Waterfront Park - Tampa, FL Area Guide

Thomas P. Kennedy was credited with the development of Waterfront Park and Tampa Heights into what was at first a suburban area. The area has seen a population boom, particularly since 2000. While still a diverse area, gentrification issues cause controversy and concern for some life-long residents.

The area boasts several museums, most notably the Tampa Museum of Art, which holds paintings from modern artists such as Cindy Sherman and Chuck Close. The museum also houses an impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.

Kids love the Glazer Museum, a museum with nothing off-limits where children are encouraged to explore and play. The interactive exhibits teach little ones skills from engineering to art to geography.

Waterfront Park is also known for its performing arts. Check out the Tampa Theater or the Straz Center for the Performing Arts for a night of culture.

Waterfront Park booms with restaurants and nightlife, so you always have options for eating out. Try the Tampa Pizza Company for fast, casual dining as this place makes pizzas any way you like, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. Order unique pizza combinations such as Gorgonzola cheese and sausage. The Tampa Pizza Company also serves craft beers on tap.

For a taste of Spanish cuisine, head to Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar on North Tampa Street; a fun date place that serves both tapas-style and normal plates. Enjoy your meal as you listen to live flamenco music. Definitely try the creamy chocolate churros for dessert. Anise Global Gastrobar features Asian fusion cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. Build your own burger with nine types of cheese and seven types of sauce. Add the signature curried coconut wings for an appetizer as a tasty treat. Even the truffled tater tots have a gourmet appeal thanks to the lemon creme fraiche. For a real taste of Tampa, order the hibiscus margarita.

Waterfront Park features plenty of options for nightlife, no matter what your weekend style. Nobody can call themselves a Tampanian before having a drink at the Hub Bar. This iconic establishment has everything you want from a dive bar: low prices, heavy pours, a pool table and an old jukebox. Bring your bills though, because, as at any good dive bar, cash is king here.

For something that's a bit less of hole-in-the-wall, Waterworks Bar and Grill fits the bill. The perfect spot to enjoy a drink before you head to the Straz Center for a show, the restaurant serves consistently good American fare. Grab a table by the window for waterfront views.

For musical entertainment, Fly Bar and Restaurant not only rocks music several nights a week, but its giant outdoor party deck lets patrons dine and dance al fresco. The atmosphere remains modern and trendy. Feel comfortable in either jeans or a cocktail dress at this establishment. Mixologists behind the bar are true pros, so don't fear the latest cocktail. As a bonus, Fly Bar takes table reservations online.

Most Tampanians own cars, as the highways and roads between areas are plentiful and accessible. Waterfront Park sits right off Interstate 295. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit System (HARTS) services the area with public buses as well as a street car line, although many locals believe it runs on the slow side. To travel further abroad sans car, head to Tampa's Amtrak Station.

Although Tampa boasts numerous parks and trails, highway bike lanes are not as prevalent. Taxi cabs, while available in downtown Tampa, can be hard to hail. Use your Smartphone to order an Uber car.

Curtis-Hixon Park, arguably the most popular park in the area, not only offers beautiful water views and running trails, but it also hosts events all year long. "Rock the Park" happens every Thursday evening with free musical entertainment. This dog-friendly park also allows your pooch to run off-leash in certain areas, so bring that tennis ball for a game of fetch.

Kids and adults alike love Ulele Spring Water-Works Park. The spring flows into the Hillsborough River and is a lovely tranquil vista along the river. Cool off on a hot Tampa afternoon in the splash pad, always a big hit with the kids.

The Waterfront Park area cost of living runs higher than the rest of the Tampa Bay area. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1900. A beer costs about $5 at a local bar. Bus rides around the Tampa area costs between $1 and $4, depending on your departure and destination points. Many locals drive, as gas in the area runs about 10 percent cheaper than the U.S. average.

Local shopping options in the area are plentiful. Bookworms and history buffs should check out the Old Tampa Book Company, which specializes in rare and used books. Helpful staff assist you to find items that aren't in stock.

Cyclists love City Bike Tampa, a local business that wants to bring you two-wheeled happiness. This shop can fill all your bike needs, including new accessories and repairs. It also brings happiness with its delicious coffee bar. The store also organizes a weekly group bike ride, so ask in the store when you can join the fun.

Grocery stores within close driving distance include an Aldi, Publix, and the Oceanic Supermarket. Check out the Tampa Downtown Market, a farmers market that offers fresh produce every third Sunday of the month from October to May.