Things To Do in Tampa Bay
Armature Works
Fun fact: Armature Works is where Sammy and Troy first met. This upscale food court, bar and lounge area has a historic feel as it was originally a streetcar facility in 1910. Come grab some amazing food and drinks while sitting by the Tampa River.
Morgan’s Cove
This is Troy and Sammy’s favorite Speakeasy in Tampa Bay. It’s pirate themed so be ready for those rum drinks! Go to Yeoman's (a fun British restaurant near Amalie Arena) and you will see a red light at a wooden door just past the main bar. You may need to put your name on a waitlist but it’s definitely worth the wait. ☠️
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
If you want to see some awesome animals go visit one of the top zoos in the country. Lowry Park Zoo is fun for all ages and fun fact Sammy used to volunteer here in the Aviary department while she was in school. This is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Tampa.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If you are into roller coasters, this is the place for you. Busch Gardens has a variety of different kinds from the 90 degree drop at SheiKra to the 60mph speed of Cheetah Hunt. This is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Tampa.
Visit Tampa Bay
A very helpful website of things to do in Tampa Bay area.
The Florida Aquarium
This is located on the Riverwalk and there is free shuttle service for those staying at the Barrymore.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
This is Tampa's main performing arts center with a nice selection of shows. It is located right next to the Barrymore Hotel. The show during the week of the wedding is The Outsiders.
Amalie Arena (now called Benchmark International Arena)
This venue is where the Tamp Bay Lightning play as well as concerts and comedy shows. There is free shuttle service for those staying at the Barrymore Hotel. Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay Lightning will be out of town during the wedding, but the Circus is in town.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
This is one of the largest casinos in the world with over 5,000 slot machines and well over 100 tables. There are many restaurants with exceptional dining and an event center with concerts and comedy shows. This is a 10 minute drive from downtown.
Bayshore Boulevard
Home of the world's longest sidewalk, so it is a great place for biking or walking. It has the bay on one side and beautiful homes on the other side.
Sparkman Wharf
A fun place to dine, have drinks or go bowling with a beautiful view of the river. There is a free shuttle if you are staying at the Barrymore Hotel.
Tampa Bay History Center
The History Center is one of Tampa Bay's premier cultural venues and an anchor of the Tampa Riverwalk on Water Street. Explore a world where stories unfold around every corner. Three levels of exhibit galleries invite you on a journey through time. Engage with history talks that transform learning into a quest for knowledge, or join us for public events that go beyond entertainment, fostering a connection to our collective history and future. Here, each visit is a voyage of discovery for curious minds of all ages. There is a free shuttle if you are staying at the Barrymore Hotel.
Tampa Museum of Art
This is right next door to the Glazer Children's Museum and Curtis Hixon Park. It is walking distance to the Barrymore Hotel or feel free to take the free shuttle.
Glazer Children's Museum
This is walking distance to the Barrymore Hotel or feel free to take the free shuttle from the hotel.
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida. It connects various parks, attractions, museums, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for recreation and leisure. The Barrymore Hotel is located on the Riverwalk.
Water and Boating Activities in Tampa
You can rent many types of boats in downtown Tampa: eboats (electric boats that hold 10-12 peoplet): https://eboatstampa.com/ Tiki boats: gotikitours.com 9.9HP MINI-POWERBOAT RENTAL for 2 people or pontoon rentals: https://riverwalkboating.com/ Jet ski rentals downtown: https://www.paramountwatersports.com/ Kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals: https://tampariverwalkrentals.com/
Cruises from Tampa Bay
Tampa now homeports eight vessels from five cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Margaritaville, and Celebrity): Offering the variety of 4, 5, 7, 10, 11 and 14-day cruise itineraries. There is free shuttle service to the port for those staying at the Barrymore Hotel.
Rooftop Bars
The Beacon: Beacon is Tampa's premier cocktail destination at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Located on the 27th Floor, Beacon will entice guests with an awe-inspired design and delectable cocktails, curated by our team of award-winning mixologists. Each sip is perfectly paired with 270-degree views of Tampa Bay. The Azure: Located on the top of the Edition hotel. Ask for outdoor seating. Both bars are downtown and have free shuttle from the Barrymore Hotel.
Dinner Cruises on the River
Craft Tampa is a river cruiser that is designed like those in Europe. https://crafttampa.com/ Yacht Starship: https://yachtstarship.com/
Pirate Ship Cruise
Come aboard the Lost Pearl’s 1.5-hour interactive pirate ship in Tampa and enjoy swashbuckling activities, water cannon fun, and a bar that’s Free at Sea for everyone! We offer cruises for all ages, including: All Ages Pirate Adventures All Ages Sunset Cruises Special Event & Holiday Cruises* You will train to be a pirate so we’re prepared for any unwarranted encounter as we cruise Florida’s most pirate-infested waters, home to the legendary Jose Gaspar. Keep a sharp eye out for friendly dolphins as they like to swim along with us on our travels.
Bern's Steak House
Bern's Steak House in Tampa is renowned for its exceptional and unique dining experience, encompassing not only its prime steaks but also its massive wine collection and famous dessert room. It's a place that offers an "adventure" rather than just a meal, with elements like dry-aged steaks, a vast wine cellar with over 6,800 selections (with over 1/2 million bottles of wine), and a dedicated dessert room. This restaurant gets booked up very quickly so I'd recommend making reservations 2 months ahead of time. Make sure you ask for the kitchen and wine cellar tour.
Columbia Restaurant
For Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., arriving in Tampa, FL, with his four young sons meant searching for opportunity and a better life. On Dec. 17, 1903, he helped to open the Columbia Saloon, which became the Columbia Restaurant in 1905. Over nearly 120 years, the original restaurant has expanded to an entire city block and is now the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Casimiro's descendants diligently care for the Columbia Restaurant and help preserve his American dream. As Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia has seven locations in Florida and is still owned and operated by family members. Make sure you ask for the room where they have live Flamenco dancers for an extra treat. There is free shuttle service for those staying at the Barrymore Hotel. There is also free trolley service from downtown Tampa to Ybor City (where the Columbia is located).
Orlando Theme Parks
For other popular destinations, you can drive to Orlando (1 hour to 1.5 hours). Orlando, Florida, is a popular tourist destination known for its theme parks, entertainment venues, and outdoor activities. Some of the most popular attractions include Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and ICON Park. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando offers a variety of other activities like exploring the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, enjoying shows at Teatro Martini Orlando, or discovering the exhibits at WonderWorks Orlando.
Florida Beaches
We are very fortunate to have some of the most beautiful beaches within an hour drive such as St. Pete and Clearwater Beaches.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Constructed between 1888 and 1891, the Tampa Bay Hotel served as the capital of Henry Bradley Plant's empire of railroads, steamships and hotels. It is now part of the University of Tampa and is open to the public. There is free transportation if you are staying at the Barrymore Hotel.
American Victory Ship & Museum
Enjoy rare artifacts, exciting exhibits, uniforms, medals, documents and photographs. It’s all right here throughout nine decks and our 455’x109′ cargo vessel. Free shuttle service if you are staying at the Barrymore Hotel.
J.C. Newman Cigar Company
Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in America. For four generations and 130 years, J.C. Newman has been handcrafting many of the world’s finest cigars. J.C. Newman is headquartered in an iconic 115-year-old cigar factory in the Ybor City National Historic Landmark District in Tampa, Florida. At this factory, known as “El Reloj,” J.C. Newman rolls premium cigars both by hand and by hand-operated, antique cigar machines. Take a tour of the factory or even do the Cigar Rolling Experience where you get to roll your own cigar. There is free shuttle service if you are staying at the Barrymore Hotel or free trolley service to Ybor from downtown Tampa.
ReliaQuest Bowl (Raymond James Stadium)
The football game will be played on December 31st with a pep rally and parade in Ybor city on December 30th.
Tampa Mafia Tour
Hyde Park Village - Fresh Market
The Fresh Market is held the first Sunday of each month from 10-3.