Did you know that Tampa Bay has its very own trolley system with 11 different stations? This is something locals tend to look past, but we promise that spending the day on the TECO Streetcar is SUCH a fun time! So gather your friends, family, or significant other and spend the day exploring Ybor, Channelside, and Downtown Tampa!
We love the Centennial Park station because they have the Ybor City Market from 9:00am–1:00pm every Saturday. Grab yourself some fresh fruits and veggies for the week or some yummy baked goods!
This is also a great stop to learn about the history of Ybor because you’ll find the Ybor City Museum State Park. Check out the exhibits from 9:00am–5:00pm Wednesday–Sunday, and make sure to take a walk around the beautiful garden.
This stop is perfect for everything food, entertainment, and nightlife! Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mayday Ice Cream, then head over to GameTime to test your skills on every arcade game you can imagine.
Grab a drink at Tampa Bay Brewing Co, then grab a ticket to Tampa Improv and catch a live comedy show. If you’re in the mood to keep the night going, check out Coyote Ugly, Bad Monkey, or Showbar for dueling pianos!
This is one of our favorite stops because it takes you just outside of Hotel Haya, Ybor’s newly designed boutique hotel. While you may not be staying the night, it’s absolutely worth stopping in!
Grab an authentic Cuban coffee from Café Quiquiriqui or enjoy a sit-down meal at Flor Fina–you have to try the Cuban Sandwich Sticks while you’re there! Just down the block, stop by Copper Shaker for a delicious cocktail then catch a show at the Ritz Ybor to end the night with a bang. Check UNATION to see what shows are coming soon!
This stop is probably the most unique because you can actually step onto Cuban territory just across from the Station! Parque Jose Marti is on 0.14 acres of land and has been Cuban territory since 1956. This park pays homage to Cuban national hero Jose Marti and is definitely worth stopping by.
Just down the street, you’ll want to stop by the Snap House for all kinds of Instagram-worthy backdrops. Make sure to get your tickets in advance, bring your friends, and wear your best ‘fit. Lastly, for our Netflix bingers, Selling Tampa’s very own Allure Realty office is just around the corner. While you can’t just walk in, it’s a cool opportunity to at least walk by!
📍McKay Street & Channelside Drive
Locals love this stop because it has our beloved Publix! But if you’re all stocked up on groceries, there are still tons of other things to do.
Depending on the time of day, check out Ginger Beard Coffee and Pour House for a beer! Then stop by Stageworks Theatre to catch a show- you can see what performances are happening here.
📍York Street & Channelside Drive
If you’re hungry, this is an awesome top because it has all of our favorite Channelside restaurants! Whether you need something quick or want a sit-down meal, there’s no shortage of options.
Try Cena for an upscale Italian meal, City Dog Cantina for Mexican & drinks, Poké Company for a delicious rice bowl, Bamboozle for pho, or District Tavern for a cocktail! You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
📍Cumberland Avenue & Channelside Drive
If you haven’t been yet, the Florida Aquarium at this stop is a must-see! You’ll see animals from otters, lemurs, and hammerhead sharks within the 200,000 square feet of exhibits.
Another stop worth seeing is the American Victory Ship & Museum. Just next to the Florida Aquarium, this 455-foot warship was built in 1945 and is a fully functioning exhibit. You’ll get to see cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, a hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, and even the flying bridge.
📍Beneficial Drive & Channelside Drive
We love this station because it’s home to our very own Tampa Bay Lightning! Start at Sparkman Wharf to grab a bite or go bowling at Splitsville. Then head over to the Amalie Arena and make sure to grab tickets to a Lightning game or a concert. To see what events are coming soon, head over to UNATION!
The SSBC Station is a great place to stop and explore the riverwalk. While you’re there, pop into the Tampa Bay History Center and learn all about our awesome city. Afterward, grab a bite at the famous Columbia Cafe just outside.
In the mood for a drink? Try out Anchor & Brine and take in the beautiful waterfront views!
📍Franklin Street & Old Water Street
This stop has SO many great things to experience–boating, bars, and food. Can you ask for anything better?
Just across the street, the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street has two great options for a drink or food! On the bottom floor, you’ll find the Driftlight Lounge centered in their 4-story atrium. On the sixth floor, you’ll find SiX, an outdoor rooftop bar with amazing views of the Riverwalk! Over by the convention center, check out the Sail Plaza. They have a full-service bar, as well as Big Rays Fish Camp if you’re hungry.
In the mood for some fun on the water? You can find rentals at Tampa Bay SUP for just about anything- paddleboards, jet skis, and even Kayaks! Finish off by curing your sweet tooth and stop by Bright Ice, home of delicious handmade, small-batch ice cream.
This is a stop you HAVE to come hungry to. Just across the station, you’ll find Hattricks Tavern, a restaurant famous for its Shake n Bake chicken wings. We recommend having them Dave’s Way–lightning Shake n Bake wings re-tossed in garlic parmesan. This is the perfect place to catch any sports game, and you can grab a drink during happy hour, which is every day from 4:00pm–8:00pm and 10:00pm–close!
We hope you have an awesome time exploring Tampa Bay on the TECO Streetcar and visiting our favorite spots!
Check out our other guides below for more things to do around Channelside and Downtown Tampa:
Kirsten is a downtown Tampa local and loves spending time enjoying all that Tampa Bay has to offer. You can find her hanging out with her d...