I have lived in the Bay area (specifically Tampa) for just over 5 years. And I must say I have used the past 5 years to visit every beach and restaurant in the Bay. My family still lives in Texas, so every spring break they take a week and come to Tampa. This post is about the lovely area that I now call home (as long as my husband is with the Yankees).
For anyone looking to spend time at the beach, you should stay at The Don Cesar Resort/Hotel. It is a beautiful, historic, pink palace and is located right on St. Pete beach. This hotel has everything you need from amazing food and drinks to beautiful rooms, and two pools. It is perfect for families or a group of friends. If you are more of a VRBO person, I would recommend looking on St. Pete Beach or Pass-a-grille beach. These beaches are beautiful and less crowded than Clearwater Beach. Clearwater is top rated (and known for dreamy sunsets) but in my opinion, is very touristy and overcrowded.
If you would prefer to stay in Tampa, there are three hotels that are amazing. The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is near the airport, has beautiful rooms and a pool with a beachy feel. The Epicurean (which I believe is a Marriott property) is in beautiful south Tampa. This property has a pool, a restaurant, and two bars (one of which is on a rooftop). The Epicurean is also walking distance to a dozen of Tampa’s best restaurants and bars. Another Marriott property that has a great pool is the Tampa Marriott Waterside. This property has a large rooftop pool and is located next to the Amalie Arena (home of the NHL team the Tampa Bay Lightning and concert venue). The many visitors we have hosted during our time in Tampa have stayed at each of these properties, so I can vouch for their locations, service, and appearance.
Tampa is a melting pot as far as restaurants. The best way to show THE BEST food spots are in a list with descriptions of each. So please see below:
Italian
- Cena – (HANDS DOWN) My favorite. Small. Executive Chef is a personal friend. Menu is AMAZING. Recommendations: Caesar Salad, Rustic Bolognese or the Braised Oxtail Gnocchi & Tiramisu (voted #1 in Tampa)
- Ava– Owned by former Tampa Bay Rays and current Chicago Cubs Manager, Joe Maddon. Wood Fire Pizzas, Pasta made in house. Casual environment. Recommendations: Mushroom Pizza (Can’t go wrong with any pasta dishes)
Surf & Turf
- Ocean Prime – This place is awesome. Up-scale. Family style sides. Delicious cocktails. Recommendations: Caviar Deviled Eggs, Sea Bass, Lobster Mashed Potatoes & Truffle Mac & Cheese.
- Eddie V’s – Seafood is on point. I also LOVE the steaks here. Recommendations: Lobster Bisque, Filet, basically anything on the menu.
Tampa Specific
- Berns – The quintessential Tampa steakhouse. The dining experience at this Tampa staple is amazing. Recommendations: Get a reservation at the Desert Room post dinner. You will not be disappointed.
- Ulele – Located on the River. Native- inspired. Recommendations: Charbroiled Oysters, The Meatloaf (Not your mother’s and you won’t be disappointed), the steaks are AMAZING, and the duck bacon ice cream.
- The Columbia– The oldest restaurant in Tampa. Columbian. Located in historic Ybor. Recommendations: 1905 salad and mojitos. (You will thank me)
Breakfast
- Oxford Exchange – Part store / part delicious lunch and breakfast spot. Recommendations: the menu changes but whatever the pancakes or French toast option they have is usually my “go to”.
- Pinky’s– Tex Mex inspired. Small. Recommendations: EVERYTHING. Love the oatmeal pancakes, and whatever specials are on the chalk board wall.
When you are not eating your way through the bay area you can explore and shop. There is an amazing mall (International Mall), two aquariums (one in Tampa, one in Clearwater) and the longest sidewalk on the water, in the country (Bayshore). You can rent bikes and ride around historic Hyde Park (tons of shopping and a Sprinkles Cupcakes). Always make sure to check what concerts are at the Amalie arena or at the amphitheater. Located in the bay area are also the Lowery Park Zoo and Busch Gardens. Depending on the time of year you are here, you can also catch a hockey game (Tampa Bay Lightning), a football game (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) or a baseball game (Tampa Bay Rays). I am not kidding when I say Tampa Bay has it all. Whether you are coming with family or with a group of friends, there is something for everyone here in Tampa Bay.
As always if you have any additional questions don’t hesitate to email me at TheBlakeRoseLife@gmail.com.
Happy Traveling!
AK
The Blake Rose Life 