Let your taste buds be your guide when you make a culinary expedition through Tampa Bay s trove of unique flavors. Unlock Tampa Bay with the latest news from Florida s most hip, authentic, and urban tourism destination. With new hotels, amazing dining and thrilling attractions, the treasures of Tampa Bay are yours to discover! For more information and photography go to VisitTampaBay.com/media-room. Unlock Tampa Bay in 2018 Discover Florida s Most diverse destination: fantastic food, superb shopping & amazing adventures Treat your taste buds to Tampa Bay flavors New in 2018, food halls bring a dynamic vibe to historic Tampa Heights. Sample mouth-watering fare at Hall on Franklin or Armature Works, both iconic buildings reborn as stylish, modern eateries. Tampa Bay s has earned a reputation as a foodie hot-spot. In Seminole Heights, new in 2018 Mortar & Pestle, unites an innovative café, local coffee, and old-time pharmacy. James Beard-winning Bern s Steak House houses the world s largest private wine collection. Other restaurants that imbue their menus with local flavor are Ulele, Oxford Exchange, and the Columbia, Florida s oldest restaurant. Tampa Bay restaurants focus on local seafood and farm-to-table flavor Unique ice cream flavors tempt every sweet tooth any time of year Did someone say dessert? Indulge your sweet tooth with new in 2018 spots specializing in delicacies. Ybor City, land of hand-rolled cigars, now has Snobachi hand-rolled ice cream. New in 2018, Dough Nation blends raw cookie dough into ice cream to benefit local charity. For true decadence, reserve a table at Bern s Steak House s opulent Harry Waugh Dessert Room, a landmark of fine dining for 60 years. Order the macadamia nut ice cream! For an after-dinner espresso, try local coffeehouses such as new in 2018 Foundation Coffee or Kôfē at the Hall on Franklin. They ll also be ready for you in the morning.
Florida s top spot for a pint, whiskey or cocktail In Florida s hub for craft brewing, great drinks are part of life like sunshine and hand-rolled cigars. Find your favorite at nationally known Cigar City Brewing Co., Coppertail, or Angry Chair. Or let Brew Bus do the driving on a beer-tasting tour across the region. New in 2018, Rock Brothers Brewing blends beer and music at its Ybor City site. Discover Tampa Bay s cocktail culture by sampling iconic spots like Hotel Bar, Franklin Manor, and Ciro s Speakeasy (be sure to call ahead for the password). New in 2018, a joint project by Hyde Park s Irish 31 and Florida Cane Distillery have produced Florida s first craft whiskey derived from Florida-grown sugar cane. Mingle with the locals in the intimate confines of Ybor City s Cigar City Cider & Mead where the menu of small-batch specialties changes regularly. Find the perfect pick-me-up, from local cocktails to craft brews Join the fun for legendary pirate José Gaspar's annual invasion Like gems on a string Day or night, the 2.4-mile (4km) Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect, pedestrian-friendly way to move among downtown s popular hotels, restaurants, museums, and festival parks. New in 2018 floating docks will give boaters, kayakers, and paddleboards access to the Riverwalk s treasures from the water. After dark, the Riverwalk becomes a canvas for shifting colors of light, joining downtown s bridges and the Tampa Museum of Art in the nightly display. New in 2018, the Riverwalk takes center stage for a night of cultural activities during Tampa Bay s monthly Fourth Friday events. It s a pirate s life for us! Discover Tampa Bay s link to piracy and the high seas at the Tampa Bay History Center s new in 2018 permanent exhibit highlighting the lives and times of privateers, conquistadors, and treasure seekers in Florida. Explore a replica pirate ship and learn about life below decks in the 18th Century. The museum s new in 2018 cartographic center will be the first of its kind in the Southeast U.S. Dress the part of a scurvy scalawag each January, when legendary pirate José Gaspar sails into Tampa Bay with cannons blazing. Join Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla for the country s third-largest parade down scenic Bayshore Boulevard. The invasion kicks off Gasparilla Season: 8 weeks of parades, festivals, and sports events. Day or night, the 2.4-mile Tampa Riverwalk provides plenty to discover
Cheetah Hunt is just one of the thrills you'll experience with CityPASS Save on fun with Florida s only CityPASS For less than half the normal cost of a ticket, CityPASS gets you into some of Tampa Bay s most popular attractions. Dive like a falcon and feel the Cobra s Curse at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Experience the NEW in 2018 4-D theater and splash pad at The Florida Aquarium. Meet manatees and at Tampa s Lowry Park Zoo, named the best zoo in the U.S. by Parents magazine. Build robots or and get plenty of hands-on learning at MOSI, the Museum of Science and Industry. CityPASS costs $106 for adults, $96 for children 3-9 years of age -- a 51% saving compared to buying all the tickets at full price. International air connections grow Air Canada and WestJet both make regular non-stop flights to Tampa Bay. New in 2018, Icelandair links Tampa Bay with cities across Europe via its hub at Keflavik International (KEF). Additionally, British Airways (daily) from London Gatwick, Lufthansa (5 times a week) from Frankfurt, and Edelweiss (twice a week) from Zurich put Tampa Bay one non-stop away. Award-winning Tampa International Airport (TPA) s $1 billion expansion opens new options for shopping and dining. An outdoor dining terrace, new U.S. Customs technology and a new rental car hub and tram system make it easy to start your visit. TPA ranks among the most affordable airports in the country. Tampa Bay's gateway to the world opens wider with new non-stops Discover downtown s exciting waterfront by boat, water bike or paddleboard Paddle your way to adventure Where the river meets the bay, downtown abounds in ways to get out on the water. New in 2018, rent a ride from Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboards and explore the waterfront in a whole new way. Pirate Water Taxi stops at downtown s popular spots on its daily runs up and down the Hillsborough River. See the city from a new angle when you rent a water bike, biyak or e-boat for a self-guided and selfpropelled trip on the sparkling waterfront. itrekkers will take you by kayak in search of fantastic fishing within sight of downtown s towers while Canoe Escape will guide you among lush cypress forests filled with wildlife minutes from the city.
Comfort and luxury away from home Tampa Bay s hotels have something for everyone. NEW in 2018, European visitors will find a familiar name AC Hotel by Marriott in the heart of the swanky West Shore District. Visitors can expect new experiences at downtown s showcase Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, a new in 2018 pool bar at Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, reinvented rooms at Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown and the Barrymore Hotel, and a new name for the waterfront Westin Tampa Waterside (formerly Westin Harbour Island). Stylish, food-themed Epicurean Hotel ranks among Conde Nast Traveler s 2017 Readers Choice Top Hotels in Florida. Shops and markets have perfect keepsakes, luxury brands or bargains Stylish and affordable hotel brands provide the comforts of home Shop for that special vacation keepsake Retail therapy comes in all forms in Tampa Bay. New in 2018, the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center puts hundreds of uniquely Tampa Bay items at your fingertips in the heart of downtown. Luxury brands abound at open-air Hyde Park Village, newly expanded for 2018 in fashionable Hyde Park. At International Plaza, Bay Street s collection of restaurants is the perfect spot for a break while shopping at more than 200 high-end stores. Looking for something crafty or unique? A multitude of weekend markets make Tampa Bay a shopping centerpiece. Cruise to Cuba & the Caribbean The charm of Old Havana lies within easy reach of Port Tampa Bay aboard Royal Caribbean or Carnival ships. Before you leave, visit Cuban soil here in Tampa Bay with a stop at historic Ybor City s José Martí Park, owned by the Cuban people in honor of the Apostle of Freedom. Port Tampa Bay hosts four cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian America and Holland America. They make Tampa Bay the ideal point of departure to explore the western Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Add a day to your stay to enjoy the destination Porthole magazine named its Best Kept Secret. Cuba & the Caribbean are within easy reach of Port Tampa Bay About Visit Tampa Bay Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock our trove of unique treasures. We are a notfor-profit corporation that works with more than 750 partners to tell the world the story of our home the hip, urban heart of Florida s Gulf coast.
International air connections grow New in 2018, Icelandair links Tampa Bay with cities across Europe via its hub at Keflavik International (KEF). In addition to Icelandair, British Airways (daily) from London Gatwick, Lufthansa (5 times a week) from Frankfurt, and Edelweiss (three times a week) from Zurich put Tampa Bay just one non-stop away. Award-winning Tampa International Airport (TPA) completes a $1 billion expansion with new options for shopping and dining. Bask in the sun on the new outdoor dining terrace while watching flights come and go. New Customs technology and a new rental car hub and tram system make it easy to get on with your visit. In surveys, Tampa International ranks No. 2 in in the U.S. for customer service and among the most affordable airports in the country. Treat your taste buds Tampa Bay flavors New in 2018, food halls bring a dynamic vibe to historic Tampa Heights. Sample skilled chefs mouth-watering fare at Hall on Franklin or Armature Works, both iconic buildings reborn as stylish, modern eateries. Creative chefs continue to grow Tampa Bay s reputation as a foodie hot-spot. In hipster-haven Seminole Heights, Mortar & Pestle, offers a unique combination of innovative café, local coffee roaster and old-time pharmacy. James Beard-winning Bern s Steak House houses the world s largest private wine collection. Other restaurants that imbue their menus with local flavor are Ulele, Oxford Exchange, and the Columbia, Florida s oldest restaurant. Taste local history at the reborn Goody Goody burger. Did someone say dessert? Indulge your sweet tooth any time of the day with new in 2018 spots specializing in indulgent delicacies. Ybor City, land of hand-rolled cigars, now has Snobachi, creator of hand-rolled ice cream treats. New in 2018, downtown s Dough Nation blends raw cookie dough into ice cream and other treats and all sales benefit a local charity. For a taste of true decadence, reserve a table at the opulent Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern s Steak House, a landmark of fine dining for sixty years. Order the macadamia nut ice cream and indulge your taste bud like never before! If an after-dinner espresso is more your thing, local coffee houses such as new in 2018 Foundation Coffee or Kôfē at the Hall on Franklin have what you need. They ll also be ready for you in the morning. Florida s best place for a pint, whiskey or cocktail In Florida s bastion for craft brewing, great drinks are part of life like sunshine and hand-rolled cigars. More than two dozen local brewers produce unique award-winning drafts. Find your favorite at nationally known Cigar City Brewing Co., Coppertail, or Angry Chair. Or let Brew Bus do the driving on a beer-tasting tour across the region. New in 2018, Rock Brothers Brewing blends beer and music at its Ybor City site. Discover Tampa Bay s best cocktail by sampling the menus at iconic spots like Hotel Bar, Franklin Manor, and Ciro s Speakeasy (be sure to call ahead for the password). New in 2018, a joint project by Hyde Park s Irish 31 and Florida Cane Distillery has produced Florida s first craft whiskey, derived from Florida-grown sugar cane. You can also mingle with the locals in the intimate confines of Ybor City s Cigar City Cider & Mead where the menu of small-batch specialties changes regularly. Save on family fun with Florida s only CityPASS For less than half the normal cost of a ticket, CityPASS gets you into some of Tampa Bay s most popular attractions. Dive like a falcon and feel the Cobra s Curse at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Experience the NEW in 2018 4-D theater and splash pad at The Florida Aquarium. Meet manatees and at Tampa s Lowry Park Zoo, named the best zoo in the U.S. by Parents magazine. Build robots or ride a zipline 30 feet above the ground at MOSI, the Museum of Science and Industry.
CityPASS costs $106 for adults, $96 for children 3-9 years of age -- a 51% saving compared to buying all the tickets at full price. Paddle your way to adventure Where the river meets the bay, downtown abounds in ways to get out on the water. New in 2018, rent a ride from Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboards and explore the waterfront in a whole new way. Pirate Water Taxi stops at downtown s popular spots on its daily runs up and down the Hillsborough River. See the city from a new angle when you rent a water bike, biyak or e-boat for a self-guided and self-propelled trip on the sparkling waterfront. itrekkers will take you by kayaking in search of fantastic fishing in sight of downtown s towers while Canoe Escape will guide you among lush cypress forests filled with wildlife. Shop for that special vacation keepsake Retail therapy comes in all forms in Tampa Bay. New in 2018, the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center puts hundreds of uniquely Tampa Bay items at your fingertips in the heart of downtown. Luxury brands and exciting eateries abound at open-air Hyde Park Village, newly expanded for 2018 in fashionable Hyde Park. At International Plaza, Bay Street s collection of restaurants is the perfect place to take a break while shopping among more than 200 high-end stores. Looking for something crafty or unique? A multitude of weekend markets make Tampa Bay a shopping centerpiece. It s a pirate s life for us! Discover Tampa Bay s connections to piracy and the high seas at the Tampa Bay History Center s new in 2018 permanent exhibit highlighting the lives and times of privateers, conquistadors, and treasure seekers in Florida. Explore a replica pirate ship and learn about sailors lives in the 18 th Century. The museum s new in 2018 cartographic center will be the first of its kind in the Southeast U.S. Dress the part of a survy scalawag each January when legendary pirate José Gaspar sails into Tampa Bay with cannons blazing. Join Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla for the country s third-largest parade down scenic Bayshore Boulevard. The invasion kicks off Gasparilla Season: 8 weeks of parades, festivals, and sports events. Like gems on a string Day or night, the 2.4-mile (4km) Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect way to move among downtown s popular hotels, restaurants, museums, and festival parks. New in 2018 floating docks will give boaters, kayakers, and paddleboards access to the Riverwalk s treasures from the water. After dark, the Riverwalk becomes a canvas for shifting colors of light, joining downtown s bridges and the Tampa Museum of Art in the nightly display. New in 2018, the Riverwalk becomes the center of activity during monthly Fourth Friday events. Comfort and luxury away from home Tampa Bay s hotels have something for everyone. NEW in 2018, European visitors will find a familiar name AC Hotel by Marriott in the heart of the glamorous West Shore District. Visitors can expect new experiences at downtown s showcase Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, a new in 2018 pool bar at Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, reinvented rooms at Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown and the Barrymore Hotel, and a new name for the waterfront Westin Tampa Waterside (formerly Westin Harbour Island). On the horizon: New hotels for downtown, West Shore, Ybor City, and the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay area.