Life around Tampa Bay
This is our running guide to the best of Tampa Bay and Central Florida — the beaches, parks, restaurants, and hidden corners we send clients to. Bookmark it whether you're a longtime local or just landed.
Tell us your favorite beach, park, or neighborhood hangout and we'll point you to the communities nearby — plus what it costs to call one of them home.
Clearwater
Consistently ranked among the top beaches in the country, with wide white sand, a lively pier at Pier 60, and nightly sunset celebrations.
St. Petersburg
A 1,100-acre park at the mouth of Tampa Bay with two award-winning swimming beaches, a historic fort, and miles of paddling and biking trails.
Tampa
The world's longest continuous sidewalk hugs Hillsborough Bay for 4.5 miles — a favorite for runners, cyclists, and skyline-and-water views.
St. Pete Beach
A laid-back Gulf-front stretch anchored by the pink-towered Don CeSar hotel, with calm water and plenty of casual waterfront dining.
Dunedin
A short causeway from Dunedin leads to unspoiled beaches, osprey nests, and a ferry to even quieter Caladesi Island just offshore.
Tampa
A 2.6-mile pedestrian path along the Hillsborough River connecting museums, parks, restaurants, and downtown landmarks.
Tampa
A cypress-lined stretch of the Hillsborough River with an elevated boardwalk, observation tower, and canoe launch — great for spotting herons and gators.
Thonotosassa
One of Florida's oldest state parks, known for its rare Class II rapids, shaded hiking trails, and a swimming pool fed by the river.
St. Petersburg
More than 3,000 acres of mangroves and tidal flats in St. Petersburg, with kayak trails, boardwalks, and a cultural history center.
Tampa
A restored 1910 streetcar warehouse in Tampa Heights, now a riverfront food hall packed with local vendors, bars, and event space.
Tampa
An open-air dining garden in the Channel District with a lineup of local restaurant stalls, a craft beer garden, and lawn games by the water.
Ybor City
Founded in Ybor City in 1905, Florida's oldest restaurant serves classic Spanish and Cuban dishes in ornate, tiled dining rooms.
Tampa
A walkable South Tampa district of brick streets lined with boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and some of the city's best restaurants.
St. Petersburg
A striking waterfront museum in St. Petersburg holding the largest collection of Salvador Dali's work outside Europe.
Tampa
A modern riverfront museum on the Riverwalk known for its Greek and Roman antiquities alongside rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Tampa
Tampa's National Historic Landmark district, built by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian cigar workers — now a lively hub of restaurants, nightlife, and roaming roosters.
Tampa
One of the largest performing arts complexes in the Southeast, hosting Broadway tours, opera, ballet, and concerts along the river.
Tampa
A combination African-themed amusement park and zoo, famous for record-setting roller coasters and up-close animal encounters.
Tampa
A conservation-focused zoo consistently ranked among the best for families, with manatees, Florida wildlife, and interactive exhibits.
Tampa
A downtown Channel District aquarium showcasing Florida's springs, wetlands, and coral reefs, plus a splash pad for younger kids.
Tampa
A hands-on downtown museum with more than 170 interactive exhibits designed for kids to climb, build, and explore.
Tampa
The downtown home of the two-time Stanley Cup champion Lightning, and a top concert venue with the famous Thunder Alley plaza outside.
Tampa
Home of the NFL's Buccaneers, complete with a 103-foot pirate ship that fires cannons after every Tampa Bay touchdown.
Tampa
A scale replica of Yankee Stadium that hosts New York Yankees spring training and minor league baseball each season.
Tampa
A 7-mile paved loop through pine flatwoods north of the city — a local favorite for road cycling, running, and wildlife watching.
St. Petersburg
A walkable waterfront arts city with the Dali Museum, the pier district, dozens of murals, and a lively downtown dining and gallery scene.
Clearwater
Pair award-winning beaches with the charming, brewery-filled downtown of Dunedin — the gateway to Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands.
Sarasota
Home to the Ringling museum estate, the botanical wonder of Marie Selby Gardens, and the powder-white sand of Siesta Key Beach.
Orlando
About 90 minutes east, the theme park capital of the world — Walt Disney World, Universal, and the shops and dining of a major metro.
Lakeland
A quiet halfway point on the I-4 corridor with the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, swan-filled Lake Mirror, and a growing downtown.