The Riverwalk is a great way to enjoy Tampa! You can take a public water taxi (Pirate Water Taxi) or a private floating bar boat (Pirate Tikis or Kraken Cycle Boats) and hop on and off at different stops! There are a number of great restaurants along the way. We particularly love Ulele- they have a lawn with an outdoor bar and fun games.
Ybor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa, founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers and built by immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. Ybor City is famous not just for its cigar production, but more importantly for thriving as a multiracial and multiethnic immigrant community. Ybor City also brought the world the Cuban Sandwich, combining the neighborhood's Italian culture (the salami!) with Cuban culture. Jackie's grandparents met in Ybor City and it is the first place that Jackie's dad took Mikael the first time he visited Tampa. When Mikael flew down to Tampa to talk to Jackie's parents before proposing, they had lunch at the Columbia Restaurant, an Ybor landmark and the oldest restaurant in Florida.
Great Sicilian food in Ybor
For folks trying to fit in some sun, there is a lovely public beach in St. Pete, about half an hour away. Ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S.!
A huge, pink castle of a hotel on St. Pete Beach. They have a private beach and pool, with beach and pool side bar and food service. You can pay for a day pass, no need to stay at the hotel to enjoy.
A safari themed park, with wildlife and roller coasters. Great for family fun!
A laid back cafe with arguably the best grouper sandwich in the area (this statement will generate much disagreement among Jackie's family and friends, but only Jackie has editing rights to this website), right on Clearwater beach. Perfect for a day at the beach and a Florida lunch!
A brewery that offers a colorful, private party bus (with beer) that tours local breweries/bars.
A Tampa institution, known for the best steak in the city and a world class wine cellar. Don't miss the separate dessert room! Reservations are hard to get - so we recommend advance planning.
Cuban bakery - perfect to get some fresh cuban bread and a great cuban sandwich
A hands on museum for children to play!
For the Tiger King fans
Food hall with a huge variety of spots for food and drink! Highly recommend! Fun fact - this was our original wedding venue before COVID.
For those staying longer - Orlando is only about an hour and a half drive from Tampa