Things To Do
Armature Works
A lively and popular spot in Tampa that features a large food hall (the Heights Public Market) with a variety of local eateries, bars, dessert spots, and shops. There’s regularly live music and events here, so it’s always a fun place to be. There’s a rooftop bar, M.Bird, and a really great restaurant, Oak & Ola. But there are many other places to eat or drink there as well.
Ulele
Emily’s favorite restaurant on the Riverwalk. It’s Floridian Food. Oysters, gator, steak, fish, vegan options (roasted veggies with sauce over rice), salads, jalepeno corn beer muffins, crab cakes, mac & cheese, chili, etc. They also have an on-site brewery.
Eddie And Sam's N.Y Pizza
Great, quick, easy pizza place right next to Sacred Heart Church & Le Meridien downtown
Oak & Ola
One of Emily’s favorite restaurants at Armature Works (American food- steak, fish, chicken, pork chops, pizzas)
M.Bird
Rooftop bar at Armature Works that overlooks the city of Tampa
Oxford Exchange
THE place to go for brunch if you like a great atmosphere. Oxford Exchange is a beautifully designed space in Tampa that combines a restaurant, coffee and tea bar, bookstore, and boutique all in one. IT IS SUPER POPULAR SO YOU WILL LIKELY NEED A RESERVATION.
Tampa Riverwalk
There is a 2.6-mile-long pedestrian path along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa within walking distance of Sacred Heart Church/Le Meridien. There’s some great restaurants, museums, and parks along this stretch. Highly recommend Ulele.
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa Bay’s aquarium featuring over 9,000 aquatic animals and plants in immersive exhibits. Highlights include a massive coral reef tank with sharks and sea turtles, hands-on touch tanks with stingrays and moon jellies, and the unique MORPH’D exhibit featuring rare creatures like axolotls and electric eels. There’s also a splash pad for kids, a 4-D theater, and up-close views of animal care.
Tampa Museum of Art
Tampa’s wonderful art museum right along the Riverwalk. You receive complimentary entry to this museum if you stay at Le Meridien for the wedding.
Glazer Children's Museum
Children’s museum that has children play to learn through the exhibits.
Columbia Restaurant
True Tampa gem. One of the best restaurants (if not the best) in Tampa. For more than 120 years, the Columbia Restaurant has served Spanish-Cuban cuisine. They have a Flamenco dancer show if you make a reservation.
Boulon Brasserie and Bakery
Very good restaurant on Water Street downtown. French-inspired cuisine.
Rocca
Michelin star restaurant - delicious Italian food where they make homemade mozzarella at your table
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Very fun amusement park where they have rides (great rollercoasters + kids rides) and a great zoo (about 20 minutes away from Sacred Heart Church/Le Meridien). Great for both kids and adults.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa’s zoo. Voted one of USA Today’s 10Best Zoos in the country and 13-time winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.
Upham Beach Park
Emily’s favorite beach. This is a hidden gem and is not as crowded as Clearwater or the main beach in St. Pete because not as many people know about it, but it’s way prettier (in my opinion). White sands, huge rocks overlooking the ocean, and a really cute Secret Garden. The Secret Garden at Upham Beach is a tranquil, community-maintained oasis nestled at the northern tip of Upham Beach Park in St. Pete Beach. Accessible only via the beach, it lies behind the Envoy Point Condominiums and offers a serene escape with lush native Florida plants, shaded benches, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach was named the No. 1 Beach in the South by USA Today, and has been named America’s No. 1 Beach several times in recent years. If you go here, I highly recommend eating at Crabby Bills or Frenchy’s.
Saint Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach, near Tampa, is a stunning Gulf Coast destination known for its wide, sandy beaches, vibrant waterfront dining, and laid-back, tropical vibe perfect for relaxation and water activities.