My buddies and I are going to Tampa or surrounding area in early March for spring break to play some golf, relax, hang out at the beach, eat some good food, do a little drinking, etc.

For those of you locals or frequents who travel to Tampa often, any suggestions on hotels, restaurants, golf courses, bars that we should check out? Any area to definitely stay in or stay away from when booking a hotel? Where are the reasonable courses (say under 100$)?

Were trying to keep this 4 night 5 day trip to around 700-800$.

Let me know whatcha got.

Thanks,
Griffin

I am sure I won't be the only one, but I'd definitely recommend the World Woods courses about an hour north of Tampa. They have 36 holes, so you can make a full day of it up there. The price is right too. One of the best bangs for your buck anywhere.

As far as restaurants, I highly recommend Berns Steakhouse. It has been there forever. You will drop some cash, but you will have a fantastic meal. I've had good steak lots of places, but theirs is among the very best, and it's a unique dining experience. Be sure to take the tour and do the dessert room upstairs for the full experience.

Thanks, any suggestions seafood restaurants or nightlife?

I lived there my whole life until recently. Will be moving back soon.

Depends on where you plan on staying. If you stay in Tampa, I would suggest spending time in Hyde Park, Channelside or International Mall. All places have good restaurants and bars. If you are planning on going to the beach I would suggest Frenchy's Rockaway Grille on Clearwater Beach. It's a great beach bar with great sandwiches. They usually have live music. Nothing better than some Corona's, conch fritters and a blackened grouper sandwich.

For golf, there are a lot of great courses. If you can somehow get on Innisbrook, play Copperhead or The Island. Both great, but tough courses. Also, in Pinellas County is Bardmoor CC and Fox hollow(Fun Course & Good Layout)

Courses around Tampa would be Hernando Oaks and Lake Jovita(36 Holes).

Definitely play World Woods, both courses are always ranked in the top 100. It's a great experience going up there and getting away from the city.

Feel free to ask me any other questions you may have.

Nightlife: Hang out at International Mall, Macdinton's (Friday night from 5-7 for 10 AYCD) and the Green Iguana. All three are where you'll meet a lot of hot women.

Restaurants: Berns has some amazing steaks and orgasmic desserts. If you're only here one time, you've gotta go there. Beef O'Brady's, Hooters, and WingHouse for your wings, beer, etc. Macaroni Grill if you're in the mood for some really good Italian food. Seafood - Go to Clearwater. Really hard to find bad seafood there.

Golfing: World Woods is 45 minutes north of Tampa. Take the Veterans Expressway north. It'll turn into the Suncoast Parkway. Take it until it deadends, make a right. World Woods is a little further west and on your left. Beautiful course.
Lexington Oaks is a good course, Plantation Palms as well. TPC of Tampa Bay is nice, but the rough can be a struggle sometimes.Lake Jovita held 2nd stage of Q-School and is just a half hour north or so from Tampa.
Pinellas county - Bardmoor, Innisbrook resort (Copperhead is an absolute bastxxx of a course) and Fox Hollow are both nice tracks.

Seafood Rest: Saltrock Grille, Indian Rocks Beach, FL

Night Life: Ybor City then
Mons Venus (bring lots of dollar bills)

Golf: Head towards Disney/West Orlando
Champions Gate
Orange County National Golf Center

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

That sounds perfect. Thanks man.

Can't believe I forgot. If you guys want to go to a great seafood restaurant for dinner go to IslandWay Grill or Salt Rock Grill. They are owned by the same person, so the food is similar. I would suggest Island Way because they have such a great mix of food, beer and wine. The have a full Sushi bar with exotic rolls plus seafood. I would suggest the seared Tuna or they have a captains meal that has about four different types of fish(Tuna, grouper, Snapper, etc.). Plus, it's a great atmosphere. They have a large outside deck that's lit up. Nice to be eating and look around and see a bunch of 40-60 foot Sport Fishing boats.

Where is the best centrally located place to stay in the area for the money? We were either thinking about Clearwater, Pinellas Park, or Brandon.

Definitely not Brandon or Pinellas Park.

If you will spend majority of your time in Tampa(Golf, Going Out) I would suggest maybe Rocky Point. I think there is a Residence Inn or something there. Next door is Bahama Breeze which is a nice restaurant and bar with an outside deck. Rocky Point is on the bay which is nice. You will be a few miles from International Mall, Hyde Park, Channelside. You would have a straight shot to Clearwater Beach and the Veterans is probably a mile or two down the road. The veterans would dump you out at world Woods if you decide to make that trip.

There are a lot of hotels across from International Mall. It would be closer if you boozing. If you are looking for a nice steak dinner I would suggest Flemming's across from the mall.

If you decide to stay in Pinellas County I would look in the Feather Sound area. There are a lot of hotels in that area.

id recommend staying in tampa or st. petersburg. something near highway 275 would be ideal.

world woods is a must, ABSOLUTE must. it amazes me every time i go.

i havent been able to get around very much, but i hear fox hollow is a great track

check out tpc tampa bay

i plan on going to check out "the claw", university of south florida's golf course. i hear that its in great condition now that they have redone it.

Griffin,

A lot of the suggestions on this board are pretty good. However, a few are completely of the mark.

Feel free to email me personally at benkodadek@yahoo.com. I live in South Tampa (where you'd want to be near, if you're looking for nightlife) and play at a private course about a half an hour north.

Based on your post, I'd imaging you're a younger guy. Give me a shout and I can give you a good idea of what Tampa (and nearby) courses, need to be on your radar. Additionally, where to stay for the best nightlife.


Ben

I played a few courses there last year. None of the Innisbrook courses are worth the money... Yes, they are great courses, but who can actually justify over $200 for a game of golf??? Definately try TPC Tampa Bay. It's a stunning course, and well worth it. I also played Heritage Harbour, Lansbrook and Westchase. Westchase was a good course, but HH and Lansbrook weren't anything to really write home about.

[quote name='fitz8888' date='Jan 18 2008, 03:30 PM' post='870130']
Seafood Rest: Saltrock Grille, Indian Rocks Beach, FL

Night Life: Ybor City then
Mons Venus (bring lots of dollar bills)

Golf: Head towards Disney/West Orlando
Champions Gate
Orange County National Golf Center
[/quot



Mons isnt like it used to be, and if it is u need 100s not dollars. But great town

i will actually be in tampa next week if anyone wants to meet up for a round or two of golf. This is a last min. trip to get out of the snow and visit a friend but am planning on bringing the sticks. Shoot me a pm if anyone is avaliable M-F