Armature Works is a renovated waterfront hub in Tampa Heights. The main floor is Heights Public Market, a food hall with a bunch of local vendors, which is great for grabbing anything from coffee to a full meal, especially with a group. If the weather is nice, you can head upstairs for a drink at M.Bird or wander along the nearby Riverwalk. We love this area so much that we decided to get married right next door!
Sparkman Wharf is perfect for a casual hangout with a view! It’s right in the Water Street/Channelside area, with a bunch of great places to grab food, plus the LightHaus Beer Garden for drinks. Depending on the day, there’s often live music or special local events.
Cigar City Brewing is a classic Tampa stop for great beer and good food. Their Spruce Street Brewery & Taproom features a full-service kitchen and pours 20+ beers on draft, including James' personal favorite Jai Alai IPA!
If you feel like taking a trip across the bridge, head to the St. Pete Pier, one of our favorite spots in our hometown! It’s a 26-acre waterfront park with stunning Tampa Bay views, plus restaurants, bars, a marketplace, public art, a fishing deck, and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.
The Florida Aquarium is a fun, easy stop in downtown Tampa’s Channelside area, with exhibits featuring sharks, sea turtles, penguins, and stingrays. It’s also conveniently located near the Riverwalk and along the streetcar route, so it’s simple to pair with lunch or exploring nearby neighborhoods. For the smoothest visit, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance.