Harbour Island is a 177-acre island neighborhood in downtown Tampa's 33602 ZIP code, across the Garrison Channel from the Tampa Convention Center and about a mile by road from the downtown core. It was once a railroad and port site called Seddon Island, and redevelopment began in 1985. Today it is mostly condominiums and townhomes, with some single-family homes, marinas, a hotel and a waterfront walkway.
Living on Harbour Island
The island's restaurants cluster at The Pointe at Harbour Island, a waterfront complex near the Harbour Island Bridge, facing downtown across the channel. Tenants include Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi and American Social. The 12-story Westin Tampa Waterside hotel is part of the same complex. Life Time Harbour Island, a 36,000-square-foot athletic club on South Harbour Island Boulevard, has outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, a resort-style pool deck and fitness studios, for members and day-pass guests. The Channelside Walk Way follows the Garrison Channel along the island's edge, looking across to the Channel District and the skyline. From 1985 to 1999, an automated people mover ran between the island and a downtown parking garage. Today the island is reached on foot, by bike or by car over two bridges.
Boating on Harbour Island
The Pointe Marina at Harbour Island offers boat slips beside the restaurants. Many waterfront townhomes, including the Mediterranean-style homes with clay tile roofs on the island's west side, have private dock access. From the Garrison Channel, boats reach Hillsborough Bay and the rest of Tampa Bay.
Homes and condos on Harbour Island
Condominiums range from mid-rise to high-rise. Harbour Court is an eight-story building completed in 1987, and The GrandView is a 20-story tower on the Channelside Walk Way completed in 2003. Other buildings include The Plaza Harbour Island, Parkcrest Harbour Island and Seddon Cove. Townhome communities include Harbourside, The Keys, Island Walk and Island Place, several of them gated, many with private garages and shared pools. Island Walk adds tennis courts, a fitness center and a clubhouse. Single-family homes line Harbour Bay Drive. Nearly every property belongs to a condominium or homeowners association, so fees, amenities and rules differ from one community to the next.
Getting around from Harbour Island
Two bridges link the island to the mainland. The Harbour Island Bridge on South Harbour Island Boulevard lands beside the Tampa Convention Center, and Beneficial Drive crosses toward the Channel District. The Tampa Riverwalk, Benchmark International Arena, Water Street Tampa and Sparkman Wharf are all within walking distance across the channel. The TECO Line Streetcar runs along Channelside Drive to Ybor City, and the Selmon Expressway is a short drive away. Davis Islands sits just to the south.
