Plan Your Visit

Tampa Bay is the heart of Florida’s gulf-coast. If you are visiting from out of town, you might be wondering where to stay, where to eat, and what to do when the festival is over…don’t worry, we’ve got you.

Where to Stay

There are several hotels near the Tampa Convention Center and downtown. Here are a few to check out:

Embassy Suites

by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
2 minute walk to Convention Center via Skywalk
813.769.8300
513 South Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

Marriott Water Street

813.221.4900
505 Water Street, Tampa, FL, 33602

Hyatt Place

813.616.1234
325 N Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33602

Aloft

813.898.8000
100 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL, 33602

For a complete list of hotels in the downtown area, check out Visit Tampa Bay’s page.

Where to Eat

Tampa Bay’s food scene is eclectic and constantly growing. There are tons of options to choose from in the Downtown area. But here is a handful near the Convention Center you might want to check out:

Jackson's Bistro

813.277.0112
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd Tampa, FL 33602

Colombia Café

At Tampa Bay History Center
813.229.5511
801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Harpoon Harry's

813.321.4040
225 S. Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Yeoman's Cask & Lion

813.224.9367
202 N Morgan St, Tampa, FL 33602

Haiku

813.644.5787
808 North Franklin Street, Tampa, FL, 33602

Jotoro

855.352.8676
615 Channelside 
Drive #114 , Tampa, FL 33602

Ulele

813.999.4952
1810 N. Highland Ave, Tampa, 33602

And if you’re going for atmosphere on the river with a variety of food choices, we highly recommend checking out the food hall at Armature Works or the outside dining hub Sparkman Wharf. 

What to Do

Whether you want to see the stunning marine life at The Florida Aquarium or catch a world-class show at The Straz Performing Arts Center, there’s no shortage of things to do in downtown Tampa.

And if you want to venture out into the greater surrounding area, you’ll find theme parks like Busch Gardens or the white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach. 

We highly recommend taking a look at Visit Tampa Bay’s Things to Do page as there are so many sights to see and things to do, there’s something for everyone in the bay area.

Tampa Riverwalk

Accessible from the Convention Center

The Florida Aquarium

813.273.4000
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Straz Center

Busch Gardens

10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612

Clearwater Beach

8200 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo, FL 33777

Visit Tampa Bay

Find things to do in the area at Visit Tampa Bay’s website

Embassy Suites

by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
2 Minute walk to Convention Center via Skywalk
813.769.8300
513 S. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602
Top Pick

Tampa Marriott Waterside

4 Minute walk to Convention Center
813.769.8300
513 S. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602

Oxford Exchange

10 Minute walk from Convention Center
813.253.0222
420 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606
Top Pick

Harpoon Harry's Crab House

5 Minute walk from Convention Center
813.769.8300
513 S. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602

Tampa Riverwalk

Top Pick

Visit Tampa Bay

Visitor Center 10 minute walk from Convention Center
City Pass
513 S. Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602