The Rusty Pelican Tampa is a waterfront landmark on Rocky Point, where Old Tampa Bay opens toward downtown, delivering sweeping 180-degree bay views from its signature outdoor deck and private event spaces. The restaurant's multiple event rooms range from intimate harbor-view private dining for 30 to the full waterfront event space accommodating 300 for cocktail receptions. A wraparound outdoor deck directly over the water provides one of the most dramatic rehearsal dinner settings in the Bay Area, especially at sunset when the sky turns shades of orange over the bay. The menu centers on fresh Florida seafood, and the full bar program includes locally inspired craft cocktails. The Rusty Pelican is a classic Tampa Bay wedding venue with enduring appeal.
Best seasons to marry here
Plan your day here
When are you getting married?
Pick a day and I'll work out the light for it — sunset here, when golden hour opens, and the ceremony time that puts you inside it.
Planning your timeline
| Month | Sunset | Ceremony | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5:56 PM | 3:56 PM | 2.6″ |
| February | 6:21 PM | 4:21 PM | 2.6″ |
| March | 7:38 PM | 5:38 PM | 2.5″ |
| April | 7:54 PM | 5:54 PM | 2.5″ |
| May | 8:12 PM | 6:12 PM | 2.6″ |
| June | 8:27 PM | 6:27 PM | 7.4″ |
| July | 8:28 PM | 6:28 PM | 7.8″ |
| August | 8:09 PM | 6:09 PM | 9.0″ |
| September | 7:35 PM | 5:35 PM | 6.1″ |
| October | 7:01 PM | 5:01 PM | 2.3″ |
| November | 5:38 PM | 3:38 PM | 1.4″ |
| December | 5:36 PM | 3:36 PM | 2.6″ |
Sunset times are calculated for this venue's coordinates, shown in EDT for the 15th of each month in 2026. Golden hour is the 60 minutes before sunset. The ceremony start is my rule of thumb — about 2 hours before sunset, so a short ceremony and family photos still leave the two of you in golden light. Adjust it to your own timeline. Average temperatures and rainfall are NOAA 1991–2020 normals from TAMPA INTL AP, 1.6 miles away.
Amenities & Inclusions
Catering
In-house catering only
Bar / Alcohol
Full in-house bar service
Music Curfew
11:00 PM
Rental Hours
5 hrs included
Vendors
Preferred vendor list applies
Rain Backup Plan
Fully enclosed indoor private dining rooms
Hurricane Season Note
June–November; bayfront exposure; monitor weather closely
Verify Before You Book
Confirm private event room availability vs. restaurant buyout options
Rob Craven
Lead Photographer
Sunset Direction
West-facing over Tampa Bay; exceptional sunset views
Shade Coverage
Covered indoor spaces; partial deck shade
Best Shots & Hidden Gems
Tampa Bay panorama, downtown skyline at dusk, waterfront deck ceremonies, pelicans and sailboats in background
2425 Rocky Point Dr
Tampa, FL
Parking
Large on-site lot
Nearest Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) · 4 mi
Guest Hotels
Marriott Tampa Airport Waterside, Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore, Embassy Suites Tampa Airport
