Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa Riverwalk
4.5
About
This riverwalk is a scenic 2.6-mile-long path along the Hillsborough River where you can discover some of downtown Tampa’s must-sees. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and you'll pass by the Tampa Museum of Art, the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park—perfect for a picnic overlooking the Tampa skyline—and finally the Tampa Bay History Center. You can also bike or take a scooter down the riverwalk. If you need a rest, there's no shortage of rest stops along the way to watch the water taxis sail by. You might even be inspired to take a boat tour on the river yourself! There are also plenty of restaurants and bars for food and drinks with a view. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Joel SFort Lauderdale, Florida520 contributionsLovely strollWe started at the beginning, at the water works park. Lots of restaurants there and just a very pleasant atmosphere. Found some interesting head statues of important and accomplished people in Tampa's history. Lots of joggers plus leashed dogs.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 February 2024
- Thomas - Genevi... H1,291 contributionsSafe, well lit, and beautiful viewsDuring a recent business trip, I needed a place to run. I saw the Riverwalk on Strava and the heat map proved promising. The entire riverwalk is 2.2 miles one way (4.4 miles with return). The entire segment is well lit, paved, and fully marked. There is a singular road crossing; otherwise, you go under the perpendicular roads. I was absolutely amazed that I saw no homeless people or panhandlers. During the early AM hours (05:00) there were at least a dozen other walkers, runners, and cyclists. If you need a safe place to run that is well marked, well-lit, and beautiful views...this is it. P.S. there were public water fountains, but in early March they were disabled. Bring your own water.Visited March 2024Travelled on businessWritten 6 March 2024
- lindafP803NPAdelaide, Australia7 contributionsExplore downtownTampa on foot, beautiful views.A nice riverside walk through central Tampa, lots of art, places to stop for a drink, and great views. We visited in the late morning, early afternoon and stopped for lunch at Uléle restaurant. A nice way to explore downtownTampa on foot.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,873 reviews
Excellent
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Terrible
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Bill R
Tannum Sands, Australia434 contributions
Sept 2020
A great deal of effort to provide people who "Want to be seen" a place to be seen". Loads of concrete, dizzying traffic, randomly deserted scooters, no cover, and very expensive if you wish to have a sandwich or drink. Too much show and not sufficient. gentle places to relax or enjoy thearea.
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marimee19
Chicago, IL57 contributions
Mar 2022
I spent a lot of time researching the Tampa Riverwalk but found limited, spotted and scattered information. Things I wanted to know as a tourist: Where does the riverwalk begin and end? Where is the best place to park? Is there free parking ? Is it safe? Are there any good eats? Because dinner at the River's Edge Restaurant (Sheraton Hotel) satisfied my riverwalk desires, I'm going to refer to that experience too. I reserved a table around sunset and was enchanted with what transpired: a tiki bar floated by, cute dogs walked their owners, neon bicycle tires glowed in the dark, hover boarder's whizzed past, joggers jogged, rowers sculled and families strolled as the river metamorphasized from sunny day to glittering night. An added bonus, if you spend more than $30.00 at the River's Edge Restaurant, valet parking is free. Truth be told, we were a little disappointed with the quality of the food. The restaurant does however, have a lovely outdoor bar if you prefer a glass of wine. I tried to get reservations at Ulele's but it was booked out for days. Moral, think ahead if you want to eat at one of the more popular downtown restaurants. Given its location, I'm amazed the River's Edge Restaurant isn't bursting at the seams. It should be. Secretly, I will always be grateful that we experienced it before that happens. BTW - the riverwalk starts at the Armature Building and ends at the Tampa History Museum. We strolled approx one mile at night and felt totally safe. Alternately, you can always find a parking garage, forget the restaurant thing and visit various historical landmarks, but that's more of a daytime adventure and a totally different experience from the one I'm describing.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3lionsfan
Boone, NC310 contributions
July 2020
Now that Tampa has the Riverwalk it is difficult to imagine it ever NOT being part of the landscape. You will find people at all hours running, walking, cycling, and rollerblading. An excellent place to get some exercise or at least fresh air and sunshine. Reminders have been added regarding social distancing. I
f you are not familiar with Tampa you need to know that the Riverwalk is, for the time being, divided at Cass Street. The southern section takes you down to the Convention Center area. If you cross Cass Street and head north you will find Waterworks Park, Florida-native themed Ulele restaurant, the many dining options at Armature Works and more. It's worth making your way thru the construction to enjoy both ends of the Riverwalk.
f you are not familiar with Tampa you need to know that the Riverwalk is, for the time being, divided at Cass Street. The southern section takes you down to the Convention Center area. If you cross Cass Street and head north you will find Waterworks Park, Florida-native themed Ulele restaurant, the many dining options at Armature Works and more. It's worth making your way thru the construction to enjoy both ends of the Riverwalk.
Written 29 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingBum10
United States6,308 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We went there around noon. We parked in a public parking lot across the street. Parking rates were very expensive if you’re only planning on spending 1 or 2 hours. You’re better off parking in the children’s museum. There’s a beautiful park right by the museum. Great for kids. We did the walk to the university and then turned around. There’s a water taxi and some other fun boats. You can also rent scooters or bikes. There were a lot of people doing exercise around the time we went.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VeeCai
Swan River, Canada11 contributions
June 2022 • Solo
I have seen bad behavior among teens. This place has just way too many of them. There are smells of marijuana all along the river walk. City parking regulators give out parking fines to whoever they feel like.
Written 3 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peachykeen808
grand lido negril79 contributions
June 2021
This was a pretty cool spot downtown. Watching the water taxis come through with the tunes and the people riding bikes, skateboards or just walking through like my family and I did was cool. I would certainly visit this spot again.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miles Archer
Boca Raton, FL7,156 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
I came this weekday morning for exercise to walk off the hearty breakfast I had, and to people watch. It was chilly, which sped up my walking speed. Plenty of people here, though it wasn't crowded. Most were pedestrians, some with a dog. A few bicyclists were out and about, but they were easy to avoid. A woman was pushing her infant in a baby carriage, moving along briskly. Rollerbladers were zipping along, but easily dodged pedestrians. There were several people moving about on the two-wheel electric scooters that you stand on. Neat river view. I had no problem maintaining social distancing. I suspect that it would be busier on weekends. Good for people watching
Written 13 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TC GREN
Tampa, FL417 contributions
June 2020 • Friends
Nice lengthy walk from canal area all the way north on the east side of Hillsborough River. Lots of tours and recreational activities, a few drinking and eating options. As you walk north near the art museum, you can walk up steps to Cass street level and cross the street/train tracks to reach the Straz Center and pick up the waterfront trail all the way north to Waterworks park. It’s rarely shaded along the way so can be very hot in direct sun. Be also on the lookout for cyclists and rollerbladers who can zip by quick - just keep your eyes out. And if you aren’t keen on the walk, you can take the Water Taxi instead.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Onthego1950
West Bend, WI139 contributions
Feb 2020
I highly recommend taking a stroll on the riverwalk. As the boardwalk is 10’ wide there is room enough for jogger or cyclists, along with walkers. Very fun to people watch as well. Good signage along the way, with lots of benches to take a break when needed. Musicians playing under the bridges was an added treat.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hockeyaw19
Marlborough, MA674 contributions
Sept 2022
The highlight of our trip. We did this on Labor Day morning which made getting to and finding parking in down town Tampa no problem at all. We parked near the art museum on the street which was $2.50 an hour. We spent about 3 hours walking the river walk, going to sparkmans wharf and getting coffee at the publix greenwise store.
The walk varies between shade and direct unavoidable sun so take precautions. There is also a detour right now that forces you in a highly trafficked tunnel.
There were a lot of families, bikers and joggers along for the duration. The only place with noticeable homeless gatherings were the USF park portion.
The walk varies between shade and direct unavoidable sun so take precautions. There is also a detour right now that forces you in a highly trafficked tunnel.
There were a lot of families, bikers and joggers along for the duration. The only place with noticeable homeless gatherings were the USF park portion.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where’s the best place to park a car to do Tampa river walk?
Written 7 March 2023
park by the Glazer's children's museum
Written 8 March 2023
How long (in minutes) does it take to walk (moderate pace) on the Riverwalk from the Tampa Bay History Center to the Tampa Museum of Art? Thanks!
Written 26 May 2022
Can you rent a scooter somewhere?
We would love to do this but my husband is handicapped
Written 27 October 2020
I saw scooters all over the place. I think they do it with an app just their parking as well.
Written 31 October 2020
Is there a better day of the week or time of day to visit in terms of crowds?
Written 9 January 2020
We went on a Thursday evening and there was almost no one! And it was about 5/6
Written 9 January 2020
Kathy Z
St. Petersburg, Florida
How long does it take to walk the entire riverwalk? Got my in laws coming in and dont want to do something that's beyond their capabilities.
Written 4 December 2019
It’s about 2 miles...we encountered a lot of traffic (weekend) bikes, skaters, walkers, strollers, etc., but easy walk as there are benches everywhere to stop and sit. How long it takes depends on your endurance level, I am 57 extremely arthritic and I had my 16 year old with me. The two of us took frequent stops to rest and sightsee, we left our hotel (waterside Marriott) at 10:30 and arrived at Ulele before noon (we took the water taxi back).
Written 5 December 2019
Yes, have seen persons there with their mobility scooters. The walk is pretty much wide and flat.
Big heads up! It can be brutally hot there, especially in the afternoon, as there is very little shade.
Come in the morning, wear light clothing with a hat, and BRING WATER WITH YOU. You won't find much in the way of watering places.
Written 2 August 2019
How is it for those with walkers? Rest spots?
Written 4 July 2019
There are benches and places to rest along the way. Sometimes they may be a little far apart depending on the section that you are walking.
Written 13 July 2019
There is metered parking and many parking lots adjacent to the Riverwalk.
Written 14 April 2019
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