When you visit Tampa, Florida there is so much to see and do! From pristine beaches to amusement parks there are a lot of ways to spend a weekend in Tampa. When you visit town, the number one thing to do on your list needs to be the Tampa Riverwalk. Here there are many notable sights in Tampa all in one convenient location.
Do you want to see museums? The riverwalk has them. Great place to eat or grab a drink in the evening? The Tampa Riverwalk has that too. From brunch to playgrounds to opera, a better question might be what does the riverwalk not have?
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What is the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is a giant walkway that follows along the Hillsborough River through downtown Tampa. The riverwalk takes you past several notable Tampa landmarks, museums and restaurants. Throughout the year large festivals and events are hosted in the parks along the riverwalk plus all of Tampa’s popular boat parades can be watched from right here on the riverwalk.
If you are visiting Tampa then the Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect place to start your vacation, get a feel for the city and check off a few must see sights along the way.
How Long is The Riverwalk in Tampa?
The Tampa Riverwalk is 2.6 miles from start to finish. Under the hot Florida sun it certainly is not a short walk to take.
The first time I walked part of the Tampa Riverwalk I was about 5 months pregnant and it was summer time. I was dead by the end of our morning out.
Where Does the Tampa Riverwalk Begin and End
There is no right or wrong place to start or end your walk along the Tampa Riverwalk. It can be easily accessed from several spots in Tampa where you can find parking. But if you want to walk it from end to end then the two endpoints are the Florida Aquarium and Armature Works.
Armature Works is at the northern end and the Florida Aquarium is at the southern end. Curtis Hixon Park offers a great spot to walk to Armature Works. They are only a mile apart but you still see a lot if you have limited time or just simply don’t want to walk 2.6 miles.
Things to Do On the Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is not just for walking, there are so many fun and awesome things to do along the riverwalk. From parks to museums to water activities people of all ages and interests can have a good time.
Everything is listed by category and then listed from North to South within each category.
Parks
There are several parks along the riverwalk which offer nice green spaces to break up the concrete surroundings. Many of these parks have splash pads, playgrounds and trails for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Curtis Hixon Park in particular is a popular space to host festivals and events throughout the year.
- Water Works Park
- Curtis Hixon Park and Kiley Gardens,
- MacDill Park
- Cotanchobee Park
Museums and More
There are so many museums in Tampa and several of them are conveniently located along the Tampa Riverwalk. Each of these museums is right alongside the riverwalk except the Henry B Plant Museum which is across the river. There is a bridge you can easily cross and I felt it was worth including.
- Tampa Museum of Art
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- Glazer Children’s Museum
- Henry B Plant Museum
- Museum of Photographic Arts
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Florida Aquarium
Attractions
- Library
- Tampa Convention Center
- Amalie Arena
More to Do in Tampa:
- Best Fun Things to Do in Tampa
- Ultimate Guide to Beaches in and Around Tampa
- 14 Fun Day Trips from Tampa
Water Activities
Take your pick of ways to get out on the water along the Tampa Riverwalk. For an easy hop on, hop off activity that requires no physical effort you can enjoy the Pirate Water Taxi. You can pay for a day pass and enjoy all the sights along the riverwalk.
If you prefer to be on the water and enjoying some exercise then stop by Tampa Bay Stand Up, Cruise Paddle Board or Tampa Bay Water Bike Company to rent kayaks, paddleboards and even water bikes! Another option is to rent from eBoats Tampa which offers small motorized boats that you can drive on the Hillsborough River without a boating license.
A few other notable and really unique ways to enjoy the Tampa skyline from the river is on The Lost Pearl, Yacht Starship or a Tiki Boat. The Lost Pearl is a real pirate ship that will take you on a ride around the Bay. Yacht Starship offers dinner cruises where you can dine and watch the sunset in the most romantic setting. And finally, grab your friends for a ride on the Tiki Boat where you provide the drinks and snacks and they provide the setting for a fun time on the water.
Riverwalk Tours
If you would like a guide to come along with you as you explore the Tampa Riverwalk then check out this tour in an electric golf cart by Fun Rides Tampa or you can hop on a Segway tour of the Tampa Riverwalk to hav your own personal vehicle.
For a more affordable tour option this smartphone audio tour is under $10 while still offering a great guided experience.
Where to Eat Along the Tampa Riverwalk
When you are out walking along the Tampa Riverwalk and you work up an appetite, do not fear! There are wonderful, delicious places to eat no matter where you are. Graze inside Armature Works made my list of best places to eat in Tampa but there are so many of these places that are still on my list to try!
Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf are both food hall style locations giving you so many options and food styles to choose from. Again listed from north to south these are the best restaurants to try on the Tampa Riverwalk.
- Armature Works
- Ulele
- Anchor and Brine
- Columbia Cafe
- The Sail
- Sparkman Wharf
Parking for the Riverwalk
There are several good places to park when visiting the Tampa Riverwalk.
If you start off at Armature works they have a couple parking lots as well as street parking available on a first come first serve basis. On the other side if you are starting at the other end of the Riverwalk near the Florida Aquarium then there is a parking garage across the street as well as the large Garrison Street parking lot near Sparkman’s Wharf.
If you are starting in the middle then Poe Garage behind the Glazer Children’s Museum is affordable and very close by. There is also lots of street parking in this area that you can try your chances to snag a spot.
Almost all parking in Downtown Tampa costs money. You can pay either by card or by using the downloadable app and following the directions posted on signs near all parking areas.
How can I go down the Riverwalk on the water
There are so many options if you want to see the Tampa Riverwalk from the water. From pirate ships, kayaks, mini boats, water bikes and even a tiki hut you can’t go wrong.
Can I Bike or Scooter Down the Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is not just open to foot traffic, you are welcome to ride a bike, scooter, skates, etc down the riverwalk. There are shops to rent bikes from or stations placed periodically along the trail where you can rent bikes and motorized scooters. This is a great way to enjoy the entire Riverwalk without getting as tired.
Practical Info for Tampa, FL
Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or get your Florida Travel Guide.
CityPASS gives you a discounted admission price to multiple Tampa Bay sights. You get into 5 attractions for 55% off! the sights are: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry (or The Tropics Boat Tours Dolphin or Sunset Cruise). Check it out and save today!
The Tampa Riverwalk
However you decide to spend your time on the Tampa Riverwalk you are bound to have a great time. From world class museums to good food bring the whole family along to explore this wonderful piece of Tampa, FL.
