You’ve got a big presentation due… and a big pile of laundry taunting you. We get it — working from home can be a mixed blessing. There are days when a change of scenery is a must if you’re going to get anything done. The good news? Research shows that tackling your tasks al fresco actually helps boost productivity.
Finding places to work outside in Tampa Bay was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.
Stick around for a toasted sandwich at Spaddy’s Coffee Co.
Photo via @spaddyscoffee
Coffee and tea shops
Caffeine reigns supreme if you have a latte work to finish. Put on your favorite playlist and get to it.
Buddy Brew, multiple locations
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Varies by location
This local fave coffee shop has a range of great locations to work outside from the quaint, fair-light covered patio on Kennedy to the bistro tables in Hyde Park Village.
Spaddy’s Coffee Co., multiple locations
Daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
The outdoor courtyard location in Seminole Heights brings a relaxed, garden-escape vibe. Plus, the iced Thai tea can’t be beat.
Black Crow Coffee Co., multiple locations
Daily, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wifi: No
Covered: Partially
We recommend heading to the Grand Central Location — nestled next to Tombolo Books — and working in the romantic courtyard. There are lots of tables + seating vignettes for meeting up with a coworker or grinding out some work.
Café Quiquiriqui, 1402 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
Daily, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Take in the hustle and bustle of Ybor City at this cozy cafe located on the ground floor of Hotel Haya. Grab one of the bistro tables and a pour over and stay awhile.
Craft Kafe, multiple locations
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
The Downtown St. Pete location is the ultimate work from coffee shop spot. Trust us, the massive corner-lot location has a large overhang perfect for working outside on rainy afternoons, tons of brews to choose from, lots of gluten free bakery options, and of course, cityscape views.
The Portico Cafe, 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Tampa’s oldest church is now a neighborhood cafe + community space — and proceeds benefit the local homeless community. Grab a table under the covered patio and work right in the heart of Downtown Tampa.
Make sure to bring a book along to Green Bench for some post-working relaxing.
Photo via @greenbenchbrewingco
Restaurants and bars
At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when TBAY’s weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.
Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially, overhang, umbrellas
Chow down on Ava’s wood-fired pizza, a Butcher n’ Barbeque burger, or a Buddy Brew latte or two on the popular food hall/mercantile’s lawn. There are plenty of tables with umbrellas perfect for a sunset work sesh.
Seminole Heights General Store, 5420 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
Daily, Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wifi: No
Covered: Yes
Tuck into the neighborhood joint’s cozy overhang with hanging blooms for your workday. The store serves coffee, breakfast, and sandies all day, so you can stay until that project’s finished.
Green Bench Brewing Company, 1133 Baum Ave. N. St. Petersburg
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially, umbrellas, overhang
Grab one of the Adirondack chairs or a table on the brewery’s turf patio to crank out some emails with a “Bench Life” or “Sunshine City IPA” in hand. Pro tip: This spot can get a bit louder in the afternoons, so maybe head here on a meeting-free day.
Watervüe Grille, 700 Harbour Post Dr., Tampa
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially, umbrellas
Care for a luxe seafood spread with a side of coworking? The Harbour Island spot has prime Riverfront views of Amalie + serves up delicacies like red chili-rubbed mahi mahi.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, multiple locations
Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Varies by location
Enjoy a working lunch with a view of the St. Pete Pier, accompanied by some of the best seafood in town. Plus, the Yucatan shrimp will make you forget all about your workday worries.
Parks and public spaces
It’s hard to beat fresh air when you want to think clearly. Set up a picnic blanket or head to your favorite picnic table — just don’t forget to charge your devices and bring your own hotspot.
Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Daily, Open 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: No
Grab a bench and enjoy your workday or afternoon at one of the most scenic spots in St. Pete — with a view of the waterfront, the historic Vinoy Hotel, and the St. Petersburg Pier. Pro tip: Pack or wear your sneakers to use the walking trail after you wrap up for the day.
Tampa Riverwalk, Downtown Tampa
Daily
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: partially, some tables with umbrellas
Camp out at one of the many bars or restaurants on the riverfront, or grab one of the benches for a more quiet work from-park moment. Pro tip: Our favorite spot is sitting on the University of Tampa campus side of the river under the palm trees.
Lassing Park, Beach Dr. SE and 18th Ave. SE, St. Petersburg
Daily, Open 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m.
Restrooms: No
Covered: No
This Old Southeast gem is popular with kayakers and other watersports enthusiasts for its perch on the water. But we recommend bringing your fave beach blanket and camping out on the wide lawn to catch some rays during the workday.
Ballast Point Park, 3402 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa
Daily, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Partially, some umbrellas
Whether you want to bring the kiddos to the park while you work or take in the Bayshore views from one of the picnic tables, this is the spot in South Tampa. And you can grab some nosh at Taste of Boston when lunchtime rolls around.
Gulfport Beach Park, 5730 Shore Blvd., Gulfport
Daily, 4 a.m.-12 a.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Umbrellas, overhangs
This funky beach town park has lots of pavilions for meeting up with coworkers and picnic tables right next to the iconic Casino building — all with a view of the water + sailboats.
