Things to Do in South Tampa: Explore Hidden Gems

August 24, 2021
| 13:22 PM

We’ve rounded up some of the best hidden gems in South Tampa!

There are so many things to do in South Tampa. It is a bustling city full of different cultures, a hint of old Florida history, and many places to eat delicious food. Sure, the iconic tourist spots are a great time, but there are plenty of hidden gems in South Tampa you should experience too!

Embark on an exploration of South Tampa’s hidden gems, from romantic wineries and family-friendly breweries to outstanding restaurants, and so much more.

Yura Vine Brothers

Whether you’re a plant mom or dad already or looking to test your green thumb, Yura Vine Brothers is the place! This family-owned plant store is dedicated to sharing their love of plants with the community. They specialize in houseplants and is the perfect place to pick out your newest plant baby. Also, did we mention that every hour is happy hour at Yura Vine Brothers? While you shop, you can enjoy complementary wine, beer, and seltzers.

To read more about the brothers behind Yura Vines, check out Meet Tampa Bay’s Plant Loving Brothers: Yura Vine Bros.

📍 800 W Platt St, Tampa, FL 33606

WEBSITE

Dairy Joy

An old school, classic ice cream shop that has such a unique aesthetic, Dairy Joy, has been open since 1958 serving soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, and more. They have fun dipped flavors like cherry and blue raspberry.

With a vintage and retro vibe, Dairy Joy makes for a super cute Instagram-worthy picture. At night, they have dangly lights to sit under, which ultimately makes having ice cream a little bit more fun!

📍 813 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

WEBSITE

Little Leon

At Little Leon, they say “good food for good mood” and we couldn’t agree more! This build-your-own restaurant offers fresh salads, bowls, and much more. Your meal isn’t complete without one of their homemade beverages, like ginger lemonade.

If you are gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, then you’re definitely going to love Little Leon. They have so many options and are super helpful when accommodating dietary restrictions.

📍 3636 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL 33609

WEBSITE

The Cake Drip

The Cake Drip, located in South Tampa’s Hyde Park Village, is the ultimate DIY experience. This 18+ dessert boutique offer two unique in-studio experiences: DIY Cake Decorating and DIY Chocolate Tasting Flights. Whether you’re looking for a romatic date night or fun girls night, the Cake Drip is the spot. Be sure to bring your camera, because every corner of has a story to tell and a selfie that will always be on point.

To see our experience at the Cake Drip, check out our Instagram reel!

📍1625 W Snow Circle, Tampa, FL 33606

WEBSITE

Salt Shack on the Bay

At Salt Shack on the Bay, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. Enjoy fresh fish, seafood and delicious cocktails with one of the best waterfront views in Tampa Bay. Our favorite time to visit is, of course, sunset. They also often have live music on the weekends.

If you’re a boat-owner, Salt Shack on the Bay is accessible by boat!

📍 5415 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

WEBSITE

Cheese Please

📷 Cheese Please Tampa

Cheese Please offers gourmet cheeses and wondrous wines from around the world right here in South Tampa.

In addition to their retail selection, guests can also enjoy a glass of wine and flight of cheeses at the Wine and Cheese Bar. You can create a charcuterie board with cheeses, deli meats, condiments, and more!

The cheese selection is mind blowing, with over 80 different options to pick from. Their grilled cheese is the best I’ve ever had, and as a cheese lover myself, that says a lot.

Looking for something fun and different to do? Cheese Please has tastings and classes too! They’re mainly hosted on the weekend, but be sure to check their schedule online.

📍 3225 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629

WEBSITE

81Bay Brewing Company

📷 81Bay Brewing

Nothing’s better than an iced cold beer! 81Bay Brewing is a great place to get your drink on! They have a variety of beers, a social taproom, live music, brewing workshops, tours, and more.

Up until 8PM it’s family-friendly and like most breweries, they have fun games and activities that you can find in the taproom. And if you happen to stop by on a Sunday, they have bottomless mimosas!

81Bay Brewing Company is a fun, lively place to hang with friends, listen to live music, and have a great time!

📍 4465 W Gandy Blvd #600, Tampa, FL 33611

WEBSITE

Green Iguana Bar & Grill

📷 Green Iguana

A tiki vibe, creative cocktails, delicious food, and entertainment? Please name better things to do in South Tampa. Probably can’t! Green Iguana Bar & Grill offers South Tampa a tiki-style restaurant with live music 7 days a week.

They have great drinks and a full menu of tasty food that’ll surely hit the spot. Some staple items on their menu are the burgers, salads, and tacos.

The ambiance is fun and beachy with an outdoor covered patio bar, and an indoor bar too. They also have a few fun activities such as a pool table and darts in the back area. Head to the outdoor bar to sit on the hanging swing, plus it’ll make for a great photo op!

📍 4029 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611

WEBSITE

35 Below Handcrafted Ice Cream and Boba Tea

📷 35 Below

I scream, you scream, we all scream for 35 Below Handcrafted Ice Cream and Boba Tea! This cute little mom and pop shop in South Tampa offers the absolute best boba tea ever and the creamiest rolled ice cream.

It’s a cool experience to watch the staff roll the ice cream too. You can add your favorite toppings and there’s a ton to choose from whether you want something fruity or chocolatey, or both!

For reference, 35 Below is situated in the same shopping area as Grain & Berry.

📍 1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy #11, Tampa, FL 33629

WEBSITE

Grain & Berry South Tampa

📷 Grain & Berry South Tampa

Craving something fresh, flavorful, and colorful? A perfect balance of healthy and deliciousness, Grain & Berry has the best açaí bowls in South Tampa! They were voted Tampa Bay’s #1 bowl in 2018 and 2019 to prove it.

Try the Relax, Eat, Repeat Bowl with Açaí, Organic Granola, Banana, Strawberries, Peanut Butter, Nutella, Honey, and Crushed Nuts. In addition to their outstanding açaí bowls, they also offer spirulina, pitaya, kale, yogurt bowls, and avocado toast.

Grain & Berry is a perfect place to have a healthy meal after a yoga class, or to grab a quick and healthy lunch to-go that you won’t regret!

Everything we’ve had here has been nothing short of perfect.

📍 1155 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629

WEBSITE

Fruitwood Standup Market

📷 Fruitwood Standup Market

A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot, Fruitwood Standup Market is a laid back market with yummy salads, flatbreads, wraps, and homemade juices.

You don’t have to worry about still being hungry after one of their salads because they are massive! Our favorite menu items to order include The Coral Reefer Flatbread and The Southeastern Salad.

The freshness, quality, and portion sizes will keep you coming back time and time again. They bring good vibes and good food to South Tampa!

📍 2203 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

WEBSITE

Redneck Wine Company

📷 Redneck Wine Co.

A shop dedicated to only wine, and some craft beer? Cheers to that! Redneck Wine Company really has it all from big-name wines to collectibles, boutique wines, and much more.

The staff is super knowledgeable and will guide you to exactly what you’re looking for.

Every Friday they have a wine tasting that samples the latest and best bottles. For just $10 you can taste at least six wines with other wine enthusiasts.

Redneck Wine Company is every wine lover’s dream come true!

📍 3225 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629

WEBSITE

Picnic Island

📷 VisitTampaBay.com

Wait, there’s a beach in Tampa? Yep! Picnic Island is a beautiful park with a white sand beach, sandy playground area, sand volleyball court, boat ramp, and pier.

This is the perfect outdoor area to enjoy a picnic with friends and family. You can also bring your pup! There’s a separate dog beach just south of the fishing pier.

Looking for an adventurous day on the water but don’t feel like crossing the bridge to St. Pete or Clearwater? There’s a canoe and kayak launch too.

Head over to Picnic Island for a beach day right here in South Tampa!

📍 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa, FL 33616

WEBSITE

Things to Do in South Tampa: Explore Hidden Gems

There you have it! South Tampa is booming with different activities, restaurants, breweries, wine bars, and so much more. These hidden gems in South Tampa make for a great time and experience to dive more into the amazing city.

Try out some of these things do in South Tampa, and be sure to tag @stufftodointampabay on Instagram and Facebook.

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Curated by

Haley Haman

Haley is a blogger for the Stuff to Do in Tampa Bay City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do in the Tampa Bay area, ...