Tampa

Often noted as a destination catering to all ages and tastes, Tampa, Florida, at the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, boasts a sparkling waterfront, world-class cuisine, family fun and the influence of the Cuban culture. As the third-most populated city in Florida, travelers can visit Ybor City for lively nightlife, the Tampa Riverwalk for its bars and restaurants, beaches just a 30-minute drive from city center and so much more.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Tampa International Airport, five miles northwest of downtown Tampa, is served by most major airlines. Yellow Cab, United Cab, Uber and Lyft are available from the airport, as is public bus service, with a stop at the Rental Car Center. Travelers, however, might want to consider renting a car for getting to/from the airport and around Tampa. St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is also nearby but not as wellserved as TPA.

If you’re not driving, Tampa does offer some public service options. In Town Trolley runs north to south every 10 minutes, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. All-day passes are available for downtown’s pirate-themed water taxis, which make 14 stops, including Riverwalk and Channel District. The vintage replica streetcars of the TEC Line Streetcar are modern, with air-conditioning, and are free to ride around downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City.

LODGING

Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

Located in South Tampa’s Hyde Park district, Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection encourages guests to “chart their own adventure.” The culinary options are a highlight, with cooking classes offered on site and EDGE, a rooftop bar.

1207 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, tel 855 829 2536 marriott.com

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

The resort-style Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, situated on 35 waterfront acres, boasts lots of outdoor fun for visitors, like the 9.5-mile bayside trail. Travelers can opt for villa-style casita rooms and dine at awardwinning Oystercatchers.

2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, tel 813 874 1234 hyatt.com

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Stylish, ultra-plush accommodations — featuring

More to Explore:

Centro Ybor Shopping Center

PHOTO: © MIROSLAV LISKA | DREAMSTIME.COM

signature Sleep Like a Rock bedding — complement a casino, more than 10 culinary outlets and a stacked events calendar at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

5223 Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610, tel 866 388 4263 seminolehardrocktampa.com

DINING

Bern’s Steak House

Since 1956, perfectly aged steaks, one of the world’s largest wine collections and a famous dessert room have been hallmarks of the Bern’s Steak House dining experience. Veggies are sourced locally from Bern’s farm.

1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, tel 813 251 2421 bernssteakhouse.com

Cena

Housed in the Channel District’s Grand Central Building, Cena, which means “dinner” or “supper” in Italian, boasts a menu of modern, fresh and simple Italian dishes featuring the best ingredients.

1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 112, Tampa, FL 33602, tel 813 374 8840 cenatampa.com

Columbia Restaurant

Superlatives abound here: Florida’s oldest restaurant, the largest Spanish restaurant in the world and more than 115 years operated by the same family. In 1905, Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. opened the outpost in Ybor City; more locations followed. 2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, FL 33605, tel 813 248 4961 columbiarestaurant.com

ATTRACTIONS

Armature Works

A restored, mixed-use building in the Tampa Heights district, Armature Works — with a full view of the Hillsborough River — is a true community destination with eateries, event spaces and Heights Public Market, dubbed a “neighborhood food hub.”

1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa, FL 33602, tel 813 250 3725 armatureworks.com

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The family will love a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, boasting amusements, 200 species of animals and Adventure Island waterpark. The 335-acre space will welcome Iron Gwazi in 2021, North America’s tallest hybrid rollercoaster.

10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, tel 813 884 4386 buschgardens.com/tampa

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center

Tampa Electric found manatees drawn to one of its power station’s discharge canals when the water in Tampa Bay became 68 degrees or cooler. From this, a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary was born. The tidal walk to the viewing station is also great for bird watching.

6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, tel 813 228 4289 tampaelectric.com/company/mvc