If you are considering senior living in the beautiful Citrus Park and greater Tampa area, you can’t miss learning more about Ybor City, offering the perfect blend of entertainment, culture, and history. The best part? It’s all waiting just a short drive away from some of the top independent living and assisted living communities in the region. As a designated National Historic Landmark District, Ybor City gives visitors a vibrant taste of Tampa's multicultural roots with brick-lined streets, vintage cars, eclectic shops, and deeply rooted traditions in cigar-making, cuisine, and community events.
1. Ybor City Museum State Park
Housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery building, this museum showcases the stories of Spanish, Cuban, and Italian immigrants who built Ybor into an industrial and cultural hub. Explore its tranquil Mediterranean-style gardens and take a docent-led tour of a restored “casita,” a small cigar worker’s home that illustrates early 20th-century life. Benches and shaded areas make it easy for seniors to enjoy at a leisurely pace and its proximity to award-winning senior living in Citrus Park makes the entire experience seamless.
2. José Martí Park
This pocket-sized park is a tribute to Cuban patriot José Martí, who helped inspire Cuba's independence movement and frequently visited Ybor. The land technically belongs to the Cuban government, and visitors can see busts, plaques, and a small garden dedicated to Martí's legacy. It’s a quiet, contemplative stop and an interesting international footnote to your day.
3. Centennial Park
A relaxing green space at the heart of Ybor, Centennial Park features statues and historical markers celebrating the city’s diverse founders. Visit on a Saturday to stroll through the Ybor City Saturday Market, where local artisans sell fresh produce, crafts, and gourmet snacks. Surrounding shops in restored casitas offer more artwork, antiques, and specialty goods.
4. The Cuban Club
Built in 1917 as a gathering place for Cuban immigrants, this four-story building is now an event space and historical landmark. The elegant architecture, decorative tiles, and ballroom-sized interior are a testament to the community’s cultural pride and its open layout make it simple for seniors of all mobility levels to navigate. While you can tour it during special events or arranged visits provided by your Citrus Park senior living community’s concierge team, even viewing it from outside is worthwhile.
5. El Reloj Cigar Factory (J.C. Newman Cigar Co.)
America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, J.C. Newman Cigar Company, still operates out of its original factory built in 1910. Guided tours walk you through the basement museum, the hand-rolling room, and packaging stations, offering a hands-on experience with cigar heritage. It’s also wheelchair accessible and provides something fascinating for everyone, even if you don’t smoke cigars.
6. Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al López House
Celebrate Tampa’s rich baseball history in the childhood home of Al López, Tampa’s first Major League player and Hall of Fame inductee. Exhibits in the Tampa Baseball Museum feature memorabilia, oral histories, and vintage uniforms, making it a must-see for sports fans.
Ybor Dining: Classic Flavors and Hidden Gems
Ybor is a culinary melting pot with something for every taste bud and appetite. Here are some favorites of seniors who call Citrus Park and Tampa home:
1. Columbia Restaurant
A Tampa institution since 1905, Columbia Restaurant serves award-winning Spanish-Cuban cuisine in a spectacular old-world setting. Seniors may enjoy the tableside preparation of the iconic "1905 Salad," as well as daily lunch specials and flamenco shows in the evening.
2. La Segunda Central Bakery
Founded in 1915, this bakery is renowned for its Cuban bread, guava turnovers, and café con leche. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast or snack while exploring the neighborhood.
3. Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
This family-run favorite offers a hearty Southern-style menu with smoked ribs, mac and cheese, and fried okra. Generous portions and friendly service make it a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
4. Casa Santo Stefano
A newer addition to Ybor, Casa Santo Stefano celebrates Sicilian heritage with rustic Italian dishes, handmade pastas, and a cozy, old-world ambiance. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxing dinner.
5. Carmine’s Restaurant
Carmine’s Restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and a menu filled with Ybor’s signature dishes, including the classic Devil Crab and Cuban sandwiches. The friendly staff makes this a welcoming option for both group outings or solo diners.
6. Bernini of Ybor
For something a bit more upscale, Bernini is housed in a former bank and serves contemporary Italian cuisine. Lunch specials are especially popular, and the historic interior adds charm to every meal.
Senior-Friendly Events and Festivals
Ybor City hosts a vibrant lineup of annual events, many of which are ideal for seniors looking to engage with friends, family, the greater Citrus Park community, or simply explore local traditions.
Buildings Alive! Ybor City Architecture Hop
This event, held in early March, offers behind-the-scenes access to Ybor’s most fascinating historical buildings. Choose to walk or hop on a trolley, and enjoy light refreshments along the route. It’s a wonderful way to experience architectural heritage up close, and close to home.
International Cuban Sandwich Festival
In late March, celebrate the Cuban sandwich and Tampa’s culinary heritage with live music, art, and of course, sandwich competitions. The family-friendly atmosphere and shaded seating areas of this festival make it a hit with seniors.
Ybor City Cigar Festival
Celebrate Tampa’s cigar history with factory tours, rolling demonstrations, live music, and local food. This fun-filled event is held annually in December and designed to be both family-and senior-inclusive.
Ways to Get Around Ybor City
The best way to see Ybor City is on foot, with most attractions within a short stroll of each other. For longer trips or a bit of nostalgic fun, hop on the TECO Line Streetcar, which connects Ybor City to downtown Tampa and Channelside. The streetcars are wheelchair accessible, air-conditioned, and free to ride.
Driving is also an option, with ample parking garages, metered street parking, and city lots available.
Exploring Ybor City with Arbor Terrace Citrus Park
Ybor City blends history, flavor, and fun into one of Tampa’s most rewarding day trip destinations. Seniors looking for an educational and culturally rich experience will find plenty to love here, from museums and monuments to live music and flavorful dishes.
Our compassionate engagement coordinators and concierge team members within the beautiful Citrus Park senior living community, Arbor Terrace Citrus Park, are always available to answer questions, offer directions, and share local insights. If you are a first-time visitor or need additional assistance while exploring, our team of professionals take care of every need and find joy in connecting families with fun-filled, memorable adventures. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or hosting the grandkids, Ybor City offers a timeless experience—accessible, welcoming, and full of life. The retirement of your dreams is waiting right here in Citrus Park, and we can’t wait to welcome you home.
Updated July 2025
