Time on the Tampa Riverwalk

With a history rich in pirate lore, Tampa Bay has gold in its heart. The Tampa Riverwalk, located in the center of the city, recently won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, and in both 2018 and 2019, it also won the Greatest Places in America: People’s Choice Award. 

The Tampa Riverwalk follows the Hillsborough River from the Florida Aquarium to Armature Works. Envisioned as a city park since the 1970s, the Riverwalk was completed in 2016. The stretch of land was transformed from mostly dilapidated warehouses and industrial facilities to a mix of city parks, restaurants, and local attractions that are a favorite with locals and tourists alike.  

Throughout the year festivals and celebrations take place along the Riverwalk, including the Holiday Spectacular, the annual Riverfest, and parades celebrating Tampa Bay’s wins of the NHL Stanley Cup and NFL Superbowl. Dotted with palm trees, the combination of boardwalk and paved walkway provides a chance to explore all the city has to offer – from morning jogs and yoga classes to leisurely lunches, sporting events, museums, parks, and a full range of dinner options. 

Visitors can walk, bike, electric scooter, kayak, or even ride a water taxi along the roughly 2.5-mile route. 

Bike rental is available from Coast Bike Share locations throughout downtown and City Bike Rental at Armature Works. Kayaks can be rented through Tampa Bay SUP & Kayaking, Riverwalk Boating Company, Tampa Bay Water Bike Company, and Urban Kai. Water Taxi rides are provided for a fee from the Pirate Water Taxi or the Tampa Water Taxi Company. 

The Florida Aquarium

At the southern tip of the Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium is a popular attraction to visit in Tampa Bay. Built out of glass and shaped like a wave, the aquarium offers interactive programs and the chance to observe tens of thousands of fish, a coral reef, tiger sharks, and sea turtles. 

The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Parking is available on-site for a fee. Tickets and additional information can be found at flaquarium.org. 

Sparkman Wharf

As you walk north along the Riverwalk from the Florida Aquarium, you will arrive at Sparkman Wharf. It opened in 2018 and is a delightful collection of eateries, boutiques, and bowling. The Yacht StarShip offers brunch, dinner, and sunset cruises that depart daily. 

Photo credit to https://www.visittampabay.com/

Parking is available for a fee. A directory of retail, business, and dining is available at sparkmanwharf.com. Cruise information can be found at yachtstarship.com.

Tampa Bay History Center

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, the Tampa Bay History Center is just a few blocks north of Sparkman Wharf. Steeped in 12,000 years of historical facts, treasures, and even food, the museum is a treat for all ages. 

Home to a branch of Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant, The Columbia Café serves their Original Cuban Sandwich with a waterfront view. 

Tickets and exhibit information can be found at tampabayhistorycenter.org. 

Sail Pavilion

Sail Pavilion is Tampa Bay’s only 360° outdoor waterfront bar. Stop by for a drink and snacks before renting a water bike from the Tampa Bay Water Bike Company. Water bikes are human-powered watercraft that allow families to enjoy the sights of the city from the Hillsborough River. 

Photo credit to https://secure.ngpvan.com/

Water bike rental information can be found at tampawaterbikes.com. 

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park 

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is the midpoint of the Riverwalk and a hub for festival activity throughout the year. The park features 8-acres of space to stretch out and relax while the little ones enjoy time on the playground or in the splash fountains. 

For an event schedule, please visit thetampariverwalk.com. 

Glazer Children’s Museum 

Located next to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Glazer Children’s Museum believes in play with a purpose. From building forts to working in a Vet Clinic or a kid-sized Publix Grocery store (a Florida favourite), kids have a wonderful day. 

Parking is available for a fee. The museum is closed on Mondays. For tickets, hours, and more information, please visit glazermuseum.org. 

Tampa Museum of Art

The Tampa Museum of Art is immediately beside the Glazer Children’s Museum. At sunset, the two buildings become their own piece of art, known as Sky (Tampa), where thousands of lights change from purple to pink to red to blue, illuminating the Riverwalk. 

Exhibitions at the Tampa Museum of Art focus on modern and contemporary art and include both permanent and traveling collections. Past exhibitions included works from Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell. 

Parking is available for a fee. Information on hours, tickets, and exhibits is available at tampamuseum.org. 

David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

Better known by Tampa Bay locals as “The Straz”, the center is the largest performing arts centre in the Southeast United States. Composed of several theatre halls, options for performances at The Straz range from operas and musicals to plays and local youth musical groups. 

If you are looking to combine dinner with a show, The Straz has that covered. Maestro’s offers three options for on-site dining, steps away from your seat. 

Photo credit to https://www.creativesigndesigns.com/

Valet parking is available on-site for a fee. Reservations are suggested for Maestro’s Restaurant and Café. Ticket and production information as well as Maestro’s reservations are available at strazcenter.org. 

Armature Works

At the north end of the Riverwalk lies Armature Works. It is a fully restored historic building in Tampa Heights that now functions as a unique food hall and event location. 

Dining options abound! Even the pickiest eaters will be happy with the wide variety of options. Favorite dishes include Cuban sandwiches from Hemingway’s Cuban Cuisine, sushi from Zukku, burgers from Butcher and Barbeque, and plant-based comfort food from Dharma Southern Kitchen. Full-service dining options are also available. 

There is live music on weekends, and with plenty of outdoor seating it is a wonderful spot to find dinner before taking in the music and beautiful sunset. 

Parking is available for a fee. A list of restaurants can be found at armatureworks.com.