Tampa, Florida
About tampa
Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is a popular destination for travelers because of its beautiful beaches, warm climate and active lifestyle. It is also known to be a destination for many sailing regattas throughout the year, because of its protected waters, it has the reputation to have calm seas and consistent winds.
Tampa is also known for its rich culture in arts and entertainment and is home to several well-known museums. It is also home to the Busch Gardens and Florida Aquarium. While visiting, you must check out the foodie scene as well as the upbeat lifestyle in the downtown area.
Getting There
Tampa International Airport(TPA) is the closest airport.
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
SAiling Tips
You can watch the seabreeze fill all the way through the bay on it’s way to Davis Island. Winter sailing brings the cold fronts and stronger breezes and temperatures.
Lightning Games
Check out a Tampa Bay Lightning game. BE THE THUNDER!
Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk was recently redone and has lot of food and beverage options.
The Cross Bay Ferry connects St. Pete and Tampa. Beat the traffic and enjoy Tampa Bay. Spend some time in St. Pete and explore the area.
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
Marinas/boat ramps
marine stores
sails/rigging
Boat Services
fuel
Boat storage
RESTAURANTS
Perfectly located centrally on Davis Island, Oggi’s has been a local favorite for traditional Italian fare for years. Serving all of the true Italian dishes with fresh pasta, bread baked daily, fresh produce and locally sourced ingredients, this is likely to become your go to spot as well. Dine indoors in the cozy dining room, or outside in the xmas tree light and plant filled alley seating area for a cozy Italian streetside cafe feel.
Oggi’s takes pride in every dish that is prepared by the kitchen, so it is not uncommon for your dining experience to last a bit longer than many other Italian restaurants. Believe me, it is worth the wait!
Address: 236 E Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: (813)252-7778
Prices: $$$
At Margarita’s, it has always been about the fresh food- they strive to use the freshest ingredients on Davis Island. Each of the Mexican favorites offered at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant are homemade and prepared fresh daily. The Beans are soaked overnight, the vegetables and herbs for the salsa and other sauces are chopped and crushed throughout the day, and hot tortilla chips are constantly coming out of the kitchen. In addition to an impressive array of authentic Mexican recipes like the savory burritos, crunchy tacos, and crispy quesadillas, Margarita’s offers excellent cocktails and of course, Margaritas! Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, make sure to stop by for a cold margarita and some street tacos after a great day on the water.
Address: 209 E Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: (813)251-0558
Prices: $$
Urban Cantina is a hip and trendy Mexican cantina located in downtown Tampa. Featuring your traditional Mexican food favs in a cool environment loaded with artwork and Mexican wrestler paraphernalia, Urban Cantina is an excellent spot for a quick lunch or an excellent Happy Hour. The dining room features a large garage style door/window that opens to outside, creating a cool indoor/outdoor bar situation, and there is seating outside as well. The menu features local favorites like the Skirt Steak Fajitas, the Cantina Combos, and the Super Chimichanga. Urban Cantina offers healthy versions of many of your traditional favs, leaving you a little bit of extra room for an ice cold margarita or two.
Address: 200 E Madison St, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813)221-8226
Prices: $$
For those looking for a bit of Britain (and a game of golf!) while in Tampa, Yeoman’s is your spot! This heavily British-inspired pub and eatery offers an elevated traditional British pub feel, with a menu focused on incredible comfort food. Offering an excellent selection of microbrews and craft cocktails, and a menu that focuses on burgers, mains, and all kinds of pub food- from Scotch Eggs to UK Meatloaf, to the best Fish and Chips in the area, Yeoman’s is your touch of Britain in Tampa. Yeoman’s Topgolf Swing Suites include golf and game bays, custom-built pool tables, professional 14ft shuffleboards, and 2021 PGA Tour Golden Tee Live machines. You can enjoy their hitting bays in year-round comfort using their complimentary clubs or your own.
Address: 202 N Morgan St, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813)224-9367
Prices: $$
Located downtown, Butter’s Burgers is a casual burger joint that serves up exceptional craft burgers, salads, and all-American cuisine. Known for their creative craft cocktails and an excellent beer selection, Butter’s offers a welcoming atmosphere for a quick lunch or a burger and beer while watching the game on Tampa’s largest TV wall. If you’re not in the mood for a game and the weather is nice, grab a seat outside and enjoy expansive views of downtown, Curtis Hixon Park, and the University of Tampa. Note that Butter’s offers a selection of non-beef burgers as well.
Address: 777 N Ashley Dr D1, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813)221-2500
Prices: $$
Tampa Pizza Company is a health-minded pizza chain that focuses on fantastic pizza, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and wings. Offering thick and thin crust, as well as tons of gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian pizza options, Tampa Pizza Company is known for some of the best pizza pies in the area! Local favorites include the Ricky Bobby Pizza and the Buffalo and Garlic Mixed Baked Chicken WIngs. The atmosphere at Tampa Pizza is casual and welcoming, and there is often local live music playing outside. There is plenty of outdoor seating, as well as a spacious dining room with TVs and music playing. Grab a slice, a pizza to go, or hang out, listen to some music, and enjoy a beer and pizza pie with the team.
Address: 777 N Ashley Dr STE C, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813)776-5261
Prices: $$
The Asian Kitchen is a casual Asian fusion restaurant that offers all of your comfy favorites, along with some creative takes on old classics. Locals love the potstickers, the Banh Mi, and especially the wide selection of boba tea- try the Lavender Boba Milk Tea- it is divine! The Asian Kitchen offers outdoor dining on their patio, or inside in their casual modernesque dining room.
Address: 5415 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: (813)336-3060
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
Busch Gardens is a large and well-loved theme park known as the Ultimate Family Adventure. Loved for its unique combination of thrilling rides and animal attractions, which combine to make Busch Gardens a unique and exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Busch Gardens is home to a variety of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes, among many others, and features exciting roller coasters and thrill rides- for those looking for a thrill or two along with their educational experience. The park offers safaris, giant roller coasters, live entertainment, various dining options, and fully immersive themed areas- there is definitely something for everyone here!
Local Tip: Make sure and order tickets or packages on the Busch Gardens website for massive savings on prices!
Rated one of the top aquariums in the US, The Florida Aquarium attracts visitors worldwide to experience a wide variety of aquatic AND terrestrial animals (it’s not just an aquarium!). Located in downtown Tampa, the Florida Aquarium offers visitors a glimpse into a wide range of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, wetlands, and the open ocean. There are tons of animals at the Aquarium, from sea turtles, to sharks, lemurs, otters, rays, tons of fish…they offer touch tanks, a cafe (with craft beer options), and both indoor and outdoor attractions. The Florida Aquarium focuses on conservation and environmental awareness, so a day spent at the Aquarium means supporting Florida’s animals and waters!
The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic and vibrant waterfront pathway in downtown Tampa, stretching for 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River. The Riverwalk offers a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, jogging, and biking, and is lined with various parks, public art installations, and cultural attractions- an excellent casual way to explore the city’s history and culture while also enjoying the outdoors. The Tampa Riverwalk is a hub for social activity, there are numerous waterfront restaurants and bars along the path, making it a popular spot for gatherings and outdoor events. Spending a few hours exploring the Tampa Riverwalk is an excellent way to see the city, while also getting a little exercise and some vitamin D!
The Tampa Museum of Art is a cultural gem located on the water in downtown Tampa. Beautifully designed, the museum houses an extensive and diverse collection of art, spanning from ancient through contemporary works. The museum showcases a variety of artistic mediums, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photography, as well as both permanent and rotating exhibitions that highlight regional, national, and international artists. With a commitment to promoting visual arts and fostering cultural enrichment in the local area, the Tampa Museum of Art serves as a vibrant hub for art appreciation and education in the Tampa Bay area. The museum is small but mighty, and does not require a long time to explore. There is an excellent cafe as well, known for their spectacular wine and paninis.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an 8 acres public park located along the Hillsborough river in the heart of downtown Tampa. Located adjacent to the Tampa Riverwalk, (see above), Waterfront Park is beautifully landscaped and features walking trails, a large lush green space with playgrounds and water features for the little ones, a dog park, public boat dock, amphitheater, shaded pavilions, and beautiful fountains. The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a picturesque and ideal setting for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a day out to enjoy the fresh air.