Honeymoon and holiday

Question

I’m just looking for some advice of where to stay in Tampa, we’ll be staying for 2 weeks. We’ll be with our 6 year old and parents so we’re looking for the safest spot, that has plenty of shopping and good places to eat, maybe a bit of nightlife that doesn’t involve too much walking. We’ll getting an Airbnb with a pool but a day or 2 at a beach that’s close to some restaurants would we great. We’ll be hiring a car so easy access to main roads out to some of the attraction parks in central Florida would be good.

The Airbnbs we’ve seen go from Palm harbour down to St Peters. Any advice would be good. Thanks

Answer

Tampa is a great base for a family holiday and honeymoon with a mix of attractions, beaches, and dining. Since you’re traveling with a 6-year-old and parents, safety, convenience, and access to amenities are key. With a car, you’ll have flexibility to explore both the city and nearby beaches, as well as Central Florida attractions like Disney and Universal.

Recommended Areas to Stay in Tampa:

Hyde Park / South Tampa: One of the safest and most walkable neighborhoods in Tampa. Beautiful tree-lined streets, historic homes, upscale shopping at Hyde Park Village, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Central location for easy access to I-275 and I-75.
Westchase / Carrollwood: Suburban feel, very family-friendly with parks and good schools. Plenty of shopping and dining options nearby, easy access to highways. Homes and Airbnbs often have pools.
Downtown / Channelside: More urban vibe, lots of restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment. Safe in most areas but may feel busier. Convenient if you plan to enjoy some city nightlife without much walking.
Seminole Heights / Tampa Palms: Quieter neighborhoods with charming homes, safe streets, and local eateries. Good access to main roads for excursions out of Tampa.

Nearby Beaches for Day Trips:

Clearwater Beach: Famous white sand beaches, family-friendly, many restaurants, and walking distance entertainment. About 30-40 minutes from Tampa.
St. Pete Beach / Pass-a-Grille: Slightly more relaxed vibe than Clearwater. Walkable dining and beach bars, very scenic. About 40 minutes from Tampa.
Treasure Island / Madeira Beach: Quieter options with good restaurants and beach access. Suitable for a calm day at the beach.

Other Tips:

Since you’re renting a car, staying slightly inland (like Westchase or South Tampa) can give you quieter, safer surroundings while still being under an hour from beaches and attractions.
Consider Airbnbs with pools in these neighborhoods for convenience and private relaxation.
For dining and nightlife without too much walking, Hyde Park, Channelside, and Clearwater Beach areas have plenty of options within a small radius.
Plan day trips to Central Florida theme parks carefully to avoid peak traffic times on I-4; morning departures are usually best.

Overall, South Tampa / Hyde Park and Westchase offer the best balance of safety, amenities, and access to both the city and beaches, while Clearwater and St. Pete Beach make excellent day trips for family beach time with restaurants nearby. Booking early is advisable, especially for December holidays or spring break periods.