20 Ways to Cool Down During the Hot, Humid Tampa Summer Season (besides the beach!)
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
16. Dine & Play at Dave and Busters
Dave and Busters is the perfect entertainment destination for the young and young-at-heart. The gaming floor is dedicated to both arcade and ticket style redemption games, as well as pool and air hockey. Asides from gaming, there is a large bar here, as well as a full service restaurant. Not surprisingly, this place is packed during football season due to the presence of numerous flat screen TVs, an extensive drink list, plus game day food & drink specials.
Additionally, D&B offers a popular dine and play special where you will get an entree plus a game card for a special price. Another popular deal is half priced games on Wednesday. Definitely the time to go as this place is anything but cheap!
17. Visit the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
This is a gorgeous underrated museum which features a collection of permanent and rotating photography exhibits. Works featured include both local and international artists. The modern architecture of the building is just as appealing as the diverse collection of photographs. As is the case with the Tampa Museum of Art, this one is also located on the Riverwalk. This is a must-see while visiting downtown Tampa. While small, you can easily kill an hour or 2 just browsing around.
18. Explore the independent coffee scene
While driving around, you will see your fair share of Starbucks around the Tampa metro. However, there are also great local coffee shops if you know where to look. One of the best-of-the-best is Indian Shores Coffee Company. This local gem is conveniently located across the street from Indian Rocks Beach, the best beach in all of Pinellas County. Regardless of whether or not you will be hitting the beach, they serve awesome coffee plus tasty homemade pastries. And best of all, you can relax minus the harsh sun (or annoying bugs) on your face via the screened patio.
My top coffeehouse picks in Tampa Bay
19. Shop til you drop at International Mall
Tampa’s most impressive mall is the International Mall which is loaded with over 100 retail favorites, with a nice mix of mid and high end shops. Also on-site are several popular chain eateries including Bar Louie, The Cheesecake Factory, and Brio Italian. The space here is really large, thus making it a perfect option for a half day heat escape.
20. Enjoy sports, games, & comfort food at Gametime
Gametime features a restaurant, arcade, and sports bar, similar in concept to Dave and Busters. Featuring 60 flat screens, NFL Sunday ticket, and a recently renovated sports bar, this is the perfect place to take in any sporting event. If gaming is more your style, you are in luck as Gametime features over 120 arcade games, plus bowling! With tasty food, drinks, lots of TVs airing every sporting event, games, & special events, Gametime offers more than enough fun to keep you occupied away from the heat!
