Historic homes and fine dining abound next to Downtown Tampa. Here it’s easy to develop a taste for the finer things in life.

For almost as long as Tampa has existed, Hyde Park has been a popular neighborhood. With wide, leafy streets lined with large historic homes dating back to the 19th century, the area feels both modern and historic. As Downtown has revitalized, Hyde Park has become even more accessible, with increasing numbers of hip restaurants and bars. Experience Hyde Park in a leisurely way with a bike ride or drive along its pleasant streets.

Facing Hillsborough Bay, Hyde Park is a great place to stay for easy access to the wonders of the sea, where marine wildlife can be seen frolicking right off the coast. Get even more of a sense of nature with a walk or bike ride down Bayshore Boulevard, along the bay, which also gives great views of some of Hyde Park’s best houses.

Shop in Hyde Park Village, full of high-end independent boutiques. Visit the University of Tampa to appreciate the amazing architecture and impressive historical collections of the Henry B. Plant Museum. Its distinctive minarets were once part of the luxurious Tampa Bay Hotel. Have dinner at famous Bern’s Steak House, with an impressive wine list and 16 different cuts of steak. After dinner get a sense of the neighborhood in nearby Bern Laxer Park, named for the steakhouse’s mercurial founder.

Hyde Park is located across the Hillsborough River from Downtown Tampa, which gives it great views of the Tampa skyline to the east. Drive to the center of the neighborhood in 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport or in 10 minutes from Tampa Union Station in Downtown Tampa. Several pedestrian bridges offer walking connections to the Tampa Convention Center and other spots. There’s a bus network too however, Hyde Park is most easily reached by car. Parking is fairly easy to find on the quiet residential streets.

Located so close to Downtown, Hyde Park is a great home base for visiting the city or a vacation in its own right, giving a taste of the attractions of South Florida.