About
About Me
Hi, I’m Ben Hayes. and I run Visit In Tampa.
From November 2025 to May 2026, I spent about six months in Tampa, staying with my aunt and cousins in downtown Tampa. They’ve lived there since 2010, so I didn’t see the city like a typical tourist. I had people around me who knew where locals actually eat, which places are worth the drive, and which ones are mostly hype.
I spent a lot of that time just getting around. Walking Bayshore Boulevard in the evening became one of my favorite routines. Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter, showed me a side of the city that feels nothing like the downtown towers. I also tried a lot of restaurants and did plenty of shopping, and at one point I had to find a car repair shop. That’s the kind of thing no travel guide mentions until you need it.
That’s why I started this site. Most Tampa guides stop at the big attractions. I wanted one that also covers where to eat, where to shop, and where to go when you need something practical.
What you’ll find here
- Things to do, from major attractions to easy weekend plans
- Restaurants and food spots
- Ybor City and other neighborhoods worth exploring
- Bayshore Boulevard, parks, and waterfront spots
- Free and low-cost ideas
- Shopping and local services
[Optional: link 2–3 of your best articles here, e.g. “Start with my guide to Ybor City”]
How I write each guide
Most of what’s here comes from places I visited during my stay, often on my family’s recommendation. When a guide is based on research instead of a personal visit, I say so in the article.
Hours, prices, and services change. For anything time-sensitive, it’s worth checking with the business directly before you go.
How this site makes money
Visit In Tampa is free to read and is supported in two ways:
- Google AdSense: You’ll see ads on some pages.
- Booking.com affiliate links: If you book a hotel or stay through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I recommend places because I think they’re worth your time, not because of a commission.
Found a mistake?
If something is out of date or wrong, email me. I read every message and fix errors as quickly as I can.
Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy Tampa.
Ben Hayes.
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