Discover the Real South Tampa Points of Interest

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH TAMPA

In the beginning, South Tampa, Florida, had an unimpressive start.

One of the reasons why South Tampa hasn't been around for a long time is that it was developed in earnest around the turn of the twentieth century. And the reason it wasn't developed till then was that the land was deemed uninhabitable at that time.

There were no plans for the development of it because it was deemed uninhabitable. The cost of clearing all the brush would be enormous. The site was purchased by a small group of investors, primarily the Mabry family, who hoped to lure others to settle there. People thought that the city's near-emptiness would not bother them when they renamed it "Beach Park by the Bay."

South Tampa, on the other hand, has progressed significantly since then.

It is presently regarded as one of the nicest areas in Florida to live in. And it's known for its attractions and landmarks, such as "Bayshore Boulevard, which is home to the longest continuous sidewalk in the world."

South Tampa has a lot to offer, so let's take a look at some of its most popular attractions.

South Tampa Shopping Center 

Fab’rik
There are clothes here for every occasion, from dressy date nights to beach holiday swimsuits. You may get everything from delicate jewelry and fashionable accessories to more casual clothing and shoes. A highlight of fab'rik's character is. . . Getting what you want won't break the bank at these costs because the quality is so good.

Hazel and Dot
There are so many things to buy at Hazel and Dot that it's been called "one of the top go-to gift businesses in South Tampa." By selling the creations of local artists, they also contribute to the betterment of the community.

Canvas Fashion Gallery
At Hyde Park's Canvas Fashion Gallery, modern and traditional styles meet. From "occasion formal wear to everyday necessities," they have a wide range of exceptional styles to choose from, and their friendly staff makes shopping a pleasure.

South Tampa Neighborhoods

"The right balance of an urban lifestyle and breathtaking grandeur" may be found in Hyde Park, a well-known historic neighborhood. In the middle of some of the most beautiful residences in the Tampa Bay area, it provides shopping and entertainment.

O.H. Platt, the first developer of Hyde Park, named it after his hometown in Illinois in 1886. Henry B. Plant built the Hillsborough Bridge to bring tourists to his Tampa Bay Hotel, and the area boomed as a result. The site continued to grow and became one of the most popular in the following decades.

Custom homes are one of Hyde Park's greatest assets. Due to its proximity to high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment, as well as the stunning and affluent home designs, it has been referred to as "one of the best custom home neighborhoods in Tampa Bay."

Craftsman style, Colonial Revival style, and Vernacular style are all examples of architectural styles that can be seen in this area. A wide range of housing options is available, including bungalows, mansions, and single-family dwellings.

The other major attractions in Hyde Park include its "variety of high-end shopping, food, and culture," to name a few examples. . .

Hyde Park Cafe
In contrast to what the name might imply, this is not a peaceful, welcoming environment. To put it another way, the Hyde Park Cafe in Tampa is "one of the hottest party scenes in the city," with three unique places to choose from: Wally & Bernie, Cafe Courtyard, and Velociti. The dress code is enforced, and VIP Bottle Service is offered.

Hyde Park Village
Hyde Park Village is one of the best shopping malls in the entire Tampa region, with "organic food, local retailers, and Farmer Markets on the first Sunday of every month!" Residents and visitors alike enjoy the city's numerous outdoor concerts and other activities. It's also a bonus that Hyde Park Village is an open-air mall, so you can enjoy the fresh air "while checking out some of the best retail choices Florida has to offer."

Big Cat Rescue
Cats like tigers, lions, and black panthers are saved by Big Cat Rescue, the world's largest cat rescue. "Big Cat Rescue provides a safe, caring environment for abused large cats."  Big Cat Rescue also "promotes awareness of animal mistreatment and proper care" in addition to its vital rescue efforts. If you wish to take a tour of the facilities, you'll need to arrange online in advance.

Bayshore Homes of Note

Iconic, highly sought-after homes are the city's second claim to fame. It has allowed designers and builders to create homes in a wide range of designs, from large two-story classical mansions with wide front porches to contemporary West Indies-style dwellings. There are few homes for sale on the street, so Bayshore retains its mystery and intrigue – and thus its attractiveness – for so many."

Here are a few notable examples of this phenomenon:

4613 Bayshore
Bayshore's 4613 is a coastal-inspired West Indies residence that was intended to match the neighborhood. From any point inside or outside, you can see Hillsborough Bay from the home's L-shape design. The resort-like backyard contains a covered porch, courtyard pool and spa, kitchen/living/dining space, and a five-car garage.

4605 Bayshore
A former "state senator, judge, and rancher" named Paul Revere Kickliter built this mansion in 1986. (who is reputed to have ridden an ox from his Central Florida property house). In the heart of the city, this Charleston-style home sits back from the street on nearly half an acre, and the interior is filled with exquisite millwork and woodwork...." There's an outdoor pool, as well as an enclosed veranda, overlooking the city skyline and Davis Islands."

What’s Next?

That South Tampa has come a long way from its days of being considered "uninhabitable" is evident. It's now a fantastic area to live, with a lot to offer and a lot to see and do. But finding a better place to live might be a challenge. So if you're thinking of moving to Tampa, contact a top real estate agent.