Where I Take Out-of-Town Guests in Tampa
The places I take friends and family when I want them to understand why we love living here.
After almost 20 years in Tampa, I’ve had my fair share of out-of-town visitors and I’ve learned there’s a big difference between showing someone the tourist attractions and showing them your Tampa.
When friends and family come to town, these are the places I take them to eat, explore, grab a drink and get a real taste of the city I love.
Start at Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange is one of those places that immediately feels special. Grab brunch or coffee, browse the bookstore and shop, and definitely take a few photos while you’re there. It’s an easy introduction to Tampa that never feels touristy.
THE EDIT: Best for brunch + a beautiful first stop.
Walk Bayshore Boulevard
You can’t bring someone to Tampa without showing them Bayshore Boulevard. Take a walk along the water, admire the homes and give your guests a glimpse of everyday Tampa life.
THE EDIT: Go in the morning or around sunset.
Spend an Afternoon in Hyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village is one of my favorite places to wander with visitors. Shop, grab coffee, stop for lunch or cocktails and just enjoy being outside. It’s polished but still feels very Tampa.
THE EDIT: Best when you don't want an itinerary—just wander.
Show Them the Riverwalk
Tampa Riverwalk connects so many of the places I want visitors to see that it deserves time of its own. Walk along the river, stop for a drink and let your plans evolve from there.
THE EDIT: Wear comfortable shoes and make a few stops along the way.
Stop at Armature Works
Armature Works is especially good when you're hosting a group because everyone can find something they like. Grab food or drinks, sit outside and enjoy the riverfront atmosphere.
THE EDIT: Great for groups who can never agree on where to eat.
Explore Water Street + Sparkman Wharf
This is the Tampa I love showing people who haven't visited in years. Start around Water Street Tampa, wander toward Sparkman Wharf and make an afternoon or evening of it.
THE EDIT: Don't pick just one destination—explore the whole area.
Experience Ybor City + The Columbia
For Tampa history, take them to Ybor City and make Columbia Restaurant part of the experience. Ybor gives visitors a completely different side of Tampa and a connection to the history that shaped the city.
THE EDIT: This is the stop for someone who wants to understand Tampa, not just visit it.
Take Them to a Lightning Game
If the Tampa Bay Lightning are playing at home, this is such a fun way to show off Tampa. The energy around Amalie and Water Street on game night makes it feel like an event before you even get inside.
THE EDIT: Make dinner and drinks around Water Street part of the night.
Have a Classic Tampa Dinner at Bern's
Bern's Steak House is an institution for a reason. If your visitors are food people or you're celebrating something, this is one of those quintessential Tampa experiences.
THE EDIT: Don't skip dessert.
Give Them the Busch Gardens Day
Not every visit needs to be cocktails and restaurants. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a full Tampa day— especially when your guests have kids or love roller coasters.
THE EDIT: Give it the whole day instead of trying to squeeze it between other plans.
And Yes...Take Them to the Beach
Technically we're leaving Tampa, but if someone is visiting Florida, I'm probably finding a way to get them to the Gulf. Make it a day trip, stay through sunset and remind yourself that having all of this within reach is part of what makes living in Tampa so good.
THE EDIT: Stay for sunset. Always.
MY PERFECT TAMPA DAY:
Only have one day? Here’s how I’d do Tampa.
9:00 AM | Oxford Exchange
Start with coffee or brunch at one of Tampa’s prettiest spots. Browse the bookstore and shop before heading out for the day.
10:30 AM | Bayshore Boulevard
Take a drive or a walk along the water, admire the homes and soak up a little sunshine.
11:30 AM | Hyde Park Village
Wander the shops, grab another coffee (no judgment) and enjoy one of my favorite parts of Tampa.
1:30 PM | Tampa Riverwalk + Armature Works
Head downtown and explore the Riverwalk before making your way to Armature Works. Grab a bite, a drink or just enjoy the riverfront views.
4:00 PM | Water Street + Sparkman Wharf
Make your way toward Water Street and Sparkman Wharf. Walk around, grab a cocktail and take in one of the areas that has completely transformed Tampa in recent years.
6:30 PM | Dinner at Boulon
Finish the day with a great dinner at Boulon in the heart of Water Street.
8:30 PM | Nightcap at The Tampa EDITION
You’re not going home yet. Walk over to The Tampa EDITION for a cocktail and one last taste of Tampa nightlife.
THE EDIT: Don’t try to see everything. Tampa is best enjoyed when you leave a little room to wander, order another drink and change the plan.
WHAT DID I MISS?
Have a Tampa restaurant, hidden gem, new opening or local favorite I need to know about? Put it on my radar.