Cafe Hey – For Quirky Southern Eats and Artsy Vibes
Nestled in the quaint enclave of Seminole Heights, Cafe Hey has become a favorite local spot for Southern comfort fare and eclectic charm. From the psychedelic street murals to the cozy mismatched decor inside, this eatery radiates art and nostalgia. The walls are covered with works by local artists and quirky collections like a shrine to Pez dispensers. Even the menu is creatively divided into categories like “Farm,” “Orchard,” and “Pasture.”
Order favorites like duck confit Corn Flake encrusted catfish and vegetarian collard green dumplings to savor flavors of the South with gourmet twists. Daily specials keep things interesting, and cocktails like the “Sunshine State of Mind” specialty margarita capture the cafe’s playful spirit. And don’t forget to grab a donut on your way out! With rotating flavors from bourbon bacon to chai spice, these hot homemade cake donuts are a delicious Tampa treat.
Cafe Hey is located at 2510 N Macdill Ave in Tampa’s Seminole Heights neighborhood. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Call 813-258-2233 to make reservations at this popular local gem.
Tampa Theatre – For Old Hollywood Glamour
Travel back in time to the glorious days of early cinema at the majestic Tampa Theatre. Built in 1926, this historic landmark offers a glimpse into the lavish movie palaces that once graced cities across America. The interior is a visual jewel encrusted with gilded moldings, twinkling lights, and celestial paintings on the ceiling.
Catch classic films, indie flicks, special event screenings and more in this 750-seat auditorium complete with a Wurlitzer organ. Don’t miss the Free Fall Film Series on select Fridays. Before the screening, experience the Tampa Theatre’s one-of-a-kind organ cued up to a Laurel and Hardy silent movie short. You can also arrange group tours, host events in private rooms, and become a member to support this iconic venue.
Visiting the Tampa Theatre on a charter bus rental allows your group to admire its Old Hollywood grandeur. Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. Learn more by calling 813-274-8286.
Lettuce Lake Park – For Wildlife Watching and Nature Walks
Escape into 240 acres of natural wilderness only 20 minutes from downtown Tampa at Lettuce Lake Park. Walk the 3-mile loop trail under moss-draped oak trees and observe vibrant wetlands filled with flora and fauna. Sharp-eyed visitors may catch sight of turtles, armadillos, wood storks, ibises and even alligators!
The Lettuce Lake Park Nature Center offers interactive exhibits and displays where visitors can learn about the park’s ecosystems and native species. Sign up for a canoe tour or educational program like birdwatching walks and night hikes. The park also features picnic areas and a playground, so you can make a whole day of your outdoor adventure.
Lettuce Lake Park provides a scenic nature experience just minutes from the city. The park is located at 6920 E Fletcher Ave in Tampa and is open daily from 7:30AM to 6PM (8PM during Daylight Savings Time.) Rent a charter bus to simplify transportation for your next group hiking trip or class field excursion.
Sparkman Wharf – For Trendy Shops and Eateries
Sparkman Wharf is one of Tampa’s hottest foodie destinations, with a collection of waterside eateries serving up delicious global eats and drinks. From empanadas to ramen, tacos to po’ boys, the converted warehouse space brings together top chefs and restaurants under one trendy industrial roof.
In between meals, browse the on-site boutiques for gifts, fashions and home decor. Shops like Plant + Planet offer a curated selection of indoor plants, terrariums, planters and other greenery. Stop for a scoop of artisanal, hand-crafted gelato from Dolci Peccati. And don’t miss the food vendors downstairs dishing out everything from loaded fries to lobster rolls.
Sparkman Wharf is a hip harbor hangout located at 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. Call 813-554-2337 to book your next group outing or event in their private event space. Your charter bus can drop off right at the entrance.
Clearwater Beach – For Sun and Surf
You can’t visit the Tampa Bay region without spending a day basking on the sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach. Named the best beach in America on TripAdvisor’s 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Clearwater offers breathtaking views of tranquil emerald waters along the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunbathe, swim, or stroll along the shore. Snorkelers and scuba divers can explore the abundant sea life lurking below the waves. Adrenaline junkies can parasail above the surf or ride the intense thrills of the shuttle coaster Pier 60 Sugar Sand Drop. Enjoy local favorites like grouper sandwiches or stone crabs with scenic waterfront dining. And don’t forget to stay for a radiant Clearwater Beach sunset!
Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and camera to capture the beach bliss. Clearwater Beach is located on the West Coast of Florida, west of Tampa. Make transportation a breeze for your next beach day by renting a charter bus from Tampa Charter Bus Rental.
Big Cat Rescue – For Roaring Fun
Get ready for some roaring adventure at Big Cat Rescue, home to over 60 rescued lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and more. This nonprofit sanctuary provides excellent care for its big cat residents while educating visitors about the issues exotic pets face.
Start your visit with an informative guided group tour of the property. You’ll stay outside the enclosures for safety, but get amazingly close views of majestic lions napping in the sun or nimble leopards prowling their habitats. Feed the playful bobcats and talkative lynx, then stop for photos ops with one of the sanctuary’s friendliest big cats. Don’t miss the gift shop stocked with “purr”-fect souvenirs.
With engaging experiences and up-close animal encounters, Big Cat Rescue makes an unforgettable attraction for nature lovers of all ages. The sanctuary is located at 12802 Easy St in Tampa. Call 813-920-4130 to book group tours and programs.
Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association – For Local Culture
Discover Tampa’s vibrant arts scene at Center Place, a grassroots organization championing visual and performing arts in the Brandon community. Their historic houses have been transformed into creative facilities focused on art, culture, education and history.
See rotating exhibits at the Jaeb Gallery showcasing regional artists. Catch a play or musical in the Trout Theater. Take classes in everything from painting to glass fusing in the working artist studios. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities in the imagination station. And history buffs will appreciate tours of the 1906 Roy Reed House and 1917 Paul Rife House decorated in period style.
With its dedication to culture and community, a visit to Center Place offers a glimpse into Tampa’s local art world. Center Place is located at 619 Vonderburg Dr, Brandon, FL 33511. Check the calendar of events on their website or call 813-685-8888.
Ybor City – Cigars, Culture and Cuisine
Named one of America’s Top Main Streets, historic Ybor City rivals the French Quarter as Tampa’s liveliest and most colorful neighborhood. Centered on 7th Ave, you’ll find a hip array of bars with lively patios, unique boutiques, and avantgarde art spaces housed in red-brick factories and warehouses.
Of course, you can’t miss savoring the hand-rolled cigars and strong Cuban coffee the district is famed for. Treat your palate to
authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine at Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest eatery, or Tabanero Cigars Cafe for a full Cuban dining experience. Walk off the hearty dishes with a stroll through Jose Marti Park before settling in to watch expert rollers craft cigars at Tabanero Cigar Factory.
With its multicultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, Ybor City offers an immersive experience into Tampa’s history. The neighborhood is located just northeast of downtown Tampa. Renting a charter bus simplifies group transportation so you can explore the district’s full sights and flavors.
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Company Tampa
At Charter Bus Company Tampa, we want to make getting around our beautiful city as smooth and comfortable as possible for your group. Our experienced team will help you choose the perfect transportation for your itinerary and passenger size from our large fleet of charter bus and minibus rentals.
We provide door-to-door service to Tampa’s top attractions, hotels, restaurants and more. Our drivers are licensed professionals who know the city extensively, so you never have to worry about getting lost or stuck in traffic. And with charter bus amenities ranging from wifi and power outlets to luxury seating and TVs, the journey can be part of the fun!
Stop dreaming and start planning your perfect Tampa getaway, hassle-free with Charter Bus Company Tampa. Simply give us a call at (813) 280-7525 to check rates and availability for your charter bus rental. A rental expert is standing by to answer all your questions and provide a free quote. Let’s get rolling on the group trip of a lifetime. We can’t wait to help you uncover Tampa’s hidden gems!