Discovering the Magic of Tampa Bay: A Journey Through Florida's Hidden Gem
Where to live, stay or visit in Tampa Bay
I moved to Tampa Bay, Florida two years ago and I’ve loved exploring the many areas that make up the city. It has atmosphere, community and cuisine. Tampa Bay is the hidden gem that people are now finding out about. It is also home to the second best Riverwalk right after Detroit! Here are some areas you should know if you plan to visit or move here.
Downtown Tampa: If you love the hustle and bustle of city life, Downtown Tampa offers a variety of living options, including high-rise apartments and condos. As a fellow New Yorker who moved to Tampa, this is the area that I currently reside and love. There are events every weekend and so much to see and do. You can walk to Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf and Curtis Hixon Park and if you don’t want to walk or drive there is a free shuttle bus that takes you to these areas and even Ybor Historic District. It’s a great central location to all the fun!
South Tampa: This area is known for its beautiful historic homes, many of which date back to the early 1900s. These homes are surrounded by tree-lined streets and charming neighborhoods, making it a great place to take a leisurely stroll. South Tampa offers a variety of nightlife options, including several bars and clubs. SoHo, short for South Howard Avenue, is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a night out on the town.
Davis Islands: This waterfront community offers beautiful views of the bay and a variety of housing options, from historic homes to modern condos. Davis Island is home to the Peter O. Knight Airport, which offers private and charter flights to a variety of destinations for those interested. If you’re looking for a unique way to see Tampa Bay, consider taking a scenic flight over the area. The island offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as jogging or biking along the scenic Davis Island Trail, or playing a round of golf at the Island Course at the Davis Islands Yacht Club. And it is walking distance to downtown Tampa and Harbour Island.
Hyde Park: This neighborhood is known for its charming bungalows, tree-lined streets, and great dining and shopping options. This is home to an established community of native Tampa residents and you can see the pride of their community especially if you are on Swann Ave where some of the best restaurants are including On Swann, Timpano and black-owned and woman-owned The Cake Drip.
Seminole Heights: This up-and-coming neighborhood has a vibrant arts and culture scene and a variety of eclectic housing options. It also has some fun new restaurants and bars like The C house, Ichicoro Ramen, Mandarin Heights, Rooster & the Till and FLocale which is the perfect place to watch a sport game with tons of TVs and seating options.
Harbour Island: Located on the Hillsborough Bay, offering stunning waterfront views and access to a variety of water-based activities, such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Harbour Island is also home to several upscale hotels and resorts, such as the Tampa Marriott Water Street and the Westin Tampa Waterside, offering luxurious accommodations. It is excitingly home to several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Gasparilla Music Festival and the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival. A must see when visiting or moving to Tampa.
Wesley Chapel: Located just north of Tampa, making it a convenient home base for exploring the entire Tampa Bay area. It’s just a short drive to popular attractions like Busch Gardens, ZooTampa and other nature preserves, including the 2,143-acre Cypress Creek Preserve. There are also several golf courses in the area, including the Saddlebrook Resort, which has hosted professional golf tournaments.
St. Pete: It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, including St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Pass-a-Grille Beach. With white sand and crystal-clear water, these beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Just make sure you plan to visit and avoid the Red Tide! If you’re the artsy type like me then you’ll love St. Pete because it is also home to several museums, including the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, as well as the Morean Arts Center, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Chihuly Collection. Some of the best food is over the bridge in downtown St. Pete and some of my favorites are Social Roost, Teak, Good Fortune and finally Bacon Bitch for a fun brunch atmosphere (that’s the actual name).
There is tons to do in Tampa Bay and St. Pete Florida from beach days to cultural events. You won’t run out of things to do as investors are currently adding more to the city. I am excited to see where Tampa Bay is in 5 years.
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