Drinking in the View

Cotton candy pink and mandarin orange skies set the scene for fun, as day slips into night over Tampa Bay. Rooftop bars and outdoor lounges lure spectators nightly for a front row seat, as they celebrate the conclusion of another fabulous day. Soak in the last few spectacular rays of the day at these, some of our favorite spots for indulging in this simple ritual.

Marisa Langford

Ulele at Riverwalk

While ocean views are memorable, river views can be just as spectacular. If viewing the sunset is a family affair, Ulele is the place to be. Opt for the outdoor patio, where kiddos can enjoy a little extra room. While you wait for charbroiled oysters, alligator hush puppies and Gouda grouper, whet your whistle with the Wedding Beer, a Ulele Springs Brewery original, and take in sunset views overlooking the Hillsborough River.

1810 NORTH HIGHLAND AVENUE, TAMPA 813.999.4952 ULELE.COM

M. Bird at Armature Works

Tampa’s newest rooftop lounge only opens in the late afternoon and does not offer reservations, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot along the space’s edge, or if you require a larger table for your group. The trendy, 21-and-over bar offers tropically inspired cocktails with fresh ingredients as well as light bites, and is situated in a perfect spot to view the sunset, atop of one of Tampa’s hottest new food halls, Armature Works.

1903 MARKET STREET, TAMPA 813.296.2702 MBIRDTAMPA.COM

Oystercatchers on Old Tampa Bay

Quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tampa, Oystercatchers is the perfect spot to catch a beautiful sunset and panoramic views of Old Tampa Bay. Relax on the outside patios or the lower bay-level deck with beachside rattan day beds or toes-in-the-sand fireside circles. Sip on featured wines and dine on the fresh catches of the day. Seafood lovers won’t go wrong with one of the seafood towers.

2900 BAYPORT DRIVE, TAMPA 813.874.1234 OYSTERCATCHERSRESTAURANT.COM

Ulele

M. Bird

Armature Works

Cotton candy pink skies set the scene as day slips into night.

Ballast Point Park on Bayshore Boulevard

A quaint hidden gem, Ballast Point Park is situated on the east coast of the bay, and offers beautiful views of the downtown Tampa skyline from its 600-foot fishing pier. It’s the perfect spot for families looking for a peaceful evening in Tampa Bay. Pack a picnic and spend the evening at the splash pad or on the playground, then grab a scoop of ice cream before you enjoy the sunset with Tampa in the background.

5300 INTERBAY BOULEVARD, TAMPA 813.274.8615 TAMPAGOV.NET

HiFi Rooftop Bar in Dunedin

Originally opened in the 1920s, the Fenway has a long and storied past, tied intimately to the burgeoning jazz age of the last century. The newly-constructed HiFi Rooftop Bar celebrates that legacy, taking the place of the hotel’s original bar located in the basement. Pair craft cocktails and local beers with a view of St. Joseph Sound for an unforgettable evening at this 21-and-up hotspot. A Fenway Daiquiri offers a nostalgic twist.

453 EDGEWATER DRIVE, DUNEDIN 727.683.5999 FENWAYHOTEL.COM

Ocean Hai in Clearwater

Head over the bridge to dine at Ocean Hai in the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, a top choice for dinner and drinks with a view. Located across the street from one of America’s top beaches, the views over Clearwater Beach are magical. Enjoy sushi and a Mai Tai for dinner, or indulge in the eightcourse omakase menu, which includes a chef consultation, before indulging in a beach stroll on soft, sugar sand.

100 CORONADO DRIVE, CLEARWATER BEACH 727.281.9500 WYNDHAMGRANDCLEARWATER.COM

Fenway Hotel