5 Things to Do in South Tampa

South Tampa is a bustling and vibrant community located on the Interbay Peninsula. There are plenty of things to do in this area, from shopping and dining to museums, parks, and festivals. Whether you’re a local, tourist, or in town looking for South Tampa real estate, there's always something exciting going on!

 

There are many shopping options in South Tampa, and one of the most popular is Hyde Park Village, an outdoor shopping mecca with everything from beauty supplies at Bluemercury and ÉLAN Aesthetics to high fashion at ELLA BING and Zadig & Voltaire to youth music lessons at Allisongs for Tots. And when it comes time to take a break, there are dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from to unwind.

If you’re looking for something a little more quirky, check out the South Tampa Trading Co., South Tampa’s go-to spot for custom-made and ready-made costumes. Whether you want to commission an elaborate ensemble or just want to accessorize, the store’s talented seamstresses and extensive inventory of beads, hats, and disco balls will surely take care of your shopping list.

If you’re shopping for jewelry, gifts, and trinkets, add Crème de la Crème to your list. The main shop offers shoes, apparel, children’s clothing, and gifts, while the new Cozy Home Shop next door offers jewelry, home accessories, and more.

If you love great food, then you’re in luck. The list of restaurants to choose from in South Tampa is seemingly endless, and each restaurant has its own unique flavors and qualities. However, Bern’s Steak House and Donatello Italian Restaurant are our two favorites.

 

Bern's Steak House offers a formal dining experience perfect for special occasions. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be booked up to 90 days in advance, and the dress code is business casual to semi-formal. Enjoy appetizers like lobster ravioli or foie gras torchon; select cheese pairings served with housemade bread or one of the many varieties of caviar. The substantial dinner menu includes dozens of cuts of steak and specialty meats and seafood and vegetarian options. Don’t forget dessert! They have the whole upstairs dedicated to dessert. The extensive dessert list includes items like baked Alaska and the vintage chocolate lush sundae.
 

If Italian is what you’re craving, try Donatello Italian Restaurant. Enjoy live jazz and piano performances nightly in the Guido Lounge while you choose from a variety of antipasti, like the salmone di scozia affumicato and the lumache farcite. You can’t go wrong with the abbacchio al forno alla ciociara (an entree for two!) or the ricotta cheesecake with seasonal fruit.

When browsing homes for sale in South Tampa, make time to enjoy the local art and history. The community is dotted with art galleries and historical tours, like the Ghost Tour of Tampa Bay.

 

 

Visit the Michael Murphy Gallery for fine art, custom framing, events, and artist talks. Exhibits include works from regional, national, and international artists in various mediums, like Banksy, Daley, and more.

CASS Contemporary showcases city and developer public art curated gallery exhibitions and residential and commercial spaces. According to the website, the gallery works with various artists to create connections and community through art.

The Ghost Tour of Tampa Bay starts at 720 North Franklin Street and provides a 70-to-90-minute tour of the city on foot and by candlelight, with stories about past residents and haunted lore. Tickets run for $20 for adults and $12 for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Monitor the company’s Facebook page for upcoming offerings.

When visiting South Tampa, don’t miss the Riverwalk, stretching 2.5 miles from Heights Market to Sparkman Wharf. Bike, walk, scoot, or stroll down this scenic, paved walk alongside the Hillsborough River. Check out attractions along the way, like the Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship Museum, and the Tampa Bay History Center. You could even catch a Tampa Bay Lightning game at the Amalie Arena if the time is right!

Tampa is home to numerous festivals and outdoor events throughout the year, but you absolutely don’t want to miss the Taste of South Tampa and Tampa Riverfest!

Each spring, the Taste of South Tampa is held at the Tampa Garden Club, offering unlimited food and beverage samples from local restaurants. This year, the 16th annual event will take place on April 3. Live entertainment adds to the fun and welcoming atmosphere. For access to air-conditioned space during the event, other food and beverage offerings, and a swag bag, purchase a VIP ticket for $100.

Tampa Riverfest is an annual festival held the first weekend in May, providing two days of fun activities, including a wiener dog derby, performances by local musicians, food from local restaurants, and an impressive influx of athletes on stand-up paddleboards in the river. The festival takes place on the Riverwalk and is free to all attendees.

If South Tampa sounds like the place you want to call home, reach out to South Tampa’s premier local real estate agents at 360 Realty. We can provide the knowledge and connections you need for navigating the South Tampa real estate market.