We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?
That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 10 of the most recognizable TBAY landmarks — scattered across Downtown Tampa to all the way to St. Pete Beach. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.
Rivergate Tower
Address: 400 North Ashley Dr., Tampa
Nearby: Tampa Riverwalk, Kiley Gardens, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
The “Beer Can Building” is more than just a landmark, it’s a Cigar City legend. Love it or hate it, the 31-story high rise’s unique shape is a clear marker on those Riverwalk runs or when cruising down the river.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Address: 7508-7534 Sunshine Skyway Ln. S., St. Petersburg
Nearby: Maximo Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, Manatee County Rest Area
This hard-to-miss 12-mile cable-stayed bridge connects St. Pete and Bradenton. Did you know: The original Skyway was built in 1954 but was destroyed in 1980 when a ship crashed into the bridge, causing it to fall into the Bay.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Address: 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Nearby: University of Tampa, Tampa Riverwalk, Oxford Exchange
Once you see the minarets, domes, moons, and “Arabian Nights” style roofing that adorns the historic museum, you know you’re in Tampa. Fun Fact: President Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the building — when it was the Tampa Bay Hotel — before departing for the Spanish-American War in Cuba.
You can also cowork at Centro Ybor’s Industrious.
Photo via City of Tampa
Centro Ybor
Address: 1600 E. 8th Ave., Tampa
Nearby: Ybor City Wine Bar, The Ritz Ybor, SpookEasy Lounge, La France, Hotel Haya
It’s hard to miss this giant marquee-style sign, especially when it’s lit up at night. Fun fact: The bustling area boasts more than a dozen restaurants and bars, from fine dining to brew pubs overlooking the historic row.
Tampa’s majestic movie palace hosts more than 600 events each year.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Tampa Theatre
Address: 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa
Nearby: Element Tampa, Eddie and Sam’s NY Pizza, Le Méridien Tampa
The warm, old school neon sign almost invites you to come inside and explore the grand interior. Fun fact: For $150 an hour, you can display any message you’d like on the landmark’s marquee (Think: Proposals + milestone birthdays).
Hotel Flor
Address: 905 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
Nearby: United States District Court, Oaklawn Cemetery, The Portico Cafe, Bello Bar and Kitchen
Though the ritsy hotel’s name has changed from the Floridian Palace Hotel, the eye-catching red letter sign still remains a comforting slice of Downtown Tampa as you cruise down I-275. Fun fact: The sign was found in a rooftop storage room during a 2005 building cleaning.
The Kapok Tree
Address: 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Nearby: St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete Pier, South Straub Park
This gigantic, magical-looking tree blooms stunning red flowers around February. Fun fact: The tree was planted by the museum’s first director in 1965.
Like a flamingo in a flock of pigeons, The Don stands out among TBAY’s white sands.
Photo via The Don CeSar
The Don CeSar
Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Nearby: The Hotel Zamora, Pinellas Bayway, Pass-a-Grille Beach, Undertow Beach Bar
Lost on St. Pete Beach? Just look for the towering Pink Palace. Fun fact: The beachfront hotel served as a sub-base hospital during WWII. Plus, the legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald once stayed there.
Truist Place
Address: 401 E. Jackson St., Tampa
Nearby: Hilton Tampa Downtown, Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Convention Center, Amalie Arena, Water Street Tampa
Looking for a beacon to guide you home after a night of shenanigans in Downtown Tampa? Your North Star is Truist Place’s (formerly SunTrust Financial Centre) lit-up roof. Fun fact: Roughly 300 LED lights make up the staggered roof structure — the lights typically shine a deep blue.
Try to guess where the background image is on this mural.
Photo via Hillsborough County Schools
Tampa Postcard Mural
Address: 1102 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
Nearby: Melting Pot Social, Tampa Firefighters Museum
Each letter features a snippet of TBAY painted inside: The “T” has the Water Tower in Sulphur Springs; “A” has the Gasparilla ship and flotilla; “M” has the University of Tampa’s minarets; “P” has an image of the Streetcar in Ybor City; the “A” has children casting their fishing rods in our waters.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa
