🗺 An itinerary for the whole fam...

Holiday itinerary for Tampa Bay, FL

Rent a boat and cruise down Hillsborough River. | Photo by the City of Tampa

The holidays are almost here, and if you’re hosting out-of-town guests, it’s time to step into the role of “official Tampa Bay tour guide.” We’ve got plenty of recommendations for you to build the perfect itinerary for your visitors and show your folks around like a total pro.

Sparkman Wharf is a waterfront area with many shops and restaurants.| Photo by @see_do_eat

🏙️ Sightseeing

Is it even a trip to Tampa Bay without visiting the Florida Aquarium? You can also take your visitors to Sparkman Wharf for the perfect holiday family photo. And if there are any history buffs in the group, head to Ybor City. But before you end your trek, be sure to cross the Howard Frankland Bridge and head to the St. Pete Pier for an unreal 360° view of it all.

Chill Bros has flavors like Double Down Oreo, Tampa Banana, and Belgian Brownie. | Photo by @eatloveteach

🥘 Eat and drink

If your guests need a caffeine pick-me-up, Buddy Brew Coffee, Felicitous Coffee & Tea House, and Bandit Coffee Co. offer a range of seasonal drinks. If you’re looking for a different kind of brew, The Big Guava is home to 100+ breweries, with Tampa Bay Brewing Company and Green Bench Brewing being two local hot spots.

Get ready to get your grub on because we’ve got plenty of articles to help you navigate the local food scene. You can’t miss these brunch spots that are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Our pick is the smoked salmon tartine from Graze 1910. For dinner, visit JoToro and try the El Gringo Beef Tacos. Plus, satisfy your sweet tooth at Chill Bros. Ice Cream.

🎳 Activities

Let the kids — or grandkids — run around and explore ZooTampa at Lowery Park, see a kid-friendly show and enjoy the rides at Busch Gardens, take the family for a stroll along Old Northeast, or spend the afternoon ziplining with Empower Adventures.

FUN HOLIDAY STAYS

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Tuesday, Nov. 29

USF Men’s Basketball vs. UMASS | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 7 p.m. | Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $36-$165 | The UMass Minutemen take on the USF Bulls.
Hadestown | Tuesday, Nov. 29-Sunday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | The Straz Center | $212-$279 | This acclaimed musical by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell is the winner of eight Tony Awards.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

1 Million Cups | Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 9-10 a.m. | Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave, Tampa | Free | Entrepreneurs present their ideas via TEDx-style talks over coffee.

Thursday, Dec. 1

The Night Before Musical | Thursday, Dec. 1-Friday, Dec. 2 | 7 p.m. | Freefall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | $25-$45 | It’s snowing in sunny Florida when a group of friends gather.

Friday, Dec. 2

First Friday | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-10 p.m. | Five Bucks Drinkery, 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | Free | Each month, food trucks, vendors, and a live band occupy the street.
Sunset Paddle Happy Hour | Friday, Dec. 2 | 4:30 p.m. | Urban Kai, 700 S. Florida Ave., Tampa | $25-$35 | Enjoy a view of Tampa’s skyline and a post-paddle cocktail.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

84º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Sunrise + sunset

Rise: 7:02 a.m.
Set: 5:34 p.m.

Tide
Old Tampa Bay

High: 5:58 a.m. + 10:45 p.m.
Low: 2:31 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 2:08 a.m. + 5:53 p.m.
Low: 10:17 a.m. + 9:38 p.m.

Civic

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor hopes to serve another term. She filed for reelection at the Supervisor of Elections office Monday. Castor, the city’s former police chief, was first elected mayor in 2019. (ABC Action News)

Today Is

Giving Tuesday celebrates giving back to community nonprofits the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Check out this list of TBAY nonprofits you can support. Or just pay it forward at Paradeco today.

Development

Bookmark this for 2024. A proposed 13-story hotel in the St. Pete’s EDGE District recently took a significant step forward. City Council approved preliminary plans for the 1111 Central Avenue building. Plans for the 114-key hotel are complete with 5,000 sqft of commercial space 🏗 (I Love The Burg)

Sports

To cope with the current explosion in popularity here in TBAY, St. Pete plans to add eight new pickleball courts by March — while by the end of 2023, Tampa intends to add 26. Both cities aim to give people a space to play, separate from tennis players. 🏓 (Tampa Bay Times)

Show

Are you a fan of standup comedy? Impractical Jokers’ Sal Vulcano is coming to Tampa. He takes on the Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St.) twice on Saturday, Dec. 3. Tickets for both shows are on sale now, and prices range from $40-$50. 🎤 (10 Tampa Bay)

Health

Health departments in Tampa Bay are giving out free overdose reversal medication — known as Naloxone or Narcan — at locations around Hillsborough and Pinellas. Here’s where to get it. And for more information about substance use disorder, head here.

Eat

Looking for a healthy midday snack? Organic dried mangoes are $3.99 per pound at Publix GreenWise Market through Wednesday, Nov. 30. 🥭 *

Travel

Dreaming up a trip to the Bahamas? This Spanish Wells private cottage might just be your new happy place. It’s steps from the turquoise water, fully air conditioned, and is rated five stars. Book it as a January getaway or the best holiday gift ever for $280 avg/night. 🌊*

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The season for giving

Become a member today to start enjoying special benefits. | Graphic by 6AM City

Happy Giving Tuesday, everyone. We’re excited to announce that we’re launching new benefits for our membership program.

To support Tampa Bay, we will donate 10% of all new TBAYtoday membership contributions to Feeding America and TBAYtoday will match 100% of the donated amount.

TBAYtoday membership is the gift that keeps on giving.

BECOME A MEMBER

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Brad.

Editor’s pick: Did you hear about this St. Pete fifth grader? Finnian donated a whopping $600 (a ton of money) and some non-perishable food items he earned by mowing local lawns to St. Pete Free Clinic’s food pantry and his school’s “Pack-A-Sack” donation drive. Way to give back, Finnian.

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Editorial: Brad Haft, Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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