An Insider’s Guide to Tampa

Welcome to my hometown of Tampa, Florida! If you’re craving a quick and rejuvenating weekend escape filled with sunshine, stunning beaches, and vibrant city life, Tampa should be at the top of your list. Tampa has changed a lot since I was growing up and was recently named to Time Magazine’s list of the world’s greatest places for 2023. From cultural attractions to mouthwatering cuisine, Tampa has something for everyone.

Hotels

The recent opening of the Tampa Edition brought the first five-star property to the city. Located downtown in the Water Street neighborhood, the Edition boasts three restaurants and four bars. Don’t miss the great view of downtown Tampa from the rooftop pool and bar. Guests can also enjoy the sophisticated spa and fitness center. Clients booking through Earhart Travel Consulting are offered the following VIP amenities, to include:

• Complimentary breakfast for two – $85 daily breakfast credit for two guests in the Market restaurant
• $100 hotel credit – may be applied to the spa, room service, mini bar, and all food and beverage venues
• Customized welcome amenity
• Complimentary WiFi
• Early Check-in/late Check-out, based on availability
• Priority for a complimentary room upgrade, based on availability upon arrival

For a more boutique hotel experience, check out the Epicurean Hotel, part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection, located in Tampa’s SoHo district, within walking distance from tons of local neighborhood bars and restaurants, and Hyde Park Village. Designed as an ideal retreat, Epicurean’s rooms and suites are a luxurious blend of urban chic and comfort. The hotel is decorated to reflect Tampa’s culinary heritage and unique flavor of the area. Clients booking through ETC will receive:

• Complimentary Breakfast for two
• Welcome wine sampling upon arrival
• Early Check-in/late Check-out, based on availability

Just down the street from the Edition, is the JW Marriott Water Street, another sophisticated addition to the Water Street area. Look out for the exciting opening of the Pendry Tampa in 2026, which will be in a prime location along the Riverwalk, just steps from all that downtown has to offer.

Restaurants

For brunch, head to Oxford Exchange, a restaurant, bookshop, café, and boutique. The restaurant showcases a menu of contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The inviting space features soaring ceilings, gleaming marble floors, and an abundance of natural light that filters through the expansive windows. After brunch, stop by The Champagne Bar, a cozy and intimate setting where you can enjoy a glass of bubbly or a handcrafted cocktail.

A local favorite, and one of my personal go-to spots for brunch, On Swann is a great restaurant is located in Hyde Park Village. The vibe is laid back but sophisticated, and there is a great patio for people watching. Don’t miss the towering kale salad and a craft cocktail. Stop by for lunch or dinner before exploring the boutique shops of Hyde Park.

My true insider recommendation is Yoko’s Japanese Restaurant for sushi. There are so many great sushi options in Tampa, but this is a true local gem that I personally have been visiting since I was in grade school. Don’t miss the dragon roll, and if you’re lucky you may get a glimpse of Yoko herself checking in on her regular patrons.

No trip to Tampa is complete without a visit to the iconic Bern’s Steakhouse. Since its establishment in 1956, Bern’s has become a legendary destination for steak lovers, renowned for its exceptional quality, extensive wine collection, and timeless charm. Upon arrival, be sure to ask for a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar. With over 6,500 selections and more than half a million bottles, Bern’s boasts one of the largest and most comprehensive wine collections in the world. After dinner, head upstairs to the dessert room, where you’ll sit in your own private booth and use the phone on the wall to make requests to the live piano player. Try your best to save room for an infamous Cappuccino Bern’s, bananas foster, and house-made macadamia nut ice cream.

Things to do

Be sure to take some time to take a leisurely stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic path along the Hillsborough River. As you wander, you’ll pass by popular landmarks such as the Tampa Museum of Art and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. You can even rent a paddleboard or kayak to experience the view from the river itself.

The Riverwalk begins at Armature Works, an historic building turned into a modern food hall – it’s a cultural hub, gathering place, and a symbol of Tampa’s vibrant and evolving culinary scene. From artisanal coffee shops to gourmet eateries, you’ll find an array of flavors to suit every palate. Sample delicious street tacos, indulge in wood-fired pizza, or savor gourmet burgers – the choices are endless. Don’t miss the amazing sunset and downtown views from M. Bird’s rooftop bar.

In the afternoon, make your way to the historic Ybor City neighborhood. This lively district is known for its rich cultural heritage, cigar factories, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the charming streets lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and local art galleries. You can treat yourself to a hand-rolled cigar at one of the many cigar shops along the way. Head to Copper Shaker for the best espresso martinis in town before catching some live music or a DJ at the Ritz Ybor. For a great local craft brewery, head to Zydeco Brew Werks for their beer flights and creole eats.

Insider Tips

• My favorite beach is Pass-a-Grille in St. Pete. Head here instead of Clearwater to skip the crowds during high season. Head to the beachside Paradise Grille for breakfast and then cross the street to The Hurricane for a frozen drink on the rooftop to cool off and watch the sunset.
• Make time for a walk or run on Bayshore Boulevard, the longest sidewalk in the US and where Gasparilla takes place! Great for window shopping the gorgeous houses.
• The Tampa Museum of Art located downtown offers Art on the House Every Thursday from 4pm-8pm. During Art on the House, admission prices change to pay-as-you-will, and visitors can choose whatever admission price they want to pay. 
• There are tons of free workout classes at the many parks around Tampa. Check out the events calendars at Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and Curtis Hixon Park for info on free outdoor yoga, pilates, F45 classes, and more.
• The local market scene has really taken off in Tampa. Head here for a full list of vintage, local, and outdoor markets that take place weekly around the city: https://thatssotampa.com/tampa-summer-market-guide/
• The best rooftop bar in Tampa can be found at the new Current Hotel (Marriott Autograph Collection). The Rox Rooftop is the highest rooftop bar in the area, with amazing sunset views.