Where to Eat, Drink, and Relax at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa Florida
September 2025
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The reviews of the items in this article are based on my own opinions, and I only recommend products, tours, or accommodations that I have personally used or would use during my own travels. Disclosure policy
Sparkman Wharf
Visiting Sparkman Wharf in Tampa Florida is the perfect mix of waterfront views, great food options, and lively entertainment. Sparkman Wharf is located along the Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa. You can find many outdoor related activities, trendy restaurants, and plenty of green space to relax to practice yoga or listen to music. You can grab some ice cream and sit by the water on the swings or grab a beer at the LightHaus restaurant and sit at the open-air seating and people watch. There are many food truck style options in the Dining Garden where you can grab sample bites and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm
Parking: there are a few places to park nearby such as the Channelside Garage, Garrison Lot or you can take the TECO Line Streetcar, a free trolly that stops at many Tampa attractions.
Sparkman Wharf is pet friendly, so bring your furry friend to join you on the lawn.
Nearby attractions: Florida Aquarium, Lightning hockey game, and walk to the giant “Tampa” sign for a photo opportunity.
Dining Garden
With multiple food options you are sure to find the perfect bite to eat. From healthy foods to savory dishes to delicious ice cream at Jeni’s, you must try several food options. Current dining options as of 2025 include:
Dang Dude - Asian street food
Everglazed Chicken + Doughnuts - Glazed donuts with fried chicken fingers
Fit Bowl Co. - Superfood fruit bowls and smoothies
Gallito Taqueria - Mexican street food
Gordito’s - Latin street food
Half Moon Seafood Company - Innovative sandwiches from fish and chicken, and award-winning New Orleans flavors
Jeni’s Ice Creams - With many seasonal ice cream flavors made from scratch
Jodog Craft Hotdogs - Chef-inspired twists on the classic hot dog
Whatever Pops - creative popsicle flavors
Jeni’s Ice Creams
If you have read any of my other blog posts, you know that Jeni’s Ice Creams is one of my favorite ice cream shops. With their ever-changing seasonal ice cream flavors and their staple ice cream flavors that take me back again and again, you will find the perfect flavor for any taste bud. From sweet, salty, and savory, each flavor offers a unique blend of mouthwatering flavors to choose from. Make sure to try Jeni’s when you are in Sparkman Wharf.
Check out my blog post Best Places to Eat in Tampa Florida: A Food Lover’s Guide
Other flavorful restaurants
If you prefer to sit down and eat while being waited on, stop at one of the many restaurants nearby. Choose from ultimate burger options, try some international cuisine like Japanese or Mexican, or grab a drink while you sit and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Battery - fine bourbon bar
BurgerFi - ultimate burgers
Hampton Chocolate Factory - exquisite chocolate and ice cream delights
Jotoro - Mexican inspired foods
Lighthaus Beer Garden - enjoy a large selection of wines, seltzers, beers, and more
Noble Rice - Japanese modern menu
Shortwave Coffee - grab a coffee and stroll the wharf
Splitsville - grab a bite to eat and then play a game of bowling
Consider supporting my blog by clicking on the link and donating a small fee. This donation will help me continue to bring you updated travel content.
Seating area
Outside the restaurant area you will find many seating options. Grab a flight at Lighthaus and watch the area come alive with some of the local events. Listen to music or grab the kids and play a game of checkers.
Other Florida foodie guides on this blog post: The Best Places to Eat at Anna Maria Island, Florida
Events at Sparkman Wharf
There are multiple events happening at Sparkman Wharf. There is a large open space along the bay with a stage area, swings, large checkerboard and seating areas. Some of the events at Sparkman Warf are:
Live music each weekend
Wellness events from yoga and more
Holiday events
Movie on the Lawn
Trivia Night
Cornhole event
Pickleball
and more
Nearby hotels
Looking for a place to stay while visiting Tampa? Here are a few locations nearby that are worth checking out. I often use booking.com to book my hotels or check out the ones below.
Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown - enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, multiple restaurants, sun terrace, and outdoor fireplace.
Tampa Marriott Water Street - swim in the rooftop pool, located near the Amalie Arena, and 2 restaurants with one being my favorite Mexican restaurant, Lona.
Le Meridien Tampa, The Courthouse - stay at this pet friendly exquisite hotel with pool and restaurants.
Vibrant downtown Tampa energy
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from the local Dining Garden, enjoying live music by the water, or soaking in the views of Tampa Bay, you will find the perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment at Sparkman Wharf. There is vibrant energy in Tampa with good food and waterfront charm making this the perfect location for date night or fun family time offering many dining options making this a must-see when in downtown Tampa.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
Follow me on social media to discover more travel ideas
Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney
Pinterest /adoptinglifesjourney
If this post was helpful, follow me on Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney and
Hashtag your photos at #adoptinglifesjourney
Need help planning a vacation? I am also a travel agent. Follow me on social media and send me a DM @exploringsunsetstravel for more travel inspiration or for a FREE travel quote. There is no cost to you for using me as your travel agent.
Check out offers on Disney to plan your dream vacation.
Want to book a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line, click the QR code below to start planning
New blog posts
Visiting Sparkman Wharf in Tampa Florida is the perfect mix of waterfront views, great food options, and lively entertainment. Sparkman Wharf is located along the Garrison Channel in downtown Tampa. You can find many outdoor related activities, trendy restaurants, and plenty of green space to relax to practice yoga or listen to music.