Tampa Riverwalk

The basics

The Tampa Riverwalk can remain a fun, free activity for anyone who wants to explore the city, take in the waterside views, and relax in the many public parks. The trek from end to end can get tiring under the sun, so wear sunscreen, take breaks, and remember to hydrate. Most visitors walk small sections of the riverwalk, usually while attending events at Curtis Hixon Park and the Straz Center.

Things to know before you go

• Look for the 16 murals along the Riverwalk that act as a public art walking tour.

• Seabirds are the most common wildlife, but you can sometimes spot bottlenose dolphins and Florida manatees from the Riverwalk.

• History buffs should look for the 30 busts along the Riverwalk’s Historical Monument Trail depicting people who've impacted Tampa's history.

How to get there

There are multiple places to access the Tampa Riverwalk between its start on the Garrison Channel and end on the Hillsborough River. You can use the light rail, park in one of the many paid parking lots or garages, take a water taxi or a regular taxi, or simply walk from anywhere in the downtown core.

When to get there

There’s no bad time to visit the Tampa Riverwalk, except if it's raining. Plan your visit around one of two things: the attractions you want to see or the events hosted at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park or Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Many parking garages near attractions such as the Glazer Museum and Florida Aquarium fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive a few minutes earlier to find parking.

Snag a Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass

The Tampa Riverwalk Attraction Pass offers a great deal for visitors who want to visit as many attractions on the riverwalk as possible. This pass includes admission to the Florida Aquarium, Pirate Water Taxi, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, and American Victory Ship and Museum.