Shopping

Greater Tampa Area Shopping Resources

Tampa hosts a variety of shopping experiences from luxury shopping malls to quaint, historic shopping districts. To help you find the experience that’s perfect for you, we have put together a list of your best options.

Many of Tampa’s shopping malls and centers are open-air to take advantage of warm weather and beautiful sunny days. If you’re looking to experience Tampa’s rich ethnic history while exploring unique gift stores and eclectic boutiques, then Ybor City is where you should go. After enjoying a day of shopping and exploring, you can sample the neighborhood’s popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

If you’re looking for an open-air option that is a little more manicured and orderly there are a couple of planned shopping villages as well. The most popular is Hyde Park Village. Located in one of Tampa’s most exclusive neighborhoods, this shopping district features a mix of trendy shops and boutiques with some high-end dining options.

For convenience, accessibility, selection and most-importantly, air conditioning, there are several well-designed and well-maintained modern options to choose from. For the best of both worlds, check out the upscale and conveniently located International Plaza.

This large indoor mall features a great mix of luxury retailers and department stores with an outdoor area called Bay Street that hosts a few really good restaurants and bars as well.

University Mall

University Mall is conveniently located neighborhood shopping center near Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, USF and the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Fondly referred to as “U-Mall,” the complex underwent an $11 million renovation in 2008 and popular amenities were added such as a play area and Wi-Fi lounge. The Mall offers Sears, Grands, Dillard’s and Burlington Coat Factory as its anchor stores along with 140 more shops featuring men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, sports equipment, and much more. If you get hungry there is a variety of dining choice in their large food court.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: University Mall, located near the University of South Florida, is anchored by Sears and Dillard’s with 140 additional stores to choose from.

Jon’s expert tip: If you’re looking for bargains, this is a good place to find them as prices are generally lower than at other mall locations.

Westfield Brandon

Washed in light, this glass-filled mall invites shoppers to browse among palm trees, sculpture and water features. Open since 1995, the TownCenter is one of the area’s most popular venues. It’s anchored by four department stores; Macy’s, Dillards, JCPenney, and Sears. Included in 120 additional specialty stores are a mix of retailers that includes premium options such as bebe, Swarovski, Lush, and Coach. There is also a great mix of popular dining options waiting for the shopping-weary including the Cheesecake Factory and Bahama Breeze. Families are welcome here and the mall sponsors a variety of fun events and activities throughout the year.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Westfield Mall Brandon is a large, pleasant mall with great shopping and dining located just south of Tampa on I75.

Jon’s expert tip: This is a popular mall and gets really busy on weekends which can lead to traffic backups in the area.

Westshore Plaza

Convenient to the airport, Westshore Plaza is a slightly less intimidating shopping mecca than the exclusive International Plaza but it maintains a great selection of upscale shopping and trendy dining options. The mall is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, and Sears. Complimenting the department stores is a 14-screen movie theater and popular retailers such as The Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and White House Black Market just to name a few. Almost as impressive are their dining options that include Maggiano’s Little Italy, PF Chang’s China Bistro and Seasons 52 among others. There is also a food court for an easy place to pick up a quick bite.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Westshore Plaza is an upscale shopping center close to Tampa’s airport with a great mix of trendy shopping and dining options.

Jon’s expert tip: This is the closest full-service mall to downtown Tampa.

Westfield Citrus Park

The goal in the design of Citrus Park was to lend an outdoor feel to an indoor mall, with wide boulevards, lots of windows, and burbling fountains. Amidst this delightful “Main Street” decor, a variety of 150-plus stores, including Dillard’s, Gap, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and the area’s largest Pottery Barn, enable visitors to shop ’til they drop into a plush movie theater seat to catch a flick. If you need a break, the food court is one of the best in town and there are also 5 sit-down restaurants including BJ’s Brewery and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Located about 20 minutes northwest of downtown Tampa, Westfield Citrus Park features over 150 retail stores.

Jon’s expert tip: There is a large play area for children, but the star of the show is the two-story carousel.

Tampa Premium Outlets

Located just 20 minutes from downtown, Tampa Premium Outlets offers shoppers 25% – 65% savings every day at more than over 100 designer and brand name retailers. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, the mall features other big names including Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. In addition to fashion and sportswear, there are a good selection of shoe, jewelry, accessory, and leather goods stores. Shoppers will enjoy the Key West ambiance at this open-air mall that also features ample lounge and seating spaces when you need to take a break. Very family-friendly, there is a play area for the kids, nursing lounges, and stroller rentals. Food options include several counter options as well as the 50s-inspired Johnny Rockets if you’re looking for table service.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Premium Outlets is Tampa’s only outlet mall and features great deals on a wide variety of designer brands.

Jon’s expert tip: Join their online VIP Club for extra savings and promotions – it’s free!

The Shops at Wiregrass

This 800,000-square-foot open-air lifestyle village is one of the most picturesque malls in the Tampa area. Wiregrass strikes the perfect balance between a hub of local activity and a shopping destination. As shoppers stroll the wide, immaculate streets, outdoor music and waterfalls create a welcoming environment while rocking chairs and pocket parks offer restful respites. Over 100 stores and restaurants line the sidewalks, so visitors can indulge in tasty treats while happily collecting armfuls of shopping bags. Wiregrass is located near the junction of I-75 with I-275 and is definitely worth the stop if you’re in north Tampa.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The Shops at Wiregrass, located in northeast Tampa, is an open-air, village-style mall with over 100 stores to choose from.

Jon’s expert tip: The mall also hosts popular, family-friendly events, including a bimonthly fresh market.

Ybor City

The Ybor City historic district, named after a 19th-century cigar maker, lies northeast of downtown Tampa, and is pronounced “Ee-bore” City. Notable for its history as a center of handmade cigar production, Latin culture and Spanish-influenced architecture, Ybor is one of only two urban National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, In addition to its rich history, this is also a vibrant, entertainment district with eclectic boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants lining the streets. One of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city, Ybor is a pedestrian-friendly, people-watching haven for explorers, strollers and club-goers. A wonderful place to buy cigars, listen to jazz, and get a feel for the heartbeat of Tampa.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The quaint and charming streets of Tampa’s historic district, Ybor City, are lined with unique and eclectic shops and boutiques.

Jon’s expert tip: If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts with a Tampa flair, this is the place to shop.

International Plaza & Bay Street

Tampa’s International Plaza and Bay Street is the city’s premier shopping mall featuring three upscale department stores and over 200 high-end specialty shops as well as more affordable stores. If you need a Burberry, Tiffany, or Louis Vuitton fix while in town, head to International Plaza. Tired of shopping? International Plaza also hosts over 30 eateries and bars both within the mall or on Bay Street, the adjacent open-air village of fine restaurants and small boutiques. Located next to Tampa’s international airport, you can make International Plaza your first stop or your last stop out of town.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: International Plaza is Tampa’s flagship shopping mall featuring over 200 high-end specialty shops.

Jon’s expert tip: Featuring mostly upscale shopping, this is a great place to find luxury items and designer names.

Hyde Park Village

In the heart of one of Tampa’s most historic and affluent neighborhoods is one of the city’s most upscale shopping destinations. Hyde Park Village is an on-street shopping district that is centered around a village square and covers six blocks of retail, dining, and entertainment. Successfully blending the historic and the modern, the open-air environment offers a park-like atmosphere with a central fountain, pathways, and casual seating areas for resting between shops. Speaking of shops, Hyde Park Village features 60 local, regional and national brands including Zimmermann, rag & bone, Anthropologie, bartaco, Warby Parker, lululemon, and Sephora, just to name a few. As more than just a shopping district, Hyde Park Village also hosts many community events including a monthly Fresh Market.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: Hyde Park Village is a charming and fashionable neighborhood shopping district with unique boutiques, trendy shops and popular dining spots.

Jon’s expert tip: The movie theater, Cinebistro, is also a fine dining establishment that serves your meal while you watch a film.

Best Shopping Malls and Centers in St. Petersburg / Clearwater

If you like indoor mall shopping – especially popular during the intense heat of summer – you won’t have to go far to indulge in a very satisfying shopping spree in beautiful settings. There are many options, some of them recently opened or refurbished.

Downtown St Petersburg for instance, is home to the popular and beautiful Sundial St Pete, now in its most recent reincarnation, where you’ll find a large selection of shops for the whole family, along with restaurants and a multi-screen movie theater.

A newcomer on the retail complex scene is Seminole City Center, which offers an all-inclusive “destination” experience with a host of shops, boutiques and restaurants.

The tried-and-true enclosed Tyrone Square Mall has been around since 1972 but keeps re-inventing itself, keeping up-to-date with anchor stores, boutiques, restaurants and an ample Food Court.

Both locals and visitors alike still flock to the waterfront John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk where you’ll find a host of souvenir shops, locally-made goods and restaurants just before hopping on board a local cruise boat for a sunset cruise.

If you like a very casual outdoor scene, don’t miss Wagon Wheel Flea Market. The setting is nothing to write home about, but the bargains are!

Wagon Wheel Flea Market

What started out in 1966 on a then-two-lane road has exploded into one of the area’s most popular shopping venues. And while it may not be upscale or sophisticated, the fact that you can score bargains galore is a huge incentive to indulge in retail therapy. Set under cover or outside with more than 2,500 vendors offering a vast array of merchandise – both old and new – you’re sure to find something for the whole family. Vendors come from all over, showcasing antiques, artwork, electronic merchandise, clothing, shoes, bedding, fresh produce and lots more. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend the whole day there because there’s so much to see. An on-site food court provides sustenance during this unusual shopping adventure.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It’s not at all fancy but it’s an amazing shopping experience. The merchandise is endless and you’ll find bargains galore.

Jon’s Expert Tip: You only pay one dollar for parking and that even gets you a free hot dog and cold Pepsi. How can you go wrong?

Largo Mall

Located in Pinellas County, Largo Mall offers something for everyone with a wide selection of more than 70 shops with something for the whole family. Options range from Target to Marshall’s Bed & Bath, PetSmart, Bealls and smaller stores. For gamers, Game Stop offers new and used video games, controllers, consoles, and related gear along with a friendly and helpful staff. Dining options are many and include Sweet Tomatoes, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Chili’s, Panera Bread and others. The Regal Largo Mall 8 Cinemas features reclining leather seats, multiple screens featuring new release films and a concession stand, offering the perfect pause along your shopping spree.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: You’ll find one-stop shopping here with a variety of stores, very popular restaurants and a multiple-screen movie theater.

Jon’s expert tip: If you’re looking for a comfy venue in which to watch first-run movies, be sure to visit Regal Largo Mall 8 Cinemas.

Bealls Outlet

Name brand merchandise for the whole family can be found at this popular outlet store, which has branches throughout the state of Florida, Georgia and Arizona. You’ll find shoes, clothing, accessories, jewelry, make-up and bath amenities for the whole family as well as bedding, toys and more at about 70 percent off department store prices. The free Monday card entitles customers 50 and older to 15 percent off their entire purchase, while the free Friday card does the same for anyone 49 and younger. The merchandise is seasonal and the selection is enough to keep you happy – and in the store – all day.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The variety is endless and always changing and the prices are hard to beat.

Jon’s expert tip: Sign up for the 15% off on Monday or Friday card, which gives you discounts according to your age.

HSN Retail Outlet

Shopping tends to be varied, fun and full or surprises at the various HSN Retail Outlet stores scattered around the area. You can find everything from make-up and health and beauty supplies to women’s and men’s apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry, luggage, cookware, bedding and more. Merchandise comes from HSN TV and HSN.com and it changes all the time. Depending on the product, shoppers will be treated to daily discounts ranging from 25 to 75 percent off of the original on-air-price. Senior discounts of an additional 10 percent are given on Tuesday for anyone 50 and older. Employees are extremely helpful, which adds to the pleasant experience.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: You’ll find some really good deals here and merchandise is always changing.

Jon’s expert tip: If you’re 50 and older be sure to go on Tuesday to receive an additional 10% discount.

Westfield Country Side Shopping Center

Formerly known as Countryside Mall, this refurbished popular shopping center located in Clearwater is one of the area favorites for shopping, dining and entertainment. You can shop till you drop in some 120 premium stores, designer boutiques and four anchor stores offering a plethora of colorful merchandise. Movie buffs are sure to enjoy the state-of-the-art 12-screen movie theatre with top-run films. When you need substance the roster of restaurants includes P.F. Chang’s, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and others. Take a break from shopping and chill out with the whole family on the ice-skating rink, centrally located in the middle of the mall.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It’s a one-stop shopping experience with fun entertainment – such as movies and an ice-skating rink – along the way.

Jon’s expert tip: Valet parking is available for $5 at Restaurant Row, making shopping even easier – especially during the busy shopping season.

Ellenton Premium Outlets

Located about 30 miles south of St Petersburg, Ellenton Premium Outlets offer a host of tempting outlet stores where shoppers can literally shop till they drop in 130 designer and brand outlet stores for the whole family. Covered walkways lead past sparkling water fountains and lush, tropical landscaping to deliver you into the hands of shops including Coach, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Chico’s, Bose, Fossil, Saks Fifth Avenue, Off 5th and many more. Deals can be had throughout the year but – as you would expect – the holidays draw the most traffic as well as additional discounts. A small food court offers a respite along the way.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: You’ll find some real deals here in a vast array of designer stores.

Jon’s expert tip: Experts claim that the best bargains can be found here during the summer.

John's Pass Village & Boardwalk

A hurricane in September 1848 led to the opening of this pass, which was first discovered by pirate John Levique. The rest, as they say is history, opening the door to a quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village which has since morphed into a popular entertainment complex. The look remains “rustic,” but the collection of restaurants, souvenir shops, boutiques, bars, nightclubs and boat rentals are definitely 21st Century. If you feel like taking a walk on the wild side, you can feed and even hold live alligators, book a fishing charter, or a dolphin-watching cruise, pirate cruises or shelling tour adventures. You’ll find something for the whole family here as shops cater to all ages and tastes.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: This is just a fun experience for locals and visitors alike with lots to do for the whole family.

Jon’s expert tip: If you want to plan one of the cruises, be sure to book ahead of time as they tend to fill up.

Tyrone Square Mall

Open since 1972, Tyrone Square Mall has undergone several “face-lifts” since that time and remains one of the area’s most popular shopping centers. Located just four miles from the Gulf Beaches, it houses a host of stores and is anchored by Macy’s, Dillard’s and JCPenney. In addition, there are more than 170 specialty shops throughout the mall as well as a slew of restaurants including Ruby Tuesday, Red Robin, Bonefish Grill and others. The recently expanded Food Court and Dining District offer more casual dining choices. Movie-goers will love the Cobb Tyrone Luxury 10- Theatres with reclining seats and the attached Cobbster’s Kitchen & Bar, where you can dine there – or take your meal into the theater with you.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It’s one of the area’s landmarks and, with each expansion, just seems to get better and better.

Jon’s expert tip: If you’re a movie-goer, be sure to catch a movie at the ultra modern Cobb Luxury 10 Theatre with reclining seats and its own restaurant.

Seminole City Center

The recently debuted Seminole City Center located in the heart of Seminole is more than a shopping experience, it’s a “destination.” Plan on spending several hours here because between the vast array of interesting shops and boutiques, you’ll be treated to a variety of dining options including the popular Chicken Salad Chick with abundant variations of “the best chicken salad in the south,” Applebee’s, Chipotle, Pollo Topical and many more. Another big draw is Studio Movie Grill, which combines affordable, reserved seating with a delightful movie-viewing and dining experience. Menu offerings are brought right to your seat and include signature cocktails, microbrews and spirits.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: It’s the newest shopping center in the area and offers not only dining and retail experiences but it houses the amazing studio Movie Grill.

Jon’s expert tip: If you’re a fan of chicken salad be sure to visit Chicken Salad Chick.

Sundial St. Pete

You’ll find enough to keep you busy for hours on end in this open-air, two-story shopping and dining center in downtown St Petersburg. Formerly known as the Shops at St Pete and Bay Walk, Sundial St Pete houses a variety of upscale shops, boutiques, dining venues and AMC Sundial 20, a multi-screen movie theater. There’s a host of selections for men, women, and children, promising a dream-come-true for shopaholics. Some of the local favorites include White House Black Market, Tommy Bahama, Swim ‘n Sport and many more. When you’re done with your shopping frenzy, fortification awaits in eateries such as Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Sea Salt and the popular Locale Market which features freshly made artisan goods.

Recommended for Shopping Malls and Centers because: The setting is beautiful and the shopping and dining options are bountiful. There are also a host of free events throughout the year.

Jon’s expert tip: Valet parking is $5 with validation from a Sun Dial merchant and $10 without validation. There is also a parking garage.

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