Downtown Tampa Guide: What to Do, Eat, and Experience Near the Convention Center
Downtown Tampa is one of Florida’s most vibrant waterfront districts. Within a few walkable blocks, you’ll find restaurants, riverwalk views, museums, coffee shops, and some of the most beautiful skyline views in Florida.
For guests traveling to the Beauty From Ashes Conference, this page will help you explore the city and discover places locals love.
Why Visitors Love Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa blends three things visitors rarely find in the same place.
- Walkable waterfront views.
- High-energy city culture.
- Hidden local gems waiting to be discovered.
Within minutes of the convention center, you can stroll along the river, enjoy fresh seafood, visit museums, or relax in parks overlooking the water.
Visitors attending the Beauty From Ashes Conference often discover that Tampa itself becomes part of the experience.
Interactive Map
Everything highlighted on this page is located within a short walk or ride of the Tampa Convention Center.
The Tampa Riverwalk: A National Treasure
The Tampa Riverwalk is the heart of downtown Tampa.
Stretching nearly three miles along the Hillsborough River, it connects parks, restaurants, museums, and scenic viewpoints throughout the city. Visitors can walk, bike, or relax along the waterfront while watching boats move through the river and the skyline glow at sunset.
The Riverwalk has become one of Tampa’s most recognizable attractions, offering a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the city between activities.
For maps, events, and current information about the Riverwalk experience, visitors can explore the official Tampa Riverwalk website.
Many attendees visiting Tampa for the Beauty From Ashes Conference take this walk during the weekend to enjoy the waterfront views and connect with other women attending the event.
Starting Point: Easily accessible from all three hotels.
Stretching for 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River, the Tampa Riverwalk is the vibrant heart of the city. And there’s exciting news: it’s been nominated as one of the “Best Riverwalks in the Country” by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
This scenic waterfront path connects parks, museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You can walk, jog, bike, or even take a Pirate Water Taxi to hop on and off at various points. It’s the perfect place to watch a sunset, enjoy a morning stroll, or people-watch.
👉 Vote for the Tampa Riverwalk as America’s Best. Voting is open until April 6, 2026. Let’s put Tampa on top!
Museums & Culture (All Within Walking Distance)
| Museum | Distance from Hotels | Highlights |
| Tampa Museum of Art | 0.3 miles from Hotel Flor | Greek and Roman antiquities, modern and contemporary art. |
| Florida Museum of Photographic Arts | 0.5 miles from Hotel Flor | Rotating exhibits of world-class photography. |
| Tampa Bay History Center | 0.7 miles from Channel District hotels | Explore 12,000 years of Florida history. |
| Glazer Children’s Museum | 0.3 miles from Hotel Flor | Interactive fun for kids of all ages. |
| Florida Aquarium | 0.5 miles from Channel District hotels | Encounter thousands of aquatic animals. |
Sports & Entertainment
- Amalie Arena: Home of the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL). Catch a game or a major concert. (0.7 miles from Channel District hotels).
- Historic Ybor City: Jump on the free TECO Line streetcar from the Channel District and transport yourself to Tampa’s historic Latin quarter, famous for cigars, Cuban sandwiches, and vibrant nightlife.
Dining & Nightlife
Sparkman Wharf: A waterfront dining and entertainment destination in the Channel District, featuring a rotating lineup of food vendors, a beer garden, and outdoor games. It’s a short walk from the Hampton Inn & Home2 Suites.
The Dan (at Hotel Flor): Step into The Dan at Hotel Flor Tampa and be transported to the Roaring Twenties. Our newly transformed restaurant offers a captivating speakeasy atmosphere with 1920s jazz music and cuisine.
Channelside Bay Plaza: A dining and entertainment complex adjacent to the Florida Aquarium and Port of Tampa.
Best Places to Eat in Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa has quietly become one of Florida’s most exciting food districts. Within a few blocks, you’ll find waterfront seafood restaurants, rooftop lounges, casual cafés, and late-night dessert spots. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee or a memorable dinner overlooking the water, there are plenty of options within walking distance of the convention center.
Ulele
One of Tampa’s most celebrated waterfront restaurants, known for its native-inspired menu and views of the Hillsborough River.
Columbia Cafe
A historic Tampa favorite serving Spanish-inspired cuisine along the Riverwalk.
Jackson’s Bistro
Popular waterfront restaurant offering seafood, sushi, and skyline views.
American Social
Lively waterfront spot known for craft cocktails and outdoor seating.
The Pearl
A well-known coastal seafood restaurant celebrated for its fresh oysters, coastal dishes, and elegant waterfront atmosphere in the Water Street district.
Bern’s Steak House
Perfectly aged steaks. One of the largest wine collections in the world. An internationally famous dessert room.
Things To Do While You're In Tampa
Even a few free hours downtown can turn into an unforgettable experience. Tampa offers parks, museums, waterfront attractions, and entertainment districts all within reach of the convention center.
Tampa Museum of Art
Proudly houses one of the most significant collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the southeastern United States.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront
It’s a place to meet and enjoy Tampa’s waterfront. Bring your children to splash through the water features or take your dog for a trip to the dog park.
Sparkman Wharf
Situated along Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa, Sparkman Wharf features waterfront views, craft beer, live music and exceptional dining.
Water Street District
A neighborhood designed to deepen people’s interactions with the cityscape, the natural environment and each other.
Florida Aquarium
We’re taking a multifaceted approach to achieving our shared purpose of saving marine wildlife. Take a deeper look at our conservation efforts.
Tampa Theatre
World-class entertainment with twinkling stars, in a romantic Mediterranean courtyard replete with old-world statues, and gargoyles.
Local Shops & Unique Finds
Downtown Tampa is home to boutique shops, art markets, and locally owned businesses that bring personality to the city.
Visitors can discover handcrafted jewelry, artwork, specialty gifts, and unique clothing from small Tampa businesses.
Exploring local shops supports Tampa’s entrepreneurs while giving visitors something meaningful to take home.
Visiting Tampa for the Beauty From Ashes Conference
Each year, women travel from across the country to gather for the Beauty From Ashes Conference.
While the conference sessions are the heart of the weekend, Tampa offers the perfect setting to explore, relax, and build new friendships.
Many guests choose to arrive early or stay an extra day to experience the Riverwalk, enjoy local restaurants, and discover the energy of downtown Tampa.
Visitors often stay at nearby hotels within walking distance of the convention center, including the Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center, which sits directly beside the waterfront and offers easy access to both the Riverwalk and conference venues.
Plan Your Perfect Tampa Getaway
For the B4A Conference Attendee
- Stay: Any of our three featured hotels offers easy access to the conference venue. Hotel Flor offers a classic, elegant experience, while the Hampton Inn & Home2 Suites provide modern comfort and are perfectly positioned for exploring the Channel District.
- Getting around: The TECO Line streetcar is a free and fun way to connect the Channel District with Ybor City. The Pirate Water Taxi is a fantastic way to experience the Riverwalk and hop between attractions. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
For the Cruise Passenger
- The Port of Tampa is incredibly convenient from the Channel District hotels. The Hampton Inn & Home2 Suites are ideally located for a pre-cruise stay, with guests praising the short drive to the terminal.
For the Weekend Explorer
Downtown Tampa is your playground. Spend a day museum-hopping along the Riverwalk, catch a Lightning game at Amalie Arena, then hop the streetcar to Ybor City for a late-night Cuban sandwich and live music.
Meet the Local Experts Who Make Tampa Beautiful
When you’re in Tampa, we want you to experience the best of the best. These are our trusted partners, the people we turn to for photography, floral design, and marketing. They’re top-tier professionals who pour their hearts into their craft.
Capture Your Moments: Jessie, Photographer Extraordinaire
Whether you’re celebrating a conference, a wedding, or simply want to document your Tampa adventure, Jessie has an eye for capturing the magic. She knows all the best spots along the Riverwalk and beyond.
Bring Beauty to Your Event: Dr. Yonnicka at Youniquely Arranged
Planning a wedding, corporate event, or special celebration in Tampa? Dr. Yonnicka’s Youniquely Arranged creates stunning floral designs that transform any space. Her arrangements are living art, crafted with intention and prayer.
Build Your Digital Presence: Lead Nicely
Behind some of Tampa’s most impactful brands is Lead Nicely, a marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow with purpose and strategy. From website design to digital marketing, they’re the team you want in your corner.
Local Businesses Supporting This Experience
We are proud to highlight Tampa businesses that support women, community connection, and meaningful experiences in our city.
Your Tampa Adventure Starts Here
Downtown Tampa is more than a destination. It’s a place where conversations begin, friendships grow, and unforgettable moments unfold. If you are traveling here for the Beauty From Ashes Conference, we hope you take time to experience the city that will host this gathering. Tampa is ready to welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downtown Tampa and the Beauty From Ashes Conference
Downtown Tampa is known for its waterfront views, walkable Riverwalk, museums, restaurants, public parks, event venues, and skyline scenery. It blends city energy with a relaxed coastal feel, which is part of what makes it appealing for both quick visits and full weekend stays.
Yes. Downtown Tampa offers enough variety for visitors who want a mix of culture, food, scenic walks, and entertainment in one area. Many people come for an event or conference and end up discovering that the city itself becomes part of the experience.
Visitors can walk the Riverwalk, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, relax at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, explore Sparkman Wharf, enjoy restaurants along the water, visit the Florida Aquarium, and take in the atmosphere around Water Street and nearby downtown blocks.
Yes. One of the strongest advantages of downtown Tampa is that many of its most popular attractions are close together. Visitors staying near the convention center can often walk to restaurants, parks, museums, waterfront spots, and event spaces without needing much additional transportation.
Yes. The Riverwalk is one of the closest and most recognizable attractions near the convention center area. It is often one of the first places visitors explore because it connects so many of the city’s best-known waterfront locations.
The Riverwalk gives visitors a scenic, easy way to experience downtown Tampa. It offers water views, space to walk and talk, access to restaurants and museums, and some of the best photo spots in the city. It is also one of the most relaxing places to slow down between activities.
Many women visiting downtown Tampa enjoy walking the Riverwalk, meeting friends for coffee, exploring waterfront restaurants, visiting local museums, taking sunset photos, relaxing in nearby parks, and browsing small local shops. The area works well for both group outings and quiet solo moments.
Teen girls often enjoy taking photos along the Riverwalk, visiting interactive attractions, walking through lively public spaces, stopping for dessert or coffee, exploring the streetcar route, and spending time in areas with energy, color, and water views. Downtown Tampa makes it easy to keep the experience fun without feeling overwhelming.
Yes. Downtown Tampa works very well for a girls’ weekend because it offers food, scenery, conversation-friendly spaces, walkable attractions, and a good balance of activity and rest. Visitors can keep the trip relaxed or fill it with exploration depending on the pace they want.
If you only have a few hours, start with the Riverwalk, choose one nearby attraction such as a museum or waterfront district, and plan a meal or coffee stop close to the convention center. That gives you a feel for the city without needing to overpack your schedule.
A few hours is enough for a short visit, but a full day allows you to experience more of the Riverwalk, restaurants, attractions, and surrounding districts. Many visitors wish they had planned an extra day once they realize how much there is to enjoy nearby.
The best places to eat near the convention center depend on what kind of experience you want. Some visitors prefer waterfront dining, while others want a quick café stop or a relaxed dinner spot within walking distance. Downtown Tampa has strong options for seafood, coffee, casual meals, and memorable group dinners.
Yes. One of the benefits of staying downtown is that many restaurants are close enough to reach on foot. That makes it easy to meet people for lunch, grab coffee in between activities, or enjoy dinner without needing to leave the downtown area.
Yes. Downtown Tampa has coffee shops and café-style stops that work well for quick breaks, quiet conversations, or a reset during a busy day. Many visitors enjoy starting the morning with coffee before heading to the Riverwalk or an event.
The Riverwalk in the morning, waterfront benches, nearby parks, and low-key cafés are all good places to pause. Even though downtown Tampa is active, there are still calm corners where visitors can breathe, reflect, or simply enjoy the view.
Popular photo spots include the Tampa Riverwalk, skyline views near the water, green spaces around Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and scenic areas near the waterfront districts. Sunset is especially popular because the light reflects beautifully across the water and buildings.
Yes. Waterfront areas in and around downtown Tampa are especially appealing in the evening. Many visitors head toward the Riverwalk or nearby open-air spaces to catch the changing sky and city lights.
Comfortable walking shoes are one of the smartest choices because many visitors explore on foot. Light, breathable clothes usually work well for the area, and bringing a layer for indoor venues can also be helpful.
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a phone charger, something light to carry during the day, and anything you may want for photos or evening plans are good essentials. Many visitors also appreciate having room in their bags for small local purchases.
Yes. Downtown Tampa is especially strong for conference travelers because it combines proximity, convenience, and experience. Visitors can attend sessions, walk to meals, explore the city, and enjoy the waterfront without needing to constantly travel back and forth.
Downtown Tampa supports the conference experience because it gives attendees space to connect beyond the sessions. The city offers restaurants, scenic walks, nearby hotels, and meaningful places to continue conversations, build friendships, and enjoy the weekend in a fuller way.
For many women, the weekend is more than a schedule of sessions. It becomes a gathering built around encouragement, reflection, conversation, and connection. The downtown Tampa setting adds another layer by giving attendees a beautiful and welcoming place to experience together.
Arriving early can be a great decision if you want time to settle in, explore downtown Tampa, enjoy the Riverwalk, or meet up with other attendees before the main conference schedule begins.
Many visitors find that staying an extra day gives them time to enjoy the city at a slower pace. It can be a good way to visit a few attractions, enjoy local dining, or simply take in more of downtown Tampa before traveling home.
Staying near the convention center or Riverwalk is usually the easiest option because it reduces travel time and puts restaurants, attractions, and event spaces close together. Many visitors prefer being within walking distance of the main downtown activity.
Yes. Visitors can find hotel options near the convention center and waterfront, which makes it easier to move between lodging, event spaces, and nearby attractions throughout the weekend.
Yes. Downtown Tampa works well for groups because there are enough restaurants, gathering spots, attractions, and public spaces to give everyone options. It is easy to plan shared meals, casual meetups, or small side outings without making the schedule complicated.
In many cases, yes. Visitors staying in the main downtown area can often walk to a large number of attractions, dining options, and waterfront spots. For anything farther out, short rides or local transit can help fill the gap.
Yes. Downtown Tampa has parks, museums, public spaces, and attractions that appeal to a wide age range. Families can usually find a comfortable mix of fun, food, and walkable exploration.
Yes. Downtown Tampa gives teens a chance to experience a real city environment without feeling too spread out or difficult to navigate. Scenic views, photo spots, interactive attractions, and lively districts make it appealing for younger visitors.
Popular choices include walking by the water, meeting for dinner, taking photos at sunset, visiting a nearby attraction, or simply sitting down with coffee or dessert and continuing a meaningful conversation.
At night, many visitors enjoy dinner, waterfront walks, city views, photo moments, and gathering with friends in open-air areas. Downtown Tampa tends to feel lively without losing its scenic, relaxed edge.
Yes. One of the strengths of the downtown setting is that it creates room for both movement and pause. Visitors can step out into the city, find a quiet café, walk by the water, or sit in a public space and continue conversations that matter.
Downtown Tampa has a softer rhythm than many convention-centered areas. The water, the walkability, the nearby parks, and the way the city opens up around the Riverwalk all contribute to a more memorable and less rushed experience.
Yes. In addition to restaurants and attractions, downtown Tampa includes local businesses and boutique-style shopping areas where visitors may find gifts, art, accessories, or items that feel more personal than chain-store purchases.
Yes. Visitors have opportunities to support local cafés, restaurants, shops, and small businesses throughout the downtown area. That gives the visit more character and helps travelers experience the city beyond the usual tourist routine.
For many first-time visitors, the Riverwalk, a waterfront park, one museum, a nearby dining stop, and a short stroll through the surrounding district make a strong introduction to downtown Tampa.
Keep your schedule simple enough to enjoy the city. Pick a few priority experiences, stay close to the convention center if possible, make room for meals and conversation, and leave space for an unplanned walk or stop along the Riverwalk.
Downtown Tampa is a good fit for that. You can explore museums, restaurants, and public spaces when you want movement, then shift into a slower pace with waterfront views, a coffee break, or a quiet walk.
Many people return because downtown Tampa feels easy to enjoy. It offers scenery, convenience, good food, walkability, and enough variety to make each visit feel a little different from the last.
Absolutely. For many attendees, the city becomes part of the memory. The meals, the walks, the conversations by the water, and the shared moments outside the sessions often become just as meaningful as what happens inside the event itself.
A Riverwalk stroll is often the best starting point. It gives you a feel for the city, helps you get oriented, and immediately shows why so many visitors enjoy downtown Tampa.
Many solo female travelers appreciate downtown Tampa because the area around the convention center and Riverwalk is active, scenic, and easier to navigate than a more spread-out city experience. It allows visitors to feel connected to the energy of the area without needing a complicated plan.
Because the goal is to help visitors experience the city fully. This page is meant to be useful whether someone is planning the conference weekend, exploring what is nearby, deciding where to stay, or simply looking for the best ways to enjoy downtown Tampa while they are here.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center is a valet-only property. For your convenience, we are offering a discounted valet rate of $25.00 per day for event attendees and $45.00 for any overnight guests.
Yes! For guests who prefer alternative price points, there are several nearby parking options:
- Pam Iorio Parking Garage
- 1 hour: $3.00
- Each additional hour: $3.00
- Daily max (24 hours): $18.00
- 717 Parking
- Multiple locations throughout downtown, including one directly across from the hotel
- Rates vary by location and duration
- Many locations use the ParkMobile app, allowing you to pay and set parking time easily from your phone
Valet parking is the most convenient option for direct hotel access, while nearby garages and lots may offer more budget-friendly alternatives depending on your length of stay.