Welcome to Tampa
The peak of Florida luxury, where endless calm meets metropolitan class
Along with miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches and waterfront urban amenities, Tampa hosts some of the most luxurious amenities in southwest Florida's entire bay region. Located as far into the massive bay inlet as possible, Tampa's climate is buffered by the large Clearwater and St. Petersburg peninsula to the west, and its non-turbulent waters are ideally suited for the most easy-going beach-side experience you'll find in the state.
What to Love
- Highly laid-back lifestyle, along with ultra-deluxe metropolitan amenities
- Exciting outdoor recreation in a breathtaking subtropical environment
- A quieter, yet still bold speed of life, compared with the other Tampa Bay hotspots
- Rich historical and cultural significance, with numerous history and art museums
Local Lifestyle
It's hard to believe such a well-regarded and popular part of Florida is also so laid back. You must experience it firsthand to truly appreciate the at-once extravagent class and powerfully relaxed rhythm Tampa is known for. Its synthesis of incredibly upscale amenities and deeply self-aware cultural sites makes Tampa an amazing example of luxury living that feels natural. There's no shortage of bountiful outdoor settings, and the highly sheltered waters serve as a poetic reflection of the area's incredibly charming and relaxed lifestyle.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
For your shopping needs, visit Hyde Park Village, an impressive outdoor mall featuring highly charming and upscale designer shops, fine dining establishments, and state-of-the-art entertainment for your enjoyment. Every Sunday, the Hyde Park Village farmers market takes place, providing an even greater sense of Tampa's local flair, with some of the region's freshest produce and seafood, along with exceptional wares and crafts from the local artisanal shops.
For more of Tampa's main-street-everywhere vibe, enjoy a sunny afternoon or enlivening evening out at
Fly Bar and Restaurant. There, you'll enjoy deluxe tapas and top-shelf cocktail masterpieces in a casually fashionable jazz motif.
American Social is perfect for a casual happy hour meet 'n greet. Their ultra sleek modern interior style and harbor view makes for the perfect setting to enjoy their delectable cocktails and grilled American comfort food.
If instead you're grilling for friends at your new Tampa home, stop by
Heights Meat Market, where you'll find impeccable specialty cuts and custom seasoning blends. Locals rave about
Armature Works, a mixed-use space in a historic building that hosts events, a chic bar and lounge, and popular upscale eateries.
Enjoy a truly decadent and almost royal experience at
Bern's Steak House. A deeply entrancing, chandelier-lit ambiance and private booth enclosures bring you closer to your and your loved one's appreciation for each other and the finer things in life. At Bern's, those finer things include dry-aged steaks, unfathomably delectable desserts, and a veritable bank vault full of the finest reds imaginable.
Things to Do
Since 1904, the
Gasparilla Pirate Festival has taken Tampa by storm, marking the third largest parade in the country. The mock invasion showers the 300,000+ crowds with treasures to "plunder," though it's only a ruse to help the pirates capture the city of Tampa mayor. Just down the bay, history buffs will find the
Tampa Bay History Center, a highly interactive museum revealing just how rich and storied the West Florida bay region's history truly is.
Lovers of architecture in particular won't want to miss the
Henry B. Plant Museum. The castle-esque structure is itself a sight to behold, and the museum provides even greater depth into the region's dramatic cultural heritage.
As laid back as Tampa is, there's also a large number of festivals, attracting the finest local and national talents to the city center. Each year, the areas in and around the beloved
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and
Tampa Riverwalk host the Tampa Riverfest — and just across the river, the
Julian B Lane Riverfront Park hosts the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and the Tampa Bay Margarita Festival.
