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
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
656 within 3 miles
Attractions
140 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Debbie MFort Walton Beach, Florida188 contributionsGreat Walking Path Day or NightEnjoyed walking this 2.5 mile Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River on a warm February evening. I was under the misconception that this was a "loop", it is NOT, which I found out after walking 2.2 miles, which turned into 4.4 miles by the time I got back to my hotel. Path is well lit the entire way with many benches and other places to stop and rest/relax along the way. The City of Tampa has done a great job of revitalizing this area. Be advised there are lots of college students traveling "on wheels" along this path, they come on fast and normally blasting music, stick to the sides, not the center of the path and you will have no issues.Visited February 2020Traveled on businessWritten February 19, 2020
- John LGainesville, Virginia48 contributionsA beautiful and affordable and healthy way to see the cityTouring the River Walk in Tampa is a beautiful and affordable and healthy way to see the city. There was “ice skating” in Florida, plenty of food shops, and a pirate ship to see as well. Great family outing!Visited January 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten January 10, 2021
- Adventurer516221Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania34 contributionsGreat outdoor people play zoneTampa Riverwalk in April is a wonderful day trip. Whether your walking, biking, or boating the area is open and super scenic with beautiful city views and evening sunsets. Wonderful place to enjoy individual and group outdoor activities. Plenty of resturants to select from at the Armature Works. We walked the waterside in the afternoon and took the water taxi at sunset to enjoyed the cool breeze. The water park for children is open! Easy to park by the Armature Works with 4 hour free parking. From an out of towner point of view, the city should be proud and overjoyed to have this city haven. Five stars on this people place city of Tampa!Visited April 2021Traveled with friendsWritten April 16, 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.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,857 reviews
Excellent
1,128
Very good
543
Average
154
Poor
21
Terrible
11
Bill R
Tannum Sands, Australia447 contributions
Sep 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 September 5, 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, IL61 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 March 29, 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, NC340 contributions
Jul 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 July 29, 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 States2,682 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 April 17, 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, Canada7 contributions
Jun 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 July 3, 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 negril82 contributions
Jun 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 July 12, 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, FL7,606 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 January 13, 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, FL407 contributions
Jun 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 May 31, 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, WI148 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 February 10, 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.
John S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
This is a hotel that has not been updated and is used as a tool to deceive guests into staying there. My room was terrible and outdated. The toilet was running and leaking. The hotel charged my credit card rather than doing an authorization. The room smelled like smoke. Try to feed my bacon after I specifically stated no bacon. This was a very terrible stay. I am someone who does not complain, but I don't know why this was such a terrible experience in America. I know some of you will look and say he is mad about something. No! I am mad about everything. I am very disappointed in this hotel. Everything went bad and the service was very poor! I hope the hotel will update all rooms and not their best rooms. Charging for Wi-fi a total of $25 per day that you do not use is excessive and should not be a part of a failing and poorly structured hotel!
Written August 26, 2023
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.
ymw321
Toronto, Canada62 contributions
Where’s the best place to park a car to do Tampa river walk?
HelpfulAngel
Atlanta, GA1,198 contributions
park by the Glazer's children's museum
OrlandoGal22
Orlando, FL624 contributions
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!
CarolChE73
Allentown, PA60 contributions
About 25 minutes.
SmilingCyclist
Massachusetts, United States100 contributions
Is there a better day of the week or time of day to visit in terms of crowds?
Emma M
10 contributions
We went on a Thursday evening and there was almost no one! And it was about 5/6
Kathy Z
St. Petersburg, FL
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.
lily429
Stuart, Florida311 contributions
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).
Is it ok for mobility scooters?
bob
Lutz, FL11 contributions
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.
Cathy Lynn
Venice, FL1 contribution
How is it for those with walkers? Rest spots?
sleepy155
Hollywood, FL238 contributions
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.
Is there any parking facility available ?
Janice D
Tampa, FL48 contributions
Yes, just check to see if there is a large.conference at the convention center or something major happening at Amalie Arena.
Edmilson F
Rio de Janeiro, RJ168 contributions
Estacionamento no local ?
Barry S
Lutz, FL115 contributions
There is metered parking and many parking lots adjacent to the Riverwalk.
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Claim your listingTampa Riverwalk - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tampa Riverwalk
- We recommend booking Tampa Riverwalk tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 Tampa Riverwalk tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Tampa Riverwalk:
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Tampa (From $272.86)
- Vacation Photographer in Tampa (From $272.86)
- Guided Tampa Tour in a Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart (From $50.00)
- Tiki Boat - Downtown Tampa - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar (From $59.95)
- Downtown Tampa Historic Walking Tour (From $30.00)
- Hotels near Tampa Riverwalk:
- (0.01 mi) Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
- (0.10 mi) Hilton Tampa Downtown
- (0.06 mi) Aloft Tampa Downtown
- (0.19 mi) Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown
- (0.21 mi) Hyatt House Tampa Downtown
- Restaurants near Tampa Riverwalk:
- (0.02 mi) River's Edge @ Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
- (0.07 mi) The Pint and Brew Downtown Tampa
- (0.10 mi) Malio's
- (0.09 mi) Yolk, White & Associates
- (0.06 mi) Tampa Club
- Attractions near Tampa Riverwalk:
- (0.10 mi) Pearl Salon
- (0.08 mi) LimoLogic LLC.
- (0.05 mi) GenX Tavern
- (0.08 mi) MacDill Park
- (0.10 mi) Tampa / Hillsborough Convention and Visitors Association
Tampa Riverwalk Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,128 |
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Very Good Reviews | 543 |
Tampa Riverwalk Photos | 1,056 |