In Florida, it’s almost always a good time to be outside. So it makes sense that Tampa Bay would be come to a plethora of top-notch, laid-back beach restaurants and upscale rooftop bars all thriving next to each other in harmony.

Nebraska Mini Mart at 4815 N Nebraska Ave. in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Photo via Nebraska Mini Mart/Faceboo
Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-618-5844 Whatever you’re looking for, Sparkman Wharf has you covered. Everything from dining and entertainment to offices and retail can be found here. In addition to the plethora of businesses ready to serve you and your family, there is a lot of green space for the kids to roam free and play. It also hosts live music every weekend to spark up the downtown Tampa life. Photo via Sparkman Wharf/Facebook
Spa Beach Bistro 501 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-623-9877 Located on the St. Pete Pier, Spa Beach Bistro offers plenty of spaced-out, shaded tables, a nearby beach and view of downtown’s skyline. The menu features an assortment of specialty and customizable pizzas, sides and salads with vegan and kids options and, of course, alcoholic beverages as well as fresh-squeezed lemonade. A perfect summer spot for kids and pets, Spa Beach Bistro is adjacent to a playground and water pad. Photo via Photo via Spa Beach Bistro/Website
SiX 510 Water St., Tampa, 813-314-6666 SiX is Water Street’s rooftop place to be. Located atop the new JW Marriott, enjoy either lunch, dinner or a few drinks from the cocktail menu in SiX’s airy atmosphere and inviting seating which overlooks downtown Tampa. Photo via Photo via SiXTampa/Facebook
Keel Farms 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City, 813-752-9100 Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Tampa Bay for a day? This all-in-one winery, brewery, restaurant and farm offers tours, tastings, pickings and hosts a bar with plenty of on-tap and bottle options. The restaurant hosts outdoor seating, live music and a menu with upscale, sustainably-sourced bites like bruschetta and shrimp fondue. And if all that didn’t sell you, Keel Farm also offers a number of kid-friendly amenities like a petting zoo and a playground. Photo via Photo via Keel Farm & Curley Winery at Keel Farms/Facebook
Casa Santo Stefano 1607 N 22nd St., Ybor City, 813-248-1925 With a vast indoor dining area, Casa Santo Stefano also offers a second-floor, outdoor dining and bar area with cozy shaded seating that offers views overlooking historic Ybor City. Serving not just Sicilian food, but Tampa Sicilian food, Casa Santo Stefano is from the Columbia restaurant group and also serves a selection of upscale cocktails. Photo via Photo via Casa Santo Stefano/Facebook
Harry’s Beach Bar 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-363-5125 With rows of shaded loungers, a covered outdoor bar, swings, a pool and live music, direct access to the beach is only one of many amenities at Harry’s Beach Bar. Located in the Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center, Harry’s says it’s the oldest beach bar on St. Pete Beach. Serving a unique selection of fruity and frozen cocktails, virgin options are available for the kids, too. Photo via Photo via Harry’s Beach Bar/Facebook
Credit: Photo via Skipper's Smokehouse
Sal Y Mar 3650 Midtown Dr., Tampa, 813-692-3330 Looking for a metropolitan spot with craft cocktails and a perfect sunset view of downtown Tampa’s skyline? Midtown’s Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar’s got you covered. Located on the seventh floor of the Aloft Hotel, Sal Y Mar offers seating with a balance between comfort and classy, shaded and outdoor seating, upscale cuisine from chef Johnathan Rodriguez and a uniquely tailored cocktail menu. Photo via Photo via Sal Y Mar/Facebook
Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952 With the looks over the Hillsborough River and Tampa’s skyline in the distance to the south, Ulele is the place to be at sunset. With an outdoor bar that hosts a list of thoughtfully-curated cocktails, beer and frosé, Ulele’s grassy landscape has fun for the whole family with direct access to the Riverwalk and lawn games like cornhole. Ulele was also listed as a “recommended” restaurant in the new Florida Michelin Guide. Photo via Photo via Ulele/Google
Salt Shack on the Bay 5415 W Tyson Ave., Tampa, 813- 444-4569 Accessible by both land and sea, Salt Shack on the Bay offers shaded waterside seating with views of the bay, and impeccable Florida vibes. Surrounded by sand and palm trees, this “rustic- refined beach getaway” serves fresh seafood, seasonal picks and tropical cocktails right off of WestShore and Gandy. Photo via Photo via Salt Shack on the Bay/Website
Starkey Market and Farms 3460 Starkey Blvd., New Port Richey, 727-375-7606 After a day of picking fresh strawberries and blueberries, Starkey Farms houses both a restaurant and a bar on the premises. Live out your front porch fantasies as the sun sets and enjoy a cider, wine or beer in a rocking chair with The Barn’s outdoor seating. Once you’re hungry, choose from a selection of appetizers, flatbreads, burgers and more at The Trough. Photo via Photo via Starkey Market and Farms/Website
Pier Teaki 800 2nd Ave. NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, 727-513-8325 Beat the summer heat and sit with a cocktail in the sea breeze at Pier Teaki. Located at the end of the St. Pete Pier, Pier Teaki features a menu with coastal inspired bar bites and rum-focused cocktails as well as shaded outdoor seating with the city’s best views of St. Pete’s waterfront and skyline. Photo via Photo via Pier Teaki/Facebook
Armature Works 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, 813-250-3725 You didn’t think we’d leave Armature Works off this list, did you? It might be hot as a mother out there some days, but there are spots to stay cool with fans and misters at Tampa’s well-known upscale food hall. While known for its food and cocktail selection, it also offers some of the best outdoor dining and seating in the city with a large grass lawn and views of the Hillsborough River, just steps from the Riverwalk. Photo via Photo via Armature Works/Google
Anchor and Brine 505 Water St., Tampa, 813-204-6388 A new development on Water Street, Anchor and Brine, hosts an outdoor deck and terrace with views of the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel, plus cozy outdoor booths steps from Tampa’s Riverwalk. With natural decor and seafood-forward menu, Anchor and Brine boasts a “seamless” connection to the waterfront. Whether midday or dusk, you can see Tampa from all its best angles here. Photo via Photo via Anchor and Brine/Facebook
Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-7041 Enjoy live music, sunsets and “the best darn coastal-American food in St. Pete” as day fades into night at Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill. Whether taking a midday nap on the hammock after too many boozy slushies or sitting around the firepit at night with friends, Coconut Charlie’s offers something for everyone with its direct beach access. Photo via Photo via Coconut Charlie’s/Facebook
Caddy’s Treasure Island 9000 W Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 727-360-4993 While Caddy’s has multiple locations, its original spot on Treasure Island beach undoubtedly offers direct access to the beach and the most scenic sunset views. With plenty of shaded picnic tables right on the sand, live music at most times of the day and cold drinks, Caddy’s takes the dub in good Florida vibes. Photo via Photo via Caddy’s Treasure Island/Facebook
Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, 727-683-5990 Set atop Dunedin’s historic Fenway Hotel, Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar makes for a casual afternoon and stylish night out with drinks and picturesque views of the gulf. The outdoor bar features covered seating with large fans to keep cool as well as frequent live music. Alongside handcrafted cocktails, beer and wine, Hi-Fi also serves snacks, shareables, salads and handhelds. Photo via Photo via Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar/Facebook
The Getaway 13090 Gandy Blvd. N, St. Petersburg, 727-317-5751 If you’ve ever taken the Gandy Bridge from Tampa to St. Pete, you’ve probably passed The Getaway. Much more than a roadside bar, The Getaway features a wrap-around deck with a shallow drop-off for the kids to play, palm-thatched covered outdoor seating spaces, adirondack deck chairs at every corner and immersive views of the bay. Rolling up on your boat? The Getaway also has docking space. Photo via Photo via The Getaway/Google
New World Brewery 810 E Skagway Ave., Tampa, 813-304-0460 Described as a “relaxed pub with an indie vibe”, New World Brewery brings the outdoor experience to another level wits its large patio (complete with mini grass knoll). For the ideal chill afternoon or night out, pick from an expansive list of beers, wines, seltzers and cocktails, order some pizza in New World’s beer garden with shaded seating and an outdoor stage and enjoy some live music.. Photo via Photo via New World Brewery/Google