Florida's Premier Commercial Epicenter & Luxury Shopping Destination
Westshore is the economic engine of the Tampa Bay metropolitan region and the largest commercial office district in the State of Florida. Situated strategically along Old Tampa Bay between downtown Tampa and the Courtney Campbell Causeway, Westshore encompasses more than 12 million square feet of commercial office space, 4,000 businesses, and over 100,000 corporate professionals.
Beyond its corporate stature, Westshore is celebrated as Tampa's luxury retail and culinary playground. Anchoring the district is International Plaza and Bay Street, an upscale shopping Mecca featuring flagship department stores (Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom), elite designer boutiques (Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton), and a bustling open-air dining promenade.
Bordered by Tampa International Airport (consistently voted America's best airport) and Raymond James Stadium (home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Westshore combines corporate sophistication with upscale residential communities.
Key Highlights
- International Plaza and Bay Street, a world-class luxury shopping center with over 200 designer stores and open-air nightlife.
- Florida's largest commercial business district, housing headquarters for Fortune 500 corporations and global tech firms.
- Immediate proximity to Tampa International Airport (TPA), delivering world-class domestic and international flights.
- Unrivaled concentration of fine dining steakhouses, including Ocean Prime, Eddie V's, and Capital Grille.
From Pine Scrub and Aviation Pioneers to Florida's Corporate Powerhouse
In the 1920s, the area now known as Westshore was rural scrubland crossed by rail spurs and dirt roads. Its destiny shifted in 1927 when Drew Field opened as Tampa's first municipal airport, which later expanded into a major Army Airfield training B-17 and B-24 bomber crews during World War II.
Following the war, Drew Field was developed into the modern Tampa International Airport. In the 1960s, business leaders envisioned a suburban commercial hub connecting Tampa to St. Petersburg via the Howard Frankland Bridge. In 2001, the opening of the $250 million International Plaza cemented Westshore's reputation as a premier luxury destination.
Milestone Timeline
Drew Field opens in Westshore, becoming the foundation for Tampa International Airport.
The Howard Frankland Bridge opens across Old Tampa Bay, positioning Westshore as the regional crossroads.
The new modern Tampa International Airport terminal opens, setting global standards for airport design.
International Plaza and Bay Street opens, bringing premier luxury retail to the Tampa Bay region.
Famous Places in Bishop Arts District
International Plaza and Bay Street
Premier Luxury Shopping & Dining DestinationTwo-level enclosed luxury shopping center anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Dillard's, connected to an open-air nightlife promenade.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Consistently Voted America's Favorite AirportWorld-class aviation hub featuring a central hub-and-spoke monorail system, premier local dining concessions, and public art installations.
Raymond James Stadium (Nearby)
Home of the NFL Tampa Bay BuccaneersIconic 65,000-seat multi-purpose stadium famous for its 103-foot pirate ship that fires replica cannons when the Buccaneers score.
Cypress Point Park
Scenic Old Tampa Bay Beach & Nature TrailsCoastal park along Old Tampa Bay featuring a sandy beach, disc golf course, dunes, nature trails, and sunset views over the bay.
Top Things to Do in Bishop Arts
Shop World-Class Designers at International Plaza
Browse high-end fashion and luxury accessories at Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Apple, Tiffany & Co., and Nordstrom.
Dine Al Fresco on Bay Street
Enjoy cocktails and upscale dinner along the pedestrian outdoor dining street at Ocean Prime, The Cheesecake Factory, or The Capital Grille.
Catch Sunset at Cypress Point Park
Walk the wooden boardwalk trails through coastal dunes to watch airplanes take off over Old Tampa Bay against dramatic Florida sunsets.
Experience a Buccaneers Game at Ray Jay
Cheer on the NFL Buccaneers and watch pirate cannons blast confetti and smoke from the pirate ship deck.
Premier Steakhouses, Fresh Seafood & Bay Street Patios
Westshore is renowned for executive power dining, prime dry-aged steaks, and high-end seafood:
Celebrated Steakhouses & Fine Dining
Ocean Prime (glamorous seafood and prime steaks on Bay Street), Eddie V's Prime Seafood, The Capital Grille, and Fleming's.
Bay Street Patios & Trendy Lounges
Alma (modern Mexican & tequila lounge), The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Italian Grille, and Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar.
Casual Business Lunches & Bistros
Grimaldi's Pizzeria (coal-brick-oven pizza), Kona Grill, and Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant.
Specialty Roasters & Breakfast Cafes
Buddy Brew Coffee at TPA, Metro Diner, and artisanal coffee kiosks throughout International Plaza.
Living in Westshore: Luxury High-Rise Living & Commuter Convenience
Westshore has rapidly evolved from a purely commercial district into a vibrant, high-density residential community. New modern luxury mid-rise and high-rise apartment communities feature resort-style infinity pools, private cabanas, co-working lounges, pet spas, and rooftop lounges with views of Old Tampa Bay.
Residents include corporate executives, pilots, consultants, and medical professionals who value zero-commute living. With Tampa International Airport five minutes away, bridges to St. Petersburg on the doorstep, and world-class retail downstairs, Westshore delivers total urban efficiency.
Contemporary luxury apartment mid-rises, modern condominiums, and townhome communities.
Sleek, fast-paced, professional, convenient, and cosmopolitan.
5 minutes door-to-terminal at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Walk directly to International Plaza, grocery stores, and 50+ restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Westshore
Year-round due to indoor luxury shopping, but October through April offers comfortable temperatures for al fresco dining on Bay Street.
Buccaneers NFL Home Games
Raymond James Stadium hosts 8-9 NFL home games each autumn and winter, bringing tailgating energy to Westshore.
International Plaza Holiday Snow & Lights
Spectacular indoor snow flurries and holiday displays inside the grand court of International Plaza.
Outback Bowl / ReliaQuest Bowl
Major college football postseason bowl game played annually on New Year's Day at Raymond James Stadium.
Getting Around & Parking in Westshore
Ride the Free Dallas Streetcar
100% Free Public Transit • Every 20 MinutesHART bus routes serve Westshore Boulevard, Boy Scout Boulevard, and the Westshore Transit Center.
International Plaza Garages
Thousands of free covered parking spaces in multi-level garages surrounding the mall.
Valet Parking on Bay Street
Dedicated valet service stands located directly on Bay Street outside major restaurants.
Cypress Point Park Parking
Free public surface parking lot located at the park entrance.
Top 6 Local Businesses in Westshore
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Tampa Peak Fitness & Performance Lab
Strength conditioning, personal athletic coaching, recovery suites, and hot sauna.
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Apex Master Plumbing & Heating
24/7 Emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, and boiler installation experts.
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Tampa Prestige Residential Architecture
Custom luxury home design, modern architectural renovations, and interior blueprints.
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Tampa Artisan Bistro & Grill
Farm-to-table artisanal dining and local craft cocktails in the heart of town.
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Joe's Craft Smokehouse & BBQ (Tampa)
Award-winning hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, and handcrafted Southern sides in Tampa.
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Tampa Vanguard Precision Dental Care
Modern cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, pain-free cleanings, and emergency care.
Events & Exclusive Deals in Westshore
Event
Annual Tampa Only Food & Craft Beer Festival
Join us for a celebration of local food vendors, craft breweries, and live music performances!
Event
Live Backyard Blues & Smoked Brisket Night
Join us under the string lights for live Delta blues, craft local brews on tap, and fresh pit carving straight from our outdoor smoker.
Event
Tampa Sunset Rooftop Summer Jazz Sessions
Unwind under the stars with live regional jazz quartets, tapas, and handcrafted cocktails.
$100 OFF
$100 OFF Ceramic Coating or Full Auto Detail
$60 OFF
$60 OFF Any Emergency Plumbing Repair or Drain Cleaning
50% OFF BOGO
Buy One BBQ Platter, Get Second 50% OFF
Explore Westshore Businesses by Category
Frequently Asked Questions about Westshore
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