A coworker once told me “you have this effortless way of being that “cool friend who would plan the perfect trip while you visit.” Best compliment ever.
Luckily, you’re all my friends. So I wanted to share 15 of my favorite spots, i.e. where I would take you in Tampa Bay:
Picnic Island Park | Picnic Island is arguably Tampa’s most-underrated park in my opinion. Few things beat parking my butt on a sand-encrusted picnic table as a pinky sunset lowers over the Gandy Bridge and Sage struts along the dog beach. (Sage did not write this)
Cafe Clementine/Lottie | The perfect weekend morning includes a salted honey croissant at Cafe Clementine paired with a latte from the Vinoy’s Lottie. I typically enjoy my haul on one of the rocking chairs on the marina-front hotel’s patio — if I’m lucky enough to score a chair.
Coastal Film Lab | We are so so lucky to have access to one of the best film developing labs + stores in the US. This year, they added a dropoff box in St. Pete, but I’m amped to see the expanded Ybor store once it’s finished.
The BayCare Sound | I actually saw my first concert at what was then the Ice Palace (shoutout Wings and my dad), but this new-to-the scene venue is now my preferred spot. I mean ... the solid shows lineup, waterfront views, access to food trucks, and consistently decent parking? Say less.
The James Museum | If the James Museum has no fans I’m dead — no really, I never shut about it in real life. I love to roam the world-class Western museum in the heart of Downtown St. Pete, especially the Frontier Gallery.
SuperNatural Food & Wine | Best breakfast sandwiches in TBAY hands down. I know you care about Michelin’s word more, but doesn’t mine count too? Get the chocolate tahini sourdough donuts on Saturdays too. Then, bring your haul over to fuel that people watchin’ on the Riverwalk.
Sakana Sushi Restaurant | Everyone needs a top-notch sushi place in their life. This is my well-priced but still delicious choice for inventive rolls, good daily specials, and overall vibes.
Chill Bros. Scoop Shop | The Chillura family’s slate of scoop shops serve my favorite ice cream in TBAY — of which we have a lot. The locally-inspired and infused flavors, like the Bees Knees Cafe Con Leche Chunk, are always ultra-fresh and never get boring.
Morean Center for Clay | Tuck into the refurbished red-brick train station for a range of pottery wheel classes orrr to shop for locally-made ceramics and other artsy goods.
Port Tampa City Library | Sadly, this historic Cigar City gem is closed for restoration after last year’s hurricanes. But, when it reopens you must peek into the tiny neoclassical library and hole up at one of the large dark wood tables in the upstairs study rooms.
Bandit Coffee Co. | Everyone has their coffee shop of choice, and Bandit’s mine. I love the Maple Bourbon latte in the winter and ordering single hash browns to go. No judgment, please.
Tampa Theatre | There’s nothing quite like seeing a movie in a decadent, gold-bedecked old school theater with red seats. Plus, it’s somehow cheaper to see an A24 + the biggest other box office movies at this grand, centuries old theater than at your local AMC.
TECO Manatee Viewing Center | This Central Florida-raised girl needs to be within 50 miles of a manatee at all times. But seriously, there’s something magical about silently watching manatees bubble to the surface alongside hoards of strangers. I especially love watching the mamas and their babies pal around on a cool January morning.
Tombolo Books | Yes, the Central Avenue bookshop stocks a nice selection of indie picks, Florida-themed books, and every big release. But I love Tombolo for their massive staff picks section + weekly author events.
Sunken Gardens | If I have one gripe about TBAY, it’s that there’s not a huge botanic garden. This massive tropical paradise tucked along Fourth Street helps fill the hole with flamingos and plenty of cool tropical plants.
