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Uptown Suites boasts two of the best snowbird locations in sunny Florida: one in Riverview, just 9 miles outside of Tampa near numerous community parks, and one in Homestead, just one hour from Miami Beach and 15 miles from Zoo Miami.

Booking your winter escape at Uptown Suites means fewer hassles and lower rates. There are no leases or contracts to sign and your wallet will love our affordable weekly and monthly rates. Our apartment-style suites are ideal for snowbird rentals, providing comfortable, convenient and connected amenities.

Unlike a standard hotel, Uptown’s suites are spacious and comfortable, just like home. You’ll find a complete kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, two-burner stovetop and Keurig® coffee maker. The versatile dining area is ideal for a morning cup of coffee or an intimate dinner for two. We even offer on-demand grocery delivery so you can spend more time enjoying beautiful Florida and less time on errands.

Sleep is even sweeter on our custom At Home By Uptown Suites™ mattresses. It’s the perfect lounge spot for watching your 43″ Smart HDTV featuring a premium lineup of channels including SHOWTIME®.

Stay fit between holiday meals at our convenient 24/7 hotel gym, or grab a late-night snack for movie marathons at our self-serve food and convenience store, located in the lobby. When laundry day comes around, you don’t even have to leave the hotel. Uptown Suites has a convenient guest laundry facility with plenty of washers, dryers and folding spaces.

No more hunting down car charging stations. Uptown Suites provides EV charging stations at every location. Free weekly housekeeping services are also included in your stay, so you can skip those pesky chores and vacation better.

Easily stay connected with family back home or friends in the area using our free high-speed Wi-Fi and designated workspace complete with an ergonomic chair. You’ll also find plenty of outlets and rapid-charging USB ports around the suite.

Don’t want to leave Fido behind while you flock to warmer weather? Uptown Suites provides dog-friendly accommodations at a nominal fee, making finding a snowbird rental a cinch!

While you’re basking in the warmth of 65–70°F weather, we’ve put together a list of great places and things to do during your snowbird escape this winter.

Things To Do in Tampa for Snowbirds

The city of Tampa is known for its diverse culture and sprawling city areas filled with shops, restaurants, and things to do. When you’re staying at Uptown Suites in Tampa, Florida you’ll be greeted with comfortable weather that’s perfect for any activity. The holiday season here offers everything you’ll need to get in the Christmas spirit, from light displays to events to parades. Here are some of the top things for snowbirds to enjoy in Tampa: 

Tampa Riverwalk

Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile walk along the Hillsborough River. You can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the views from the riverwalk or dine and shop along the way. The Tampa Riverwalk also hosts events throughout the year, but the holiday season holds some of the best.

>>Holiday Spectacular takes place from late November through the new year. During this event, the Riverwalk is covered in twinkling lights and holiday decorations. There’s even a 35-foot LED-lit Christmas tree floating in the harbor.

>>The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is a can’t-miss annual event on the Saturday before Christmas starting at 6:00 p.m. The parade route will pass by the entire Tampa Riverwalk, so anywhere is a great viewing location for parade-goers. Head to Sparkman Wharf at the end of the parade to see who will win this year’s prize.

Tampa Theatre

If you’re looking for a breathtaking historical landmark to visit, head over to the Tampa Theatre. Not only can you participate in a theatre tour, but you could also reserve a seat for one of their film showings, live performances, or annual events. Whatever you decide, you’ll be in awe of this phenomenal building with its perfect acoustics.

During the month of December, Tampa Theatre shows its Holiday Classics series, which features favorite films of the season and sing-a-longs to Christmas carols before the shows begin. Previous years have included:

>>Miracle on 34th Street

>>White Christmas

>>Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

>>It’s A Wonderful Life

>>Elf

Hillsborough River State Park

Looking for an outdoor adventure in the winter months? Enjoy all that Hillsborough River State Park has to offer! The park is open year-round from 8:00 am until sundown. Admission into the park is $6 per vehicle, but once inside the park, the sky’s the limit. Partake in activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking, geo-seeking, bicycling, or a good old-fashioned picnic.

Festive Holiday Events In Tampa

>>Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park: Find holiday shopping, outdoor ice skating, sweet treats and festive beverages. 

>>Holiday Productions at the Straz Center: Enjoy live productions like Patel Conservatory presents Holiday Music Concert and Winter Jazz Jam, The Florida Orchestra: Holiday Pops and Classical Christmas Carols, Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker, and other seasonal shows.

>>Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll: This local holiday tradition takes guests back in time to Christmases past through antique decorations and vintage décor at the Henry B. Plant Museum.

>>Holiday Brunch Buffet Cruise: Yacht StarShip welcomes you aboard Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season for a holiday brunch buffet complete with a fantastic meal, live music, and dancing on the top deck. 

Things To Do in Miami for Snowbirds

Snowbirding at Uptown Suites near Miami puts you right in all the action of the winter activities and holiday events. The weather is perfect, the town is decked out in Christmas lights, and there’s tons of things to do. Enjoy history and art tours, nature walks, and some holiday activities too. Join the fun at any of these events during your winter in Miami: 

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a stunning building with an even more stunning view of the waterway. You can tour the museum house and its collection of art or explore the 10 acres of gorgeous gardens. Open Wednesday – Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission into the museum is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12; kids age 5 and under are free.

To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, Vizcaya Late hosts a Holiday Evening event. Join them in December to see historically accurate Christmas décor in the main house and brilliantly lit gardens around the grounds, and learn about the history of the estate. Enjoy live music as you explore the house and grounds.

Art Deco Historic District

There’s no shortage of culture and art in one of the oldest districts in Miami. Enjoy a tour, attend a ballet or revel in a live orchestra performance at the Art Deco Historic District! You won’t regret a leisurely winter afternoon spent strolling the streets and taking in the sights and sounds of historic Miami. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants; a few of our favorites include A Fish Called Avalon, Orange Blossom, and Yardbird.

If you’re planning an extended stay in Miami after the New Year, attend the Annual Art Deco Weekend in January. This event was created as an effort to preserve and protect the Art Deco buildings found in South Beach while celebrating the rich history of the area. This three-day festival features numerous events, including an antique car show, merchandise street fair, retro fashion show, live jazz music, big band entertainment, and much more.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

When the weather is warm, take the day to enjoy the beautiful views from the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape. The park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, and admission is only $8 per vehicle. Explore Bill Baggs Cape at your leisure and enjoy one of the many activities they have to offer, including bicycling, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and more.

Jovial Holiday Events In Miami

>>Nights of Lights: Pinecrest Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Stroll through the dazzling gardens, sip on a signature Pinecrest Gardens cocktail and indulge in yummy treats. Select nights feature a live holiday concert in the historic Banyan Bowl. 

>>Riverside Holiday Village: Join the Jolly Jog 5K Fun Run & Toy Drive at The Wharf to race along a scenic course wearing the complimentary Santa hat and Christmas lights necklace, and then stick around for a wholesome afterparty. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to receive a specialty cocktail. 

>>Symphony in Lights: Gulfstream Park Village hosts a holiday celebration nightly during the holiday season featuring a light show with more than 250,000 LED lights set to seasonal music. The open-air complex also offers shopping, dining and entertainment. 

>>Ode to Joy NYE Celebration: Orchestra Miami presents an unforgettable, family-friendly, beachfront concert of Beethoven’s iconic Symphony N. 9 (Ode to Joy). Ring in the New Year with fireworks at midnight.

From in-room entertainment to nearby festivities, your snowbird rental at either of Florida’s Uptown Suites locations will be filled with fun. Escape the cold and enjoy our comfortable accommodations at a great price. Our well-appointed rooms feel like home and offer the perfect place to relax between sunshine-filled adventures and warm-weather outings.