Got family in town for the holidays? Or some coming soon? We've got you covered with a few tips + tricks on what to do, what to see, and where to eat.

Get a taste

The Tampa Bay area is full of awesome places to eat, drink, and be merry.

There's no shortage of good coffee. Some of the best spots for a cup of Joe include Bandit Coffee Co. in St. Pete, a host of Buddy Brew Coffee locations, and The Blind Tiger, which also has several spots across town. There are more in our coffee guide.

Out of towners probably want to make the most of our TBAY weather, so why not take them somewhere outdoors to eat? We recommend Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille, with the St. Pete Pier location offering spectacular views, or Ulele next to Armature Works in Tampa. Here's more outdoor dining options.

The St. Pete Pier opened in 2020. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy the outdoors

Visitors don't come to the Tampa Bay area to stay indoors.

We recommend the no-cost TECO Manatee Viewing Center down in Apollo Beach, where sea cows like to lounge in the warm water. A stroll along Bayshore Boulevard or the waterfront in Downtown St. Pete are also great options.

Then of course, there are the beaches. Bring Fido along to the Davis Islands Dog Beach, or leave him at home and head out to one of the less touristy spots like Indian Rocks Beach, or Honeymoon Island State Park.

Family-friendly fun

There's no reason for the kids to stay home. Keep them entertained at ZooTampa at Lowry Park to check out animal species from across the globe or catch a thrill at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.

Fairgrounds St. Pete offers an immersive experience and the ~100-year-old Sunken Gardens is described as "St. Pete's oldest living museum" and gives a chance to escape into nature.

Did we forget any of the best recommendations? Let us know.