Tampa, Florida aka the “The Big Guava” tends to get outshined when it comes to Nightlife by some of the states more notable party cities such as Miami, Key West and even Orlando. Admittedly, we don’t have the massive nightclub scene of Miami or the extravagant pool parties that Key West offers but there are still hidden gems to be found in the city of Tampa. This guide covers the best Tampa has to offer, and proves that the city can hold its own when it comes to nightlife and entertainment.
More than 100 million people visit Tampa every year, on Florida Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a good mix of easy to access beaches and a thriving downtown area.
Tampa Clubs; Dancing, Drinking & Fun
Clubs are a big part of Florida culture and Tampa is no different. Tampa has a huge variety of differently nightlife options for dancing and drinking, with everything from a historic building turned goth nightclub to high end club experiences with VIP tables and bottle service.
Checkout these 3 amazing nightclubs for a fun night out in while you’re in tampa..
Club Prana
Address: 1619 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
This is Tampa only 5 club story nightclub including an amazing rooftop patio. Club Prana proves that Tampa can hold its own against neighboring cities like Miami. Each level of the club offers different entertainment and music styles giving visitors a lot of different options that are sure to make them happy. The rooftop patio allows for a very chill vibe to relax in after a few hours of dancing and drinking to end the night.
The Castle
Address: 2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Feel like ditching the typical nightclub vibe and looking for a more alternative experience? Checkout The Castle, an alternative nightclub in Tampa, Florida built in a historic building that caters everything from goth night to cosplay events. Every night has a different theme giving you a lot of option, much like Club Prana The Castle has several different floors and rooms giving you a lot of different options.
Dallas Bull
Address: 3322 US-301, Tampa, FL 33619
Want a little honkey tonk in your life? If you’re looking for a little country with your rock and roll the Dallas Bull was named most popular nightclub by The Tampa Bay times and offer square dancing, live shows and mechanical bull riding. Checkout Dallas Bull on tuesday night for some beginner line dancing classes.
A Chill Night in Tampa; Lounges, Cocktails and Craft Beer
When a night out of dancing is just not your thing visiting some of Tampa’s most popular cocktail lounges and craft beer spots are a good way to enjoy Tampa’s nightlife while still retaining most of your hearing. Tampa has a great selection of places to enjoy a nice intimidate night out with a significant other or close friends, including rooftop lounges, gin joints and craft beer bars.
Checkout our favorite nightlife spots for a chill afternoon
EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
Address: 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Rooftop lounges are a staple of the Florida nightlife scene, take advantage of the great weather and beautiful skys at EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. Located on the roof of the epicurean hotel EDGE is a great luxury lounge for a few friends or a nice date.
CW’s Gin Joint
Address: 633 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
Checkout this intimate haunt in the SoHo district for a lowkey, date friendly gin joint. CW’s Gin Joint serves as the perfect alternative to the massive crows and loud music surrounding other parts of Tampa’s nightlife.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
Address: 5119 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
Checkout this local tampa favorite if you want a more lively craft beer bar, with live music and a really fun environment Ella’s American Folk Art Cafe is a tourist favorite. Located in the hart of seminole heights just a few minutes from downtown Tampa, this bar / restaurant has enough art, music and great food to nourish your stomach and soul.
Things to do in that don’t involve drinking
If your looking for nightlife fun without drinking a craft cocktail or dancing the night away your in luck, Tampa has some great attractions that are open late into the night. Below are a few of our top picks for things to do in the area at night that don’t involve drinking.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
While an amusement park is on a lot of peoples lists for things to do on the day it can be an ideal nightlife spot if your trying to avoid mass crows and the hot Tampa sun on you all day. Busch Garden tops the list of one of the best places to go once things cool down and enjoy some rides and an amazing fireworks and laser show. With the park offering night tickets this can be a great way to squeeze in an amusement park visit while in the city for a short weekend.
Tampa Ghost Tour
Website: https://www.ghosttour.com/
Maybe dropping 100 feet on a rollercoaster isn’t the type of adrenaline rush you like but you still want some nightlife that can offer you some fear and adrenaline. Checkout Tampa’s Ghost Tour and get a spooky tour of Tampa’s most historic and haunted buildings, to learn about the city’s most notable ghosts and background on some key moments in Tampa’s history.
Laser Ops Extreme Gaming Arcade
Address: 6283 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
Spend the night feeling like a kid again in Tampa’s massive Laser Ops Extreme Arcade where you can do everything from play a few games of pinballs to a big game of laser tag with friends and even try out archery tag. Laser ops has plenty to offer and is great for a group of friends and even has its own bar if you decide you want to grab a beer between laser tag matches.
There are plenty of other things to do in Tampa at night but these are some of our favorite and most recommended places to visit if you are in town visiting.