Sparkman Wharf

Sparkman Wharf is a unique, quintessential Tampa hangout spot set on the beautiful downtown waterfront. While difficult to explain exactly what Sparkman Wharf is, I’ll instead tell you what it offers.

Surrounding the spacious lawn overlooking the bay, you’ll find several food truck-style industrial crate restaurants to satisfy a multitude of appetites and tastebuds. Tacos, ice cream, health nut bowls, and more, there’s something for everyone at the wharf. It’s also a great place to grab a drink. There’s a large outdoor beer garden called LightHaus, but you can also order a delicious cocktail or craft beer at one of the crate restaurants. My fave of the moment is Swigamajig for delicious seafood and cocktails. Have a sweet tooth? Hampton Chocolate Factory, a brick and mortar, has decadent ice cream sundaes and fudge confections for the chocolatiest of chocoholics. Looking for something sweet, more casual–and probably less expensive–Jeni’s is a delicious crate option that serves a rotating menu of ice cream flavors.

Splitsville is a cute name for a bowling alley, but this place has a lot more than just a few balls and lanes. Pool, darts, shuffleboard, and even live entertainment can all be enjoyed at Splitsville. Their menu will surprise you as well. While bowling alley and sushi shouldn’t usually be included in the same sentence, give it a roll. If you want to book a lane here, do it well in advance, especially if on a holiday or weekend, as they fill up pretty quickly. I’m of course drinking every time I go to this upscale bar, but if memory is served as well as I am at this establishment, they only have three, maybe four lanes.

Sparkman Wharf has something going on every weekend. In October, they have Howl-o-ween, a dog party with costume contest, because of course they do! They also have a family-friendly event, Spooky Wharf, where you’ll get to see the entire place transformed into a haunted pirate shipwreck. In November, don’t miss the annual tree lighting. Date not yet announced, so check back soon, but last year was such a blast. Dancers and interactive crowd activities filled the lawn while fake snow fell from above, glistening on the sidewalks and turf. It was a magical event for us Floridians who otherwise don’t get to enjoy the snow.

Check out their website throughout the year if you’re looking for something to do in the area. We’ve also gone for Fourth of July and it was a great time. If visiting for the Fourth, come early as they do have limited space along the water for firework viewing. Parking at Sparkman Wharf isn’t ever free, to my knowledge, but it is walkable from a nearby street if you want to exercise your parallel parking skills. See you soon at the Wharf!