Eight Instagrammable spots in Tampa

As a college student, I understand how important (and hard) it is to take a flawless picture for Instagram. No one wants their feed to consist of the same boring places and backgrounds, so allow me to share with you a few of Tampa’s greatest spots for taking pictures… your followers and engagement statistics will thank me later.

1. Luv Child

If you’re looking for a vibrant and eclectic interior—as well as fantastic Cuban and Latino cuisine—Luv Child is the place for you! Whimsical light fixtures, bubble-gum pink and emerald green seating and a plethora of plants complete the interior of this restaurant, making it the perfect place for a cute retro picture of you and the gals.

Looking for a more laid-back pic? Outside is a relaxed patio surrounded by lush greenery—the ideal spot for any plant-enthusiast! My favorite place to snap a quick mirror selfie is a bit unusual—the hallway outside of the women’s restroom. It’s like they knew girls would want to take group mirror selfies on their way to the bathroom (because everyone knows we travel in groups).

2. Hyde Park Village

With its overpriced stores and expensive restaurants, Hyde Park Village doesn’t seem like the ideal place for a college student to hang out. Yes, it's pricey, but it’s also home to a dozen great photo opportunities.

There are several murals located throughout Hyde Park. Pictured to the left is one on Swann Avenue. It’s painted onto a large garage door and routinely gets swapped out for a fresh design—it used to say, ‘Tampa Bay.’ Another cool mural—one made up of purple and blue interlocking ‘H’ and ‘P’ letters—can be found next to Buddy Brew Coffee.

In Hyde Park’s village circle sits a gorgeous fountain—a place where you can always find people drinking coffee, chatting or taking pictures. If it’s too busy, don’t be disappointed! A smaller fountain is located behind Bartaco and is just as photogenic as the larger one.

3. Plant Hall

All University of Tampa students know Plant Hall is the prettiest building on campus. Not only is it a place to get in a serious cardio workout (this is my formal apology to anyone who has ever had a class on the fourth floor of Plant), but it’s also a place where many people take formal and senior photos!

There are photo opportunities inside and out, whether you are looking for an elegant brick background, a picture on the outside steps or a picture in the creepy hallway that connects the science wing to the rest of the building on the second floor.

Pictured above is my favorite part about Plant Hall—the minarets. Their ornate look is sure to pique anyone’s interest… and can almost guarantee an extra like or follow.

4. Plant Park

Overall, there are numerous photo opportunities in Plant Park, whether you want the skyline, palm trees or the shiny UT sign. If you’re lucky, Gronk may photobomb your picture on a jet ski.where you go to school).

Plant Park is the perfect place to hammock—something I spent a good amount of my freshman year doing. It’s hard to beat the scenery of downtown, especially at night when the Riverwalk lights up in bright colors. Pictured below is my view while hammocking… you can’t beat it!

Overall, there are numerous photo opportunities in Plant Park, whether you’re want skyline, palm trees or the shiny UT sign. If you’re lucky, Gronk may photobomb your picture on a jet ski.

5. The Oxford Exchange

I’m sure you’ve noticed it. The white brick walls, the intoxicating smell of Buddy Brew coffee and the copper “Oxford Exchange” sign. Pretty much every girl who has brunched at Oxford has taken a picture in front of this sign, and you know what? It’s okay. I’m guilty of it too.

The Oxford Exchange houses a fantastic restaurant, gift shop, Buddy Brew coffee bar, Teabella tea bar, bookstore and eyeglasses store—as well as their newest installment, the champagne bar. As a huge fan of Buddy Brew coffee, I find myself here a lot, and the vibes are immaculate.

Whether you’re going for the basic Oxford Exchange sign picture (it’s okay, we’ve all done it) or a picture with artsy hipster vibes (cue the elegant chairs and the checkerboard floor), the Oxford Exchange has the perfect Instagram photo spot for you.

6. Davis Islands

Davis Islands holds many interesting things—Tom Brady, an airport, million-dollar houses and most importantly, my go-to beach spot. Not only does it provide a picture-perfect view of the sunset and downtown Tampa, but it also has dogs. With a dog park right across the street, many people like to walk their pups on the beach, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to get in a head scratch or two.

Davis Island is only a short drive from UT—roughly a $5 Uber—and is a popular place for students to hang out, whether it’s for a beach day or to chill and watch the sunset. It’s also a great spot to grab a quick pic for Instagram. Whether you want the background to be sailboats or trees, Davis Island has the picture for you. Pictured above is me at the Davis Islands beach instead of studying for finals last fall.

7. Sparkman Wharf

Home to some of the best eats in Tampa (Gallito’s, I’m looking at you), Sparkman Wharf is filled to the brim with Instagrammable spots! Whether you’re looking for a picture by the water or a selfie with friends in front of the colorful walls and food outlets, Sparkman Wharf has a multitude of photogenic places.

Pictured to the right is a group shot next to the map of Sparkman—a cute graphic located at the entrance. The one thing to keep in mind about Sparkman Wharf is that you have to pay for parking. However, it’s only $2 an hour—totally worth it for an Instagram pic that will break at least two hundred likes.

8. The Attic Café

Located in the heart of Downtown Tampa on the fourth floor of an office building is one of Tampa’s greatest secrets—The Attic Café. Perhaps it’s not a secret anymore after going viral on TikTok this past summer, but it’s still an ideal place to take a selfie if you want the Tampa skyline in the background.

The Attic Café is known for its phenomenal food and outdoor terrace—the place where the photo magic happens.

If you go here, I recommend getting their French toast (it’s to die for) as well as a seat on the terrace. Good luck though, The Attic Café is usually pretty busy on weekend mornings, so arrive early and be ready to fight someone for an outdoor table.

Tampa is a mecca for neat restaurants, parks and places. Whether you want to take a picture in nature, at a vibrant restaurant or on your own campus, there’s a spot for everyone’s Instagram profile. Hopefully, this list will lead you to a larger following, a spectacular photo and a fun COVID-safe activity to do with friends!

*Some of these pictures were taken before COVID-19 (hence the lack of mask in indoor spaces)