-dried-tomato shallot cream and fried carrot ribbons), and a deconstructed seafood potpie (featuring Gulf seafood chowder shrimp, pulpo, grouper, smoked oysters, vegetables, and white wine cream) with a side of puff pastry. In the refurbished old Tampa Waterworks building, its location high on the bank of the Hillsborough River offers spectacular views of the water, especially at dusk, and it’s an easy walk from downtown and the Straz Center. Beer is brewed on-site, and the creative cocktail menu (go for the Ring of Fire, a spicy creation of vodka, gin, and lychee liqueur) is supplemented with wines from domestic, family-owned vineyards like Silver Oak Winery. | Average main: $25 | 1810 N. Highland Ave., Tampa Heights | 813/999–4952 | ulele.com | Reservations essential.
Where to Stay
Fodor’s Choice | Epicurean.
$$ | HOTEL | Brought to you in part by the people at Bern’s Steak House (which happens to be across the street), this vibrant, cuisine-centric installment of Marriott’s Autograph Collection is an absolute must for foodies, but it doesn’t make nonfoodies feel left out. Food and wine inspire everything here, even the decor: a butcher-block table lines the wall in each room, for example. There are minibars in each room, and they contain higher-end snacks and wines (but note the prices; a raid on this minibar can cost as much as the room itself). At the heart of the resort is the Epicurean Theatre, which offers guests a chance to take part in world-class cooking and cocktail-making courses. The on-site restaurant, Elevage, is an entity unto itself, offering vintage dishes reimagined with a modern twist. The rooftop bar, Edge, offers some intelligent beverage options. Also on-site is Chocolate Pi, a patisserie, and a wineshop courtesy of Bern’s. Pros: excellent service; great location; tons of amenities. Cons: can get pricey; exclusive vibe. | Rooms from: $240 | 1207 S. Howard Ave., SoHo | 813/999–8701, 855/829–2536 | epicureanhotel.com | 142 rooms, 5 suites | No meals.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
$ | RESORT | On the southwestern edge of Tampa, near the airport and overlooking the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the Grand Hyatt has a lot to offer—both in its guest rooms and on the property. The decor is understated and classy, and since the hotel is geared in part toward business travelers, the rooms are equipped to accommodate your gadgets. Amenities include a peaceful pedestrian trail that winds through the surrounding mangroves, a fantastic fitness center, a shuttle that runs to the airport as well as a nearby upscale mall, and some of the best dining in the region. Armani’s, the acclaimed Italian restaurant on the top floor, offers an extensive, colorful antipasto bar and panoramic views that in and of themselves make staying here worthwhile. Ditto for Oystercatchers, the waterfront seafood eatery at the foot of the hotel. The chefs at both restaurants locally source as many ingredients as they can—there’s even a herb garden on the property. Pros: extensive amenities; amazing views; world-class dining. Cons: far from beach; getting here can be tough due to traffic and awkward road layout. | Rooms from: $169 | 2900 Bayport Dr., West Tampa | 813/874–1234 | www.grandtampabay.hyatt.com | 442 rooms | No meals.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District.
$ | HOTEL | Although its modern architecture makes it seem out of place in this historic district, this chain hotel’s location across from Centro Ybor is a plus. You can walk to all the dining, attractions, and nightlife in the area. There is an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, but be sure to take at least one day off to visit one of the nearby eateries for a traditional breakfast of café cubano or café con leche with a wedge of Cuban bread slathered with butter.Pros: located in top cultural and nightlife district; reasonable rates. Cons: neighborhood can be rowdy on weekends; chain-hotel feel. | Rooms from: $199 | 1700 E. 9th Ave., Ybor City | 813/769–9267 | www.hiltongardeninn.com | 81 rooms, 14 suites | No meals.
Le Méridien Tampa.
$$ | HOTEL | A meticulous renovation transformed this historic, marble-lined former federal courthouse into Tampa’s most talked-about boutique hotel. Originally built in 1905—and well preserved due to its historic status—this hotel sits at the heart of downtown; the Tampa Theatre and Straz Center as well as a host of museums and restaurants are an easy walk. Every room here has a story. You can stay in rooms that were formerly holding cells or opt for one that was once a prosecutor’s office. Despite the building’s age, the rooms are relatively large and modern. Amenities abound, including a pool and a fitness center. The restaurant, Bizou, offers French-inspired fare (including a wonderful assortment of pastries in the morning). Note the hostess stand; in the building’s prior incarnation it served as a witness stand. A large table in the bar area was once a jury deliberation table. The list of interesting factoids goes on. Pros: close to downtown attractions; fascinating for history buffs; lots of amenities. Cons: traffic in surrounding area can be a nightmare; all that marble makes for loud echoes in the hallways. | Rooms from: $269 | 601 N. Florida Ave., Downtown | 813/221–9555 | lemeridientampa.com | 126 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.
Saddlebrook Resort Tampa.
$$ | RESORT | If you can’t get enough golf and tennis, here’s your fix. Situated about a half-hour north of downtown Tampa, Saddlebrook is one of west Florida’s top resorts, largely because it has so many things in one spot—36 holes of championship golf; the Saddlebrook Golf Academy; 45 clay, grass, and artificial-surface tennis courts; a Harry Hopman tennis program; a full-service spa; a fitness center; and a kids’ club. Varied accommodations include one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, making it a good place for families. Pros: away from urban sprawl; great choice for the fitness minded. Cons: a bit isolated. | Rooms from: $249 | 5700 Saddlebrook Way | Wesley Chapel | 813/973–1111, 800/729–8383 | www.saddlebrookresort.com | 540 rooms, 407 suites | No meals.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
$$ | HOTEL | If gambling’s your game, this is the place in Tampa to stay. Rooms are decorated with sophisticated, clean lines and neutral tones. Beds have cotton duvets, and many of the bathrooms have natural light via a skylight. However, the casino is open 24 hours, so chances are you won’t see much of your lovely room. The Hard Rock is the only casino in the area, but it definitely isn’t the place to be if you’re not into wagering or find the moderate casino-hotels in Las Vegas or Reno a bit on the sterile side. A renovation began in 2014. Pros: the only place in the area to play slots or blackjack. Cons: far from area attractions. | Rooms from: $299 | 5223 Orient Rd., off I–4 at Orient Rd. Exit, East Tampa | 813/627–7625, 866/502–7529 | www.seminolehardrock.com | 226 rooms, 24 suites | No meals.
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina.
$ | HOTEL | Across from the Tampa Convention Center, this downtown hotel was built for conventioneers but is also convenient to tourist spots such as the Florida Aquarium and the Ybor City and Hyde Park shopping and nightlife districts. At least half the rooms and most of the suites overlook the concrete-walled channel to Tampa Bay, which has sparse boat traffic except on weekends; the bay itself is visible from the higher floors of the 27-story tower. The pillared lobby has real palm trees growing out of the gleaming tile floors, and the coffee bar overlooks the water. Waterside Grill is the hotel’s main restaurant. Pros: great downtown location; near sights, dining, nightlife. Cons: gridlock during rush hour; streets tough to maneuver. | Rooms from: $190 | 700 S. Florida Ave., Downtown | 888/268–1616, 813/221–4900 | www.marriott.com | 683 rooms, 36 suites | No meals.
Westin Tampa Harbour Island.
$ | HOTEL | Few folks think of the islands when visiting Tampa, but this 12-story hotel on a 177-acre man-made islet is a short drive from downtown Tampa and even closer to the cruise terminal. The rooms are decorated in low-key neutral tones, and many have terrific views of the water or the downtown skyline. Service is attentive. There’s a marina and a fitness center with free weights and the latest exercise equipment. Pros: close to downtown; nice views; on the TECO streetcar line. Cons: lots of traffic in immediate area; chain-hotel feel. | Rooms from: $199 | 725 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Harbour Island | 813/229–5000 | westintampaharbourisland.com | 299 rooms, 19 suites | No meals.
Nightlife
When it comes to entertainment, there’s never a dull moment in Tampa. Colorful Ybor City, a heavily Cuban-influenced area minutes from downtown, is a case in point. It has by far the biggest concentration of nightclubs (too many to list here), all situated along 7th and 8th avenues. Ybor comes alive at night and on weekends, when a diverse array of bars and clubs open their doors to throngs of partygoers. Whether it’s bumping house music or some live rock and roll you seek, you’ll find it here. Downtown Tampa is also becoming a formidable nightlife destination. When it comes to the arts—visual, musical, performing, or otherwise—Tampa is one of the South’s leading spots.
Performing Arts
Amalie Arena.
Many major events take place at this conveniently located arena, which sits near downtown Tampa in the Channelside district. The Tampa Bay Lightning call this spot home, but the 670,000-square-foot venue hosts at least 150 special events each year—mostly musical ones. | 401 Channelside Dr., Downtown | 813/301–6500 | amaliearena.com.
Straz Center.
With 335,000 square feet, this is the second-largest arts complex south of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Among the facilities are the 2,500-seat Carol Morsani Hall, a 1,047-seat playhouse, the 200-seat TECO Theater, a 300-seat cabaret theater, and a 120-seat black-box theater. Opera, concerts, drama, and ballet performances are presented here. | 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl., Downtown | 813/229–7827 | www.strazcenter.org.
Tampa Theatre.
This ornate vintage 1926 movie palace hosts films, concerts, and special events. If you catch a flick here, go early to see a set from an old-school organ grinder. | 711 N. Franklin St., Downtown | 813/274–8286 | www.tampatheatre.org.
Bars
Blue Martini Lounge.
This spot in International Plaza has live entertainment nightly, except Sunday, and a menu of killer martinis. | 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Suite B203, West Tampa | 813/873–2583 | bluemartinilounge.com.
Centro Cantina.
There are lots of draws here: a balcony overlooking the crowds on Seventh Avenue, live music Thursday through Sunday nights, a large selection of margaritas, and more than 30 brands of tequila. Food is served until 2 am. | 1600 E. 8th Ave., Ybor City | 813/241–8588 | centrocantina.comm.
Cigar City Brewing Tasting Room.
Offering the fruits of the adjacent Cigar City brewery, the large tasting room here puts Tampa on the map for craft beer enthusiasts. On tap, it offers mainstay brews like Jai Alai IPA and Maduro Brown Ale as well as an interesting rotation of seasonal beers. It’s a spot with friendly staff and generally good music. But beware: happy hour can be packed. Brewery tours are available on the hour Wednesday through Sunday between 11 and 3 during the week (11 to 4 on weekends) for a nominal fee. | 3924 W. Spruce St., Suite A, Central Tampa | 813/348–6363 | cigarcitybrewing.com | Sun.–Thurs. 11–11, Fri. and Sat. 11 am–1 am.
Fly Bar.
A happy hour mecca for hip young professionals, Fly Bar and Restaurant offers an intriguing selection of creative cocktails with ingredients like violets, walnut bitters, and salted celery-apple puree. The list goes on. If you’re hungry, you’ll find a food menu to match. There’s live music on weekends and occasionally during the week. A huge draw—in fair weather, anyway—is the rooftop deck, which offers killer views of surrounding downtown Tampa. | 1202 N. Franklin St., Downtown | 813/275–5000 | www.flybarandrestaurant.com.
Gaspar’s Grotto.
Spanish pirate Jose Gaspar was known for swashbuckling up and down Florida’s west coast in the late 18th and early 19th century. His legend has inspired a massive, raucous street festival each winter. This Ybor City drinkery has adopted his name, and rightly so. Decked out in tons of pirate memorabilia, it’s the cornerstone to any night spent barhopping on the Ybor strip. The sangria is a good choice, but the aged rums may be a better fit here. You’ll also find a food menu that goes well beyond standard bar fare. | 1805 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | 813/248–5900 | www.gasparsgrotto.com.
Hub.
Considered something of a dive—but a lovable one—by a loyal and young local following that ranges from esteemed jurists to nose-ring-wearing night owls, the Hub is known for strong drinks and a jukebox that goes well beyond the usual. | 719 N. Franklin St., Downtown | 813/229–1553 | thehubbartampa.com.
Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
In addition to playing one of the hundreds of Vegas-style slot machines, gamers can get their kicks at the casino’s poker tables and video-gaming machines. The lounge serves drinks 24 hours a day. Hard Rock Cafe, of course, has live music, dinner, and nightlife. There is a heavy smell of cigarette smoke here, as with most casinos. | 5223 N. Orient Rd., off I–4 at N. Orient Rd. exit, East Tampa | 813/627–7625 | www.seminolehardrock.com.
Comedy Clubs
Side Splitters.
Comedians perform Thursday through Sunday nights (and other nights, sporadically, throughout the week). | 12938 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Central Tampa | 813/960–1197 | www.sidesplitterscomedy.com.
Tampa Improv.
Top comedians perform here Wednesday through Sunday. | Centro Ybor, 1600 E. 8th Ave., Ybor City | 813/864–4000 | www.improvtampa.com.
Music Club
Skippers Smokehouse.
A junkyard-style restaurant and oyster bar, Skippers has live reggae on Wednesday, Uncle John’s Band (a long-running Grateful Dead cover act) on Thursday, and great smoked fish every night. Check their calendar for exceptional musical lineups on the weekends. | 910 Skipper Rd., Northeast Tampa | 813/971–0666 | www.skipperssmokehouse.com.
Shopping
Malls
Centro Ybor.
Ybor City’s destination within a destination is this dining-and-entertainment palace. It has shops, trendy bars and restaurants, and a 20-screen movie theater. | 1600 E. 8th Ave., Ybor City | www.centroybor.com.
Channelside Bay Plaza.
Right next to Tampa’s cruise-ship terminal, this outdoor mall offers a vast array of shopping and dining options, as well as live music in a large courtyard. Look out for Qachbals Chocolatier, inventive fusion restaurant Flambe, and Splitsville, a 21-and-up bowling alley and restaurant chain targeting a younger crowd. | 615 Channelside Dr., Downtown | www.channelsidebayplaza.com.
International Plaza.
If you want to grab something at Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom, this is the place. You’ll also find Juicy Couture, Burberry, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and many other upscale shops. Stick around after hours, when watering holes in the mall’s courtyard become a high-end club scene. | 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Airport Area | www.shopinternationalplaza.com.
Old Hyde Park Village.
It’s a typical upscale shopping district in a quiet, shaded neighborhood near the water. Boutiques and upscale chains like Restoration Hardware and Anthropologie are mixed in with bistros and sidewalk cafés. | 1602 W. Swann Ave., Hyde Park | www.hydeparkvillage.net.
Specialty Shops
King Corona Cigar Factory.
If you are shopping for hand-rolled cigars, head to Ybor City, where a few hand-rollers practice their craft in small shops. This is one of the more popular places thanks to its plentiful outdoor seating, perfect if you want to grab some nibbles and a Cuban coffee. | 1523 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | 813/251–9109 | www.kingcoronacigars.com.
La France.
One of the landmark vintage shops in the Tampa Bay area, La France stocks such items as antique beaded wedding gowns, psychedelic mini-dresses, and period costumes that will make you a hit should you sport one at the Gasparilla Pirate Fleet parade. If you’re in any way a vintage clothing buff, prepare to spend a solid couple of hours (and a good chunk of change) here. | 1612 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City | 813/248–1381.
Squaresville.
From the mildly unusual to the downright bizarre this vintage store has it all—from the mid-20th century, that is. Among the finds are Cuban clothing, Elvis posters, and Bettie Page clocks. It’s open weekdays from 11 to 6, Saturday from 11 to 5:30. | 3224 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Hyde Park | 813/259–9944 | www.squaresvilletampa.com.
Sports and the Outdoors
Baseball
George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Locals and tourists flock each March to see the New York Yankees play about 17 spring training games at this 11,000-seat facility. (Call for tickets.) From April through September, the stadium belongs to a Yankee farm team, the Tampa Yankees, who play 70 games against the likes of the Daytona Cubs and the Sarasota Red Sox. | 1 Steinbrenner Dr., near corner of Dale Mabry Hwy., off I–275 Exit 41B, Central Tampa | 813/879–2244 | www.steinbrennerfield.com.
Canoeing
Canoe Escape.
This outfit in northeast Tampa arranges guided or self-guided trips from one hour to all-day duration on the upper Hillsborough River, abounding with alligators, ibises, hawks, and other wildlife. It also rents canoes and kayaks. | John B. Sargeant Park, 12702 U.S. 301, Thonotosassa | 813/986–2067 | www.canoeescape.com.
Football
Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Seeing the National Football League play isn’t easy without connections, though catching a Bucs home game is a little easier than most. Tickets can be found for some games at the box office, though it’s a safer bet when you buy them online in advance. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Central Tampa | 813/879–2827 | www.buccaneers.com.
Tampa Bay Storm.
The Arena Football League team plays about 10 games in its March–July season, and calls home the Tampa Bay Times Forum, which is nestled in the vibrant, visitor-friendly Channelside district near Downtown. The Storm has a hot rivalry with the Orlando Predators. | Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Channelside | 813/301–6500 | www.tampabaystorm.com.
Golf
Bloomingdale Golfers Club.
If you’re looking for a tough-but-not-too-tough course that’s not too far of a drive from your hotel, this is probably the spot for you. Notable for its par-fives, this is a course where you’ll be reward for your strategy rather than your ability to shoot straight and far. As you play, keep an eye out for wildlife peeking out from the long patches of wilderness that line much of this course. If you want to brush up on your skills before tee time, there’s a 1,000-square-foot putting green as well as a driving range. | 4113 Great Golfers Pl. | Valrico | 813/685–4105 | www.bloomingdalegolf.com | $60 | 18 holes, 7155 yards, par 72.
The Claw at USF.
Named for its many dog-legged fairways, this University of South Florida course is one of the most challenging public courses in the area. Live oaks as well as cypress and pine trees line the tight twists and turns of the fairways. This is one of the few places in Tampa Bay where you’ll find deer grazing along the fairway (especially early in the morning) and gators sunning themselves next to the course’s ponds. You’ll also find a driving range and a golf shop. After you play, grab a beer at Rocky’s Sports Grill, where you’ll be able to catch the game on one of several flat- or plasma-screen TVs. | 13801 N. 46th St., North Tampa | 813/632–6893 | www.theclawatusfgolf.com | $20–$45 | 18 holes, 6863 yards, par 71.
The Club at Eaglebrooke.
With six sets of tees on each hole, this links-style, Ron Garl–designed course about 30 miles east of Tampa via Interstate 4 was specially designed with senior golfers, and players of every level, in mind. And while you can choose your level of difficulty here, the elevation varies by some 100 feet throughout the course. The scenic centerpiece here is the 13th hole, which has an “island fairway” connected to the green and other parts of the course by bridge. There’s also a golf shop on-site, but the clubhouse is for members only. | 1300 Eaglebrooke Blvd. | Lakeland | 863/701–0101 | www.eaglebrooke.com | $40–$80 | 18 holes, 7030 yards, par 72.
Saddlebrook Golf Club.
This expansive complex half an hour northeast of Tampa offers not one but two courses designed by Arnold Palmer. The Palmer Golf Course’s hilly terrain contrasts with Tampa Bay’s generally flat landscape, and it make you think you’re playing on a course somewhere in New England. With its Spanish moss–draped cypress hammocks, the Saddlebrook Golf Course has more of an Old Florida feel to it. As you make your way past this course’s green ponds, keep an eye out for turtles—and gators. There’s also a golf shop, driving range, on-site pros, and, if you’re aching from a grueling day on the course, a luxury spa on the resort property. | Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way | Wesley Chapel | 813/973–1111 | www.saddlebrook.com | $50–$145 (varies seasonally) | Palmer Course: 18 holes, 6243 yards, par 71; Saddlebrook Course: 18 holes, 6480 yards, par 70.
Tournament Players Club of Tampa Bay.
A stop along the PGA Champion’s Tour, this public course sits about 15 miles north of Tampa. It was designed by Bobby Weed with consultation from Chi Chi Rodriguez and is laid out along natural wetlands, which means you can spot plenty of local wildlife as you play. The course was designed to be challenging while still giving novices a fair shake. Practice ahead of time at the driving, chipping, or putting range. There’s a golf shop on-site as well as the TPC Grille Room, where you can grab a cold one after your game. | 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd. | Lutz | 813/949–0090 | www.tpctampabay.com | $85–$165 | 18 holes, 6898 yards, par 71.
Westchase Golf Club.
Touted for its low price and its beauty, this course gets high marks from locals and visitors alike. It’s situated amid an expansive upscale residential development about 10 minutes north of Tampa, but it is still reasonably close to Clearwater. Among this wooded course’s more challenging quirks is the 3rd hole, which is a par-3 played over water. Golfers rotate from the back 9 holes to the front 9 here, and you can enjoy food and drink at the massive clubhouse overlooking the 9th and 18th greens. | 11602 Westchase Golf Dr., Westchase | 813/854–2331 | www.westchasegc.com | $41–$94 | 18 holes, 6699 yards, par 72.
Horse Racing
Tampa Bay Downs.
Thoroughbred racing season here runs on most days from December to early May. There are also simulcasts of other thoroughbred races at tracks around the nation. | 11225 Race Track Rd., off Rte. 580 | Oldsmar | 813/855–4401 | www.tampadowns.com.
Ice Hockey
Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Lightning play at the 21,500-seat Amalie Arena (formerly the Tampa Bay Times Forum) near the Florida Aquarium and Channelside. It’s close enough to Ybor City and Hyde Park to venture to either spot for dinner after a game. | Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Downtown | 813/301–6600 | lightning.nhl.com.
Walking
Bayshore Boulevard Trail.
Considered the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, this 4.5-mile trail is a good spot for just standing still and taking it all in, with its spectacular views of downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough Bay area. Of course, you can also walk, talk, jog, bike, and in-line skate with locals. The trail is open from dawn to dusk daily. | Bayshore Blvd. | 813/274–8615.