Clearwater Beach (Grouper Sandwich) ★ 4.3
Clearwater Beach runs the Tampa Bay grouper sandwich circuit, with Frenchy's Cafe, Crabby's and the Palm Pavilion serving fresh Gulf grouper.
More food day trips in Tampa
Ybor City (Cigar Day with Food) ★ 4.5
Ybor City just east of downtown Tampa runs the National Historic Landmark District with working cigar rollers, the Columbia Restaurant since 1905.
Anna Maria Island (Old Florida Seafood) ★ 4.4
Anna Maria Island south of Tampa runs the Old Florida fish-camp seafood circuit, with Sandbar, Beach Bistro and casual grouper sandwiches on the Gulf.
Sarasota (Fine Dining and Beach) ★ 4.4
Sarasota an hour south runs its own Michelin Guide listings with stars at Indigenous, plus the Selva Grill and Owen's Fish Camp on the bayfront.
Lakeland (Publix Original) ★ 4.1
Lakeland east of Tampa houses Publix's founding 1930 store and a revived downtown lakefront with brunch, craft beer and the original Florida Southern campus.
St Petersburg (Downtown and the Pier) ★ 4.5
St Petersburg downtown runs a stronger waterfront restaurant scene than Tampa, with the Pier complex carrying Fresco's, Doc Ford's and Teak waterfront grills.