Discover Tampa: Florida’s Gulf Coast Gem

Tags: , ,
Tampa rvierfront and hotels

Explore, Relax & Indulge While Destination Sitters Takes Care of the Kids! 

Tampa is a vibrant waterfront city blending outdoor adventure, cultural treasures, thrilling attractions, and culinary delights. Whether you're visiting for family fun, luxury relaxation, or a romantic getaway, let Destination Sitters handle childcare so you can experience the best of Tampa stress-free! 

🌿 Local Wonders: Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems 

Beyond its famous beaches, Tampa is home to historic districts, lush parks, and scenic waterfronts. 

Must-See Outdoor Spots 

🌊 Tampa Riverwalk – A 2.6-mile scenic pathway lined with parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
🏝 Caladesi Island State Park – One of Florida's most beautiful undeveloped islands, perfect for shelling and kayaking.
🌴 Bayshore Boulevard – The longest continuous sidewalk in the U.S., great for biking and waterfront views.
🐊 Lettuce Lake Park – A hidden gem for nature lovers, offering boardwalk trails and kayak rentals.
🐬 The Florida Aquarium – See sharks, otters, and a 500,000-gallon coral reef habitat. 

Where to Eat Nearby (4 & 5-Star Picks) 

  • Ulele – A beautiful riverfront restaurant serving Native-inspired Floridian cuisine. 
  • Oxford Exchange – A charming European-style café and bookstore with gourmet dining. 
  • Bern's Steak House – A Tampa legend known for dry-aged steaks and a world-class wine cellar. 

🎢 Family Fun & Iconic Attractions 

Tampa offers plenty of thrilling attractions for families of all ages. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 

🎢 A thrilling African-themed adventure park, featuring: 

  • Cheetah Hunt & Iron Gwazi – Two of Florida's top roller coasters. 
  • Serengeti Safari Tour – Up-close encounters with zebras, rhinos, and giraffes. 
  • Kid-Friendly Rides – The all-new Sesame Street Safari of Fun. 

ZooTampa at Lowry Park 

🦁 One of the nation's top zoos, featuring manatee rehab, a water play area, and interactive wildlife experiences. 

Glazer Children's Museum 

🧩 A hands-on learning museum with STEM exhibits, a water play zone, and a kid-sized city. 

🎟 Pro Tip: CityPASS Tampa includes discounts on Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and more. 

🌊 Active Pursuits: Adventures on Land & Water 

Tampa's location on the Gulf of Mexico and Hillsborough River makes it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Top Adventures 

🛶 Kayaking Through Weeki Wachee Springs – Paddle through crystal-clear waters filled with manatees.
🐬 Dolphin Tour in Tampa Bay – See wild dolphins and seabirds on a private boat tour.
🚴 Biking the Pinellas Trail – A scenic ride connecting downtown Tampa to St. Pete Beach.
🦩 Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tampa Bay – Get a breathtaking view of the coastline and skyline. 

Where to Eat Nearby 

  • Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) – Florida's oldest restaurant, serving authentic Spanish cuisine. 
  • Elevage SoHo Kitchen – A modern bistro inside the Epicurean Hotel. 

🎭 Arts & Culture: Tampa’s Creative Scene 

Tampa is home to world-class theaters, museums, and historic districts. 

Best Art & Culture Experiences 

🎭 Straz Center for the Performing Arts – Catch Broadway-style shows, concerts, and opera performances.
🎨 Tampa Museum of Art – A contemporary museum with a renowned Greek and Roman collection.
🏛 Ybor CityTampa's historic Latin district, famous for its Cuban heritage, street performers, and cigar shops. 

Where to Eat Nearby 

  • Mise en Place – A high-end dining spot known for creative, seasonal dishes. 
  • Haven – A cozy, upscale restaurant with an award-winning cheese and charcuterie menu. 

🛍️ Luxe & Local Shopping 

Tampa is a shopping paradise, offering luxury brands, unique boutiques, and waterfront markets. 

Best Shopping Destinations 

👜 Hyde Park Village – A stylish outdoor shopping district featuring designer boutiques and local cafés.
🏬 International Plaza & Bay Street – Tampa's high-end shopping mall, home to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co.
🌴 The Shops at Wiregrass – An open-air shopping experience in nearby Wesley Chapel.
🎭 Ybor City Saturday MarketA local artisan market featuring handmade jewelry, art, and food vendors. 

Where to Eat Nearby 

  • Casa Santo Stefano – A Sicilian-inspired restaurant in a historic cigar factory. 
  • Timpano Hyde Park – A classic Italian steakhouse with a vibrant atmosphere. 

🍽️ Culinary Gems: Tampa's Best Dining 

Tampa's food scene blends Latin flavors, fresh seafood, and high-end cuisine. 

Must-Try Restaurants 

🔥 Bern's Steak House – A Tampa institution famous for its aged steaks and legendary dessert room.
🦐 Oystercatchers – A waterfront seafood restaurant with stunning sunset views.
🌮 Rocca – A Michelin-starred Italian gem known for tableside mozzarella-making.
🍹 CW's Gin Joint – A swanky cocktail bar with creative drinks and a vintage vibe. 

🌅 Dinner with a View? Try Rusty Pelican for a romantic bayfront experience. 

🛁 Relax & Recharge: Luxurious Spa Retreats 

Indulge in Tampa's best spas, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. 

Best Spa & Wellness Centers 

💆‍♀️ Spa Evangeline at The Epicurean Hotel – A boutique wellness retreat with custom treatments.
🌿 The Don CeSar Spa – A luxurious beachfront spa in the iconic "Pink Palace" hotel.
🧘‍♀️ Safety Harbor Resort & Spa – A historic spa featuring natural mineral springs. 

💖 Love is in the Air: Romantic Escapes 

From sunset cruises to rooftop cocktails, Tampa is the perfect city for couples. 

Most Romantic Spots 

  • Sunset Cruise on Tampa BayRelax on a luxury yacht while watching the sunset over the skyline. 
  • Dinner at Élevage – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Tampa's trendy SoHo district. 
  • Helicopter Tour Over Tampa BaySee the city's coastline and landmarks from the sky. 

💍 Planning a Wedding or Honeymoon? The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and The Don CeSar offer elegant, waterfront venues. 

✈️ Travel Tips & Info 

📅 Best Time to VisitFall through spring (October to April) offers ideal weather.
Time Zone – Eastern Standard Time (EST).
🛬 AirportTampa International Airport (TPA) – A top-ranked U.S. airport for convenience and service. 

Plan Your Perfect Tampa Getaway! 

While you explore, dine, and unwind, Destination Sitters provides trusted, professional childcare, so you can enjoy Tampa worry-free! 

Why Choose Destination Sitters in Tampa? 

👶 Trusted & Fully Vetted Babysitters – All sitters undergo a background check, are CPR-certified, and are personally interviewed.
🧩 Custom Babysitting Services – Whether you need care for a wedding, conference, date night, or event, we tailor our services to your needs.
🎨 Engaging & Fun – Our sitters bring age-appropriate toys, crafts, and games to keep kids entertained while you relax. 

📍 Book Your Babysitter Today! Scan the QR code below to reserve your trusted Destination Sitters caregiver and enjoy all that Dallas has to offer worry-free. 

Share This Article!

About the Author: Yvonne Wonder

Yvonne Wonder is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of Destination Sitters, LLC, a national babysitting referral service supporting traveling families across 21 U.S. cities. With more than 35 years of entrepreneurial experience—and 17 years dedicated to childcare in the travel sector—Yvonne brings a unique blend of expertise, creativity, and heart to everything she writes. She is the author of Mrs. Claus Saves Christmas, The Top 5 Tricks to Traveling With Kids That Will Change Your Life, and 26 Comfort Foods & Their History for Kids in the Kitchen. As a mom, she writes with warmth, real-world insight, and a deep belief that family moments matter most—whether at home or on the road. Through her leadership at Destination Sitters, Yvonne works with 6K+ hotels, wedding planners, and event professionals nationwide, all with one mission in mind: giving parents peace of mind while their children are cared for safely, joyfully, and professionally during travel.

We’ve transformed the way parents can travel with their kids!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and advice for traveling with kids.