Tampa's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Downtown & Ybor

Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1

Distance: 0.00mi

410 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

University of Tampa

On your right is the University of Tampa, a modern, thriving campus that blends the city’s rich history with its forward-looking spirit. While most people recognize it for the silver minarets of the old Tampa Bay Hotel, there’s plenty of campus life happening all around.

As you drive by, you’ll pass Pepin Stadium, home to Spartan athletics from soccer and lacrosse to major campus events. Just beyond it stands Straz Hall, one of the main residence halls, buzzing with students who live just steps away from downtown. And nearby is the baseball field, where the UT Spartans have won multiple national championships.

With its mix of historic architecture and modern facilities, the University of Tampa captures the essence of this city: rooted in history, but alive with youthful energy and growth. It’s the perfect spot to kick off our tour of Tampa.

Place #2

Distance: 0.69mi , Attraction : Museum, Historic Site (Recommended selfie spot).

401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Henry B. Plant Museum - Gilded Age Palace

On your right is the Henry B. Plant Museum, once the heart of the lavish Tampa Bay Hotel. Built in 1891 by railroad magnate Henry Plant, this palace was designed to attract visitors to Florida’s west coast. It offered the height of luxury for its time—electric lights, telephones, even indoor plumbing—and hosted presidents, celebrities, and European royalty.

During the Spanish–American War, the hotel became a headquarters for officers, reporters, and even Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. The building’s silver minarets and onion domes became symbols of Tampa’s skyline, as striking then as they are today.

Now preserved as a museum, the Plant showcases original furnishings, Victorian antiques, and exhibits that tell the story of Tampa’s transformation from frontier town to booming city. It stands as a monument to the man who put Tampa on the map and to the opulence of America’s Gilded Age.

  https://www.plantmuseum.com/

Place #3

Distance: 0.47mi , Attraction : Park, Public Space (Recommended selfie spot).

601 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park – Tampa’s Front Yard

On your left is Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, one of downtown Tampa’s most inviting green spaces and the heart of the city’s Riverwalk. Stretching along the Hillsborough River, this park has become the city’s “front yard,” hosting festivals, concerts, yoga classes, and family events year-round.

The wide open lawn and shaded terraces make it a perfect place to spread out a blanket or let kids run, and the fountains are especially popular for cooling off on hot Florida afternoons. From here, you can also take in sweeping views of the Tampa skyline, the University of Tampa’s silver minarets across the river, and boats gliding by on the water.

Bordering the park are two cultural gems: the Tampa Museum of Art and the Glazer Children’s Museum. Together, they make this a hub where art, culture, and community all come together.

Whether you’re here for a big festival like Gasparilla Music Fest or just passing by on a quiet morning, Curtis Hixon Park shows off Tampa at its most lively and connected. It’s a reminder that this is not just a city by the water—it’s a city built around its river.

  https://www.tampagov.net/parks-and-recreation/facilities/parks/curtis-hixon-waterfront-park

Place #4

Distance: 0.18mi , Attraction : Historic Landmark, Entertainment Venue (Recommended selfie spot).

701 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Tampa Theatre – A Movie Palace Masterpiece

On your right is the Tampa Theatre, one of America’s most stunning historic movie palaces. Built in 1926, this Mediterranean Revival gem was designed to whisk moviegoers out of everyday life and into another world the moment they stepped inside.

The interior is a show all by itself. Walking in feels like entering a Mediterranean courtyard at night—complete with twinkling stars on the ceiling, intricate columns, statues, and frescoes. When it opened, the Tampa Theatre was one of the first buildings in the city with air conditioning, which made it a wildly popular escape from the Florida heat.

Over the decades, the theatre hosted everything from silent films to vaudeville shows, and it nearly fell to demolition in the 1970s. But the people of Tampa rallied to save it, and today it thrives as both a cinema and a cultural landmark. You can still catch first-run indie films, classic movies, concerts, and even tours of its storied architecture.

The Tampa Theatre isn’t just a place to see a movie—it’s an experience. And for nearly a century, it has been the city’s most enchanting escape.

  https://tampatheatre.org/

Place #5

Distance: 1.20mi , Attraction : Food Hall, Market, Historic Building (Recommended selfie spot).

1988 Market St, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Armature Works – From Streetcars to Food Halls

On your left is Armature Works, one of Tampa’s most popular gathering spots. This big red-brick building started life in 1910 as a streetcar maintenance barn for the Tampa Electric Company. Streetcars were the lifeblood of Tampa back then, carrying workers, cigar makers, and families all across the city. When the streetcar era ended, the building sat quiet for decades—until a major renovation turned it into the vibrant space you see today.

Now, Armature Works is a foodie’s dream. Inside is the Heights Public Market, a modern food hall packed with everything from barbecue and sushi to craft cocktails and ice cream. It’s also home to rooftop bars, coworking spaces, and event venues that host everything from weddings to live music nights.

Outside, the lawn opens right up to the Hillsborough River and the Riverwalk, making this one of the best places in Tampa to grab a bite and watch the sunset. Families, students, and professionals all flock here—it’s where the city’s past and present come together in one lively hub.

  https://armatureworks.com/

Place #6

Distance: 0.49mi

1921 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Centro Asturiano de Tampa – A Club with Spanish Roots

On your left is the Centro Asturiano de Tampa, one of the historic social clubs that once formed the heart of Ybor City’s immigrant community. Built in 1914, this elegant building with its arched windows and neoclassical façade served as a gathering place for immigrants from Asturias, a region in northern Spain.

The Centro Asturiano wasn’t just a clubhouse—it was a lifeline. Members paid small dues that gave them access to medical care, cultural events, and a vibrant social scene. Inside, the building boasted a theater, ballroom, library, and even a clinic, making it a hub for entertainment, education, and healthcare.

In its heyday, the club hosted dances, concerts, and plays that helped Asturian families preserve their traditions while building a new life in Florida. Today, the building still stands as a cultural landmark, occasionally hosting events and reminding us of Ybor City’s rich tapestry of Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage.

The Centro Asturiano tells a story beyond architecture—it’s about the people who came here with dreams of a better life and built a tight-knit community that shaped Tampa’s identity.

Place #7

Distance: 0.41mi , Attraction : Historic District, Entertainment District (Recommended selfie spot).

Nuccio Pkwy @ 7th Av, Tampa, FL 33605, USA

Cigar City Heritage – 7th Avenue in Ybor City

As you drive along 7th Avenue, you’re moving through the heart of Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin quarter. In the late 1800s, this was the cigar capital of the world. Immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy came here to roll cigars by hand in brick factories that once lined these streets. At its peak, Ybor’s factories produced more than 500 million cigars a year, earning Tampa the nickname “Cigar City.”

Walking—or in our case, driving—down 7th Avenue, you’ll notice wrought-iron balconies, colorful storefronts, and old cigar shops that still echo the district’s past. Many of the old factories have been converted into restaurants, boutiques, and offices, but a few cigar rollers remain, handcrafting stogies just like their ancestors did a century ago.

This stretch also became famous for its lively social life. Coffee houses, cantinas, and mutual aid clubs once filled the blocks. The Columbia Restaurant, founded in 1905, still serves up Spanish and Cuban dishes just a short distance from here—it’s Florida’s oldest continuously operating restaurant.

Today, 7th Avenue is a National Historic Landmark District and regularly named one of the “Great Streets in America.” By day, it’s a living museum of Tampa’s immigrant heritage. By night, it transforms into one of the city’s liveliest nightlife strips.

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  https://yborcityonline.com/

Place #8

Distance: 0.25mi

1800 E Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA

Casa Oliva – A Landmark of Ybor’s Immigrant Story

On your right is Casa Oliva, one of the historic mutual aid society buildings that helped shape Ybor City’s immigrant community. Built in 1922, this striking three-story structure served as the home of the Unión de Beneficencia Española, or Spanish Mutual Aid Society. For decades, it provided health care, social services, and a cultural hub for Spanish immigrants who came to Tampa to work in the cigar factories.

Inside, members had access to a clinic, pharmacy, and even dental care at a time when those services were hard to come by. But Casa Oliva was more than just practical—it was also social. The building hosted dances, plays, and gatherings that allowed immigrant families to preserve their language, music, and traditions while forging new lives in America.

The name “Casa Oliva” honors the Oliva family, one of Tampa’s great cigar-making dynasties, whose legacy still connects to Tampa’s cigar heritage today. The building’s classic Mediterranean look and ornate detailing remind us that Ybor City wasn’t just a place to work—it was a place to build community.

Place #9

Distance: 0.13mi

1820 E 9th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, USA

Ybor City Museum State Park – Preserving Cigar City’s Story

On your right is the Ybor City Museum State Park, the best place to learn how Tampa became known as “Cigar City.” Housed in the old Ferlita Bakery building, the museum tells the story of Ybor’s immigrant communities—Cuban, Spanish, Italian, and others—who built this district from the ground up in the late 1800s.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits on the cigar industry, historic photographs, and artifacts from the early days when Ybor’s factories produced hundreds of millions of cigars each year. You can also explore the Mediterranean-style garden behind the museum, which often hosts festivals and community events.

One highlight is the casita, or small cigar worker’s house, located on the museum grounds. It’s been restored to show what life was like for a typical immigrant family—simple furnishings, tight quarters, and a strong sense of community.

The Ybor City Museum State Park isn’t just about cigars—it’s about people. It preserves the stories of the workers, entrepreneurs, and families who made Ybor a cultural melting pot and gave Tampa its distinctive Latin flavor.

Place #10

Distance: 1.39mi , Attraction : Aquarium, Tourist Attraction (Recommended selfie spot).

858 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

The Florida Aquarium & Sparkman Wharf – Tampa’s Waterfront Adventure

On your left is The Florida Aquarium, one of the city’s top attractions and a window into Florida’s underwater world. Opened in 1995, it’s home to more than 14,000 animals, from river otters and sea turtles to sharks, stingrays, and colorful reef fish. The aquarium highlights Florida’s natural ecosystems, taking you on a journey from freshwater springs to coastal mangroves and out into the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond exhibits, it also plays a key role in conservation, with coral restoration and sea turtle rescue programs that protect marine life for future generations.

Right next door, you’ll see Sparkman Wharf, a lively waterfront district that has transformed the old port into one of Tampa’s favorite hangouts. What was once a shipping terminal is now packed with open-air dining, a craft beer garden, colorful murals, and a big lawn where locals relax with friends and live music. From here, you’ll also spot massive cruise ships docking—it’s Tampa’s modern gateway to the sea.

Together, the Aquarium and Sparkman Wharf showcase two sides of Tampa’s relationship with the water: one dedicated to protecting marine life, and the other to celebrating the city’s vibrant waterfront lifestyle.

  https://www.flaquarium.org/

Place #11

Distance: 0.40mi , Attraction : Sports Venue, Entertainment Arena (Recommended selfie spot).

511 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

Benchmark International Arena & Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park – Tampa’s Energy and History Side by Side

On your left is the Benchmark International Arena, the heart of Tampa’s sports and entertainment scene. Opened in 1996 as the Ice Palace, this venue has gone through several name changes—from the St. Pete Times Forum, to the Tampa Bay Times Forum, then Amalie Arena for more than a decade. In August 2025, it became Benchmark International Arena, under a new naming rights deal with a Tampa-based mergers and acquisitions firm.

No matter the name, the arena is best known as the home of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, who have raised multiple Stanley Cups right here. It’s also Tampa’s biggest concert stage, hosting everyone from Elton John to Taylor Swift. On event nights, the plaza outside turns into a street party, and the whole area buzzes with energy.

Now, just behind the arena is a quieter spot—Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. This waterfront park connects directly to the Riverwalk and offers wide lawns, shaded trails, and a playground. Its name honors Tampa’s early history: Fort Brooke was a U.S. Army outpost established in the 1820s that gave rise to the modern city. Cotanchobee, meanwhile, means “big water” in the Creek language, a nod to the Native American presence in the area.

  https://www.amaliearena.com/

Place #12

Distance: 1.68mi

22 Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Davis Islands – A Waterfront Dream

We’re now entering Davis Islands, one of Tampa’s most scenic and distinctive neighborhoods. As we make a counter-clockwise loop, you’ll notice the relaxed island vibe mixed with Mediterranean-style architecture and leafy streets.

The islands were created in the 1920s by developer and aviator D.P. Davis, who dredged and reshaped mudflats at the mouth of the Hillsborough River into a manmade paradise. His vision was a glamorous resort-style community, and he left his mark in the red-tiled roofs, stucco facades, and palm-lined boulevards that still define the neighborhood today.

Driving this loop, you’ll pass waterfront parks, small cafés, and even a general aviation airport. Peter O. Knight Airport, tucked at the southern tip, is a favorite for private pilots and often sees small planes buzzing overhead. The Davis Islands Yacht Club anchors the boating scene, and you’ll spot marinas filled with sailboats along the shoreline.

Davis Islands is also known as the home of some Tampa sports stars—including former Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who made headlines when he briefly lived here.

As you cruise past the water views and quiet streets, you’ll see why locals consider Davis Islands one of the most desirable places to live in Tampa: close to downtown, but with a charm and calm all its own.

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Place #13

Distance: 2.73mi

717 S Dakota Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Hyde Park Village – Historic Charm Meets Modern Style

Welcome to Hyde Park Village, one of Tampa’s most charming neighborhoods and shopping districts. This area was first developed in the late 1800s as Tampa’s very first suburb, filled with oak-lined streets and beautiful bungalows. Over time, it grew into a hub of both history and style.

Today, Hyde Park Village is a blend of old and new. The historic homes still stand just beyond the main streets, but at the center you’ll find an open-air district filled with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. From national brands to local shops, it’s one of the best places in Tampa to stroll, shop, and dine.

The neighborhood is also known for its regular farmers markets and seasonal festivals, when the streets fill with local vendors, live music, and families out enjoying the Florida sunshine. Just steps away, the shady residential blocks showcase some of Tampa’s finest historic houses, many lovingly restored to their early-20th-century elegance.

Place #14

Distance: 0.55mi

1699 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, USA

Bayshore Boulevard – Tampa’s Signature Scenic Drive

We’re now on Bayshore Boulevard, one of Tampa’s most iconic drives. For the next few miles, just settle in and enjoy the view. On one side, you’ll see elegant homes and gleaming condos, and on the other, the wide-open waters of Hillsborough Bay stretching out to the horizon.

Bayshore is home to the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, running for nearly 4.5 miles. You’ll almost always see locals out here jogging, biking, rollerblading, or just walking their dogs. This stretch is like Tampa’s outdoor gym and social club all rolled into one. On festival days, especially during Gasparilla, the sidewalks are packed with crowds watching the pirate flotilla invade the city from this very bay.

Now, let’s talk about the water beside us. Hillsborough Bay is part of the larger Tampa Bay estuary, one of the most important natural habitats in Florida. These waters are home to dolphins, manatees, and countless species of fish and birds. On calm days, you might spot a dolphin’s fin breaking the surface or a pelican swooping down for its lunch. This bay has always been central to Tampa’s identity—first for the Native Americans who fished here, then for Spanish explorers, and later for the shipping and trade that fueled the city’s growth.

As you continue driving, notice how the boulevard curves gracefully along the shoreline. The views of the skyline behind you and the open bay ahead make this one of the most memorable drives in the city.

From here, we’ll keep quiet and let you enjoy the scenery. Stay with Bayshore Boulevard as it hugs the waterfront. At the end of this beautiful stretch, we’ll meet you again at our final stop—Ballast Point Park, where we’ll close the tour with one last sweeping view over Hillsborough Bay and downtown Tampa.

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Place #15

Distance: 3.26mi

5105 S Nichol St, Tampa, FL 33611, USA

Finale – Ballast Point Park

Coming up on your left is Ballast Point Park, our final stop on this Tampa tour and one of the city’s most scenic waterfront spots.

This area gets its name from the days when ships entering Tampa Bay would dump their heavy ballast stones here before sailing upriver to the port. What was once a practical spot for sailors has become a peaceful retreat for locals, with a fishing pier, shaded playground, and grassy lawns overlooking Hillsborough Bay.

Step out onto the pier and you’ll see one of the best views in all of Tampa. To the north, the downtown skyline rises above the water. To the west, Davis Islands stretches out into the bay. And in the distance, you may spot sailboats, dolphins, or even manatees surfacing in the calm waters.

At sunset, Ballast Point is magical. The sky glows pink and orange over the bay, and the city lights begin to twinkle across the horizon. It’s a reminder of Tampa’s balance—urban energy just minutes away, paired with the calm of Florida’s natural beauty.

And with that, we close our journey. From the silver minarets of the Plant Museum, through Ybor’s cigar heritage, the Riverwalk’s bustle, and Bayshore’s sweeping views, we’ve seen how Tampa blends history, culture, and waterfront charm into one unforgettable city.

Thank you for joining us on this UCPlaces tour of Tampa. We hope you’ve enjoyed the ride, and that you’ll carry a bit of Tampa’s sunshine and spirit with you to your next adventure.

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