An introvert's guide to Tampa Bay

There’s no shortage of things to do in Tampa Bay, but sometimes you don’t want to do them with other people. Local ambivert , City Editor Bailey, is here to share some ways to take in all TBAY has to offer, sans small talk .

Coffee shops

Just because we don’t want to interact all the time doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy our fair share of people watching. Tampa Bay’s coffee shops offer the perfect solution.

Not a soul will dare bother you as you hole up at a table with your book, laptop, or craft of choice and watch life unfold around you over a lavender latte or two. We recommend Black Crow for its variety of seating nooks, or the uber chill Spaddy’s Coffee courtyard.

Photo by TBAYtoday

Dog bars + dog parks

Are you a proud dog parent? Don’t skip out on our renowned slew of dog parks, bars, and meetups, because everyone will be talking to your dog not you . And dogs can’t talk, so you don’t have worry about Irish exiting — aka City Editor Bailey’s personal fave move.

Silent book clubs

The latest bookish trend must have been dreamed up by an introvert . Groups like Silent Book Club Tampa meet up at a variety of spots — like Magnanimous Brewing and Angry Chair Brewing — to turn some pages in silence. You can even bring headphones to truly lock in. The best part? Bring whatever book you like, and you can snoop on others’ titles for some recommendations.

Workout outside

Sometimes workout classes can be a bit overstimulating or intimidating for more introverted folks. Consider taking your YouTube yoga flow to a new park or waterfront spot to switch up your sweat. It’s invigorating, semi-social, and way less overstimulating.

Art classes

On the surface, art classes might seem a tad too social, but we’re here to assuage your fears. Pottery, painting, and sculpture drawing classes are completely introvert approved . Your fellow artists are mostly focused on their own work + your teacher will handle the bulk of the talking.

Photo via TBAYtoday

Museum visits

How could we leave out our gem of a museum scene ? They’re quiet or filled with serene music, expose you to new artists, cultures, and history, and have long served as third places for humans. Plus, many offer quiet cafes and restaurants where you can grab a spot to eat + take in your surroundings.

Arcade bars

These oft retro inspired, neon-lit watering holes offer the chance to imbibe over an activity other than talking. We recommend Tampa’s Lowry Parcade for its wealth of options like bubble hockey, beer ball, air hockey, and craft beer.

If you want to step outside your comfort zone

However, if you do want to venture into the world of small talk, we’re here to give you that extra push. Tampa Bay’s walking groups, run clubs, activity groups, and other social clubs are a top-notch, and a low-pressure way to meet new people. We recommend heading to Facebook or Instagram to sift through the truly dozens of options.

We’re always on the hunt for new suggestions to add to our repertoire. Share your best introvert activities ideas with us.