WELCOME TO HYDE PARK
Hyde Park is Tampa’s first western suburb, located in South Tampa near downtown, bordered by Hillsborough Bay. The neighborhood was named after Hyde Park, Illinois, — the hometown of developer O.H. Platt, who moved to Tampa in 1886 and subdivided farmland that he bought.
Soon after, Henry B. Plant’s hotel and the Lafayette Bridge (present-day Kennedy Boulevard) accelerated attraction to the area. Ranchers, farmers and shipping businessmen helped develop Hyde Park into a charming, tree-lined residential community. The Hyde Park Preservation Inc. was established in the 1970s to protect the neighborhood’s homes and the city designated it as a local historic district in 1985.
Today, houses on the market in Hyde Park are among the most desirable and expensive in Tampa. They run the gamut in style and size due to decades of construction, with the bungalow being among the most iconic. High-end Victorian-style mansions and modern condo towers line Bayshore Boulevard, whose greenway runs along Hillsborough Bay and is one of the country’s longest continuous sidewalks. During the annual Gasparilla pirate-themed parade along Bayshore Boulevard, the third-largest parade in the nation, the neighborhood is abuzz with festivities. For all major holidays, houses are known to be some of the most decked out in the city.
Hyde Park Village is a high-end, fashionable shopping center with a farmers market, shops, restaurants, a movie theater and community events. Also, several preschools and grade schools are in the neighborhood, as well as a few churches and grocery stores and a Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Pocket parks and fountains provide shade and tranquility.
The Epicurean Hotel is conveniently located in Hyde Park, offering a modern, comfortable stay for guests with a coveted culinary experience across the street at world-famous Bern’s Steak House. Both are along South Howard Avenue, a lively nightlife bar and restaurant scene known as SoHo.
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
BAYSHORE BOULEVARD GREENWAY
The iconic, beloved Bayshore Boulevard Greenway is a 4.5-mile stretch of 10-foot-wide sidewalk along Hillsborough Bay to Hyde Park’s south. It's one of the country’s longest continuous sidewalks and offers scenic views of the water, sunrise and downtown’s skyline. Fitness stations, bike rentals, water fountains, benches and parks are along its path, as well as historical mansions.
Hours: always open
(813) 274-8615
HYDE PARK VILLAGE
Perhaps the heartbeat of Hyde Park, this charming outdoor shopping center features some of Tampa’s trendiest boutiques and popular upscale chains, restaurants, coffee shops, a wine bar and a movie theater. In addition, Fresh Market is a vibrant monthly farmers market. Group fitness classes, live music performances and other events are held in the brick-paved open space around the fountain.
Shop hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Some businesses’ hours may differ.)
Farmers market hours: first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ANDERSON PARK
Conveniently located at the southwest corner of Hyde Park Village shopping center, picturesque Anderson Park is an oak-filled, gated park with plenty for kids to do. At the entrance is a splash pad flanked by lion statues. There are two playground areas, several picnic benches and a few basketball courts.
Park hours: daily from sunrise to sunset
Splash pad hours: April to October, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; November to March, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(813) 274-8615
KATE JACKSON CENTER
Abutting Anderson Park is the Kate Jackson Center. It features a computer lab, after-school programs and summer camp. Activities include homework help, team sports, games and fitness activities and the arts.
Hours for after-school programs: Monday through Friday while school is in session, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. See the program schedule for more.
(813) 259-1608
SOHO
SoHo, short for South Howard Avenue, is an entertainment district along the north-south road bordering Hyde Park to its west. It’s packed with bars and restaurants that attract an energetic nightlife, especially of young adults. You’ll find sports bars, a wine bar, a rooftop bar, a speakeasy and a variety of restaurants, including Tampa’s quintessential fine dining experience, Bern’s Steak House, and the Epicurean Hotel.
Hours: check individual establishments
