Tampa- what to do?

[xplor97]

My wife and I will be disembarking Carnival Paradise and then our flight doesn't leave Tampa till 5PM. We should be able to get off the ship by 8 or 9. We will have a rental car. So my question to you all is...what to do? Where should we go and spend some time? What are your favorite areas? I was thinking about driving to St Pete beach and eating at Crabby Bills, just a fav of ours, but I am also open to suggestions.
Thanks!
Greg

[Normal 1]

Sorry no suggestions for the area but from one Illinoisan to another.... I LOVE Crabby Bills!!!

[Orlando Vic]

Originally Posted by xplor97

My wife and I will be disembarking Carnival Paradise and then our flight doesn't leave Tampa till 5PM. We should be able to get off the ship by 8 or 9. We will have a rental car. So my question to you all is...what to do? Where should we go and spend some time? What are your favorite areas? I was thinking about driving to St Pete beach and eating at Crabby Bills, just a fav of ours, but I am also open to suggestions.
Thanks!
Greg

Florida Aquarium http://www.flaquarium.org/ and lunch at the Columbia in Ybor City.

[Ptown]

Originally Posted by Normal 1

Sorry no suggestions for the area but from one Illinoisan to another.... I LOVE Crabby Bills!!!

From another Illinoisan, where is Crabby Bills? Are they in IL or just Florida area? As you can see I am close to "Normal".

Dave

[xplor97]

The Crabby Bills that we like to visit is at St Petersburg beach...http://www.crabbybills.com...they are all located in Florida I believe.

Not wanting to do the Aquarium or Ybor City...the rental car is being picked up at Tampa airport so we will be out of that area.

[michmike]

Would be Tarpon Springs and a Greek lunch for us. Costa's, Mykonos or Hellas.

[xplor97]

Originally Posted by michmike

Would be Tarpon Springs and a Greek lunch for us. Costa's, Mykonos or Hellas.

Thats a good suggestion...little farther drive...been there a few years ago.

[CoquinaKeyNereid]

Here are two of our favorite waterside restaurants that are located very near the Crabby Bills on SPB.

Billy's Stone Crab is located in Terre Verde which is just off of the Pinellas Bayway that you would take to get to SP Beach. You could take a nice drive to Ft Desoto and do the self guided tour of the fort (it's free) then have a nice lunch at Billys. http://www.billysstonecrab.com/

Ft Desoto
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm



Another favorite place of ours is the Hurricane Restaurant on Pass-a-grille Beach. (About a mile down from Crabby Bills) The restaurant is right on the beach and has great views of the Gulf, especially from the roof-top area .http://www.thehurricane.com/

[CoquinaKeyNereid]

The Pier in downtown St Pete would be another good place to visit. It would not take up a lot of time and it right off of I-275 that you would take from Tampa into St.Pete. Just take the downtown exit and follow the signs. There are several restaurants, shopping and last time we were there, and aquarium. The Dali museum was next door if that is something that would interest you. This would also be a good option to keep in mind if the weather is less than perfect. Lots of stuff to do inside the Pier area.

Our favorite restaurant here is Cha-Cha Coconuts. It is at the very top of the pier and offers great views of the Bay.

http://stpetepier.com/



Wishing you a great time.

[xplor97]

Originally Posted by Hoosiercouple

Here are two of our favorite waterside restaurants that are located very near the Crabby Bills on SPB.

Billy's Stone Crab is located in Terre Verde which is just off of the Pinellas Bayway that you would take to get to SP Beach. You could take a nice drive to Ft Desoto and do the self guided tour of the fort (it's free) then have a nice lunch at Billys. http://www.billysstonecrab.com/

Ft Desoto
http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm



Another favorite place of ours is the Hurricane Restaurant on Pass-a-grille Beach. (About a mile down from Crabby Bills) The restaurant is right on the beach and has great views of the Gulf, especially from the roof-top area .http://www.thehurricane.com/

Thanks for the info...we have been to both Billy's and The Hurricane...I agree the roof top at Hurricane is a great spot...may hit that along with Crabby Bill's. Also thank for the Pier info...if the weather is bad that will be the spot. Perfect info!
Greg

[CruiseTeacher7]

I would second anyone's recommendation to go to St. Pete Beach, Pass-A-Grille or Ft. Desoto. I'm over the Clearwater Beach area.