The City of Tampa has been working to complete a pedestrian walkway along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay since the 1970s, and while it has been stymied by years of financial concerns, the decades-old vision is now a reality. The Riverwalk isn't completed, but even without utilizing the entirety of the planned 2.6-mile walkway, pedestrians and bicycle riders can enjoy many of the sights and sounds Downtown Tampa has to offer. Both tourists and locals are welcome to stroll along the walkway to take in waterside views, visit restaurants, or explore many of the other amenities available. For instance, lovers of the performing arts can always find a show playing at the David A. Straz Center, where they can listen to a performance by the Florida Orchestra, enjoy a musical, or even spend a night at the opera.
Visitors can also experience a spectrum of visual arts because the Riverwalk runs past two art museums. The Tampa Museum of Art has an expansive permanent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and modern paintings and sculpture, in addition to various travelling exhibitions. Just a short walk down the Riverwalk from the Museum of Art is the Florida Photographic Museum of Arts, which has recently moved to its new location at the Cube, a beautiful six-story atrium in the heart of Downtown Tampa.
People looking for an educational experience for themselves or their children will find numerous opportunities along the Riverwalk. The Glazer Children's Museum offers a collection of fun and educational exhibits that are sure to spark curiosity in kids and adults alike. Without realizing it, children can learn about architecture, engineering, and even financial management in an interactive environment. At the other end of the Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium provides the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, ranging from penguins to sharks. It even includes a two-acre water play area to give kids a chance to take a break and have fun. For those who are more interested in the history of the area, the Riverwalk also runs past the Tampa Bay Historical Center. This museum paints a portrait of Tampa by highlighting the diverse influences that shaped the city and the area, from the First People exhibit, which features artifacts from the native Tocobaga and Calusa peoples, to the Cigar City display dedicated to the industry that made Ybor City famous.
In addition to cultural institutions, the Riverwalk also offers access to the Channelside Bay Shoppes, as well as several waterfront restaurants. These establishments are near one of the main attractions of the Riverwalk - the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Forum plays host to the Tampa Bay Lighting professional hockey team during the season, but it is also the venue for world-class concerts and other shows.
Of course, the Florida weather can make the outdoors seem more enticing than any of these indoor venues. If basking in the sun is part of their itinerary, pedestrians can take a break at the newly redesigned Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This space is to become the cornerstone of Riverwalk because it not only provides an area for festivals and concerts, but it includes a dog run, fountains, and even a state-of-the-art interactive NEOS 360 Ring, which integrates video games with aerobic exercise. There are several other parks along the route, such as the Cotanchobee Park, which addresses local history and provides beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
No matter why visitors choose to walk along the Riverwalk, they can rest assured that it offers a convenient way to explore many of the attractions Tampa has to offer for tourists and residents alike.
Visitors can also experience a spectrum of visual arts because the Riverwalk runs past two art museums. The Tampa Museum of Art has an expansive permanent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and modern paintings and sculpture, in addition to various travelling exhibitions. Just a short walk down the Riverwalk from the Museum of Art is the Florida Photographic Museum of Arts, which has recently moved to its new location at the Cube, a beautiful six-story atrium in the heart of Downtown Tampa.
People looking for an educational experience for themselves or their children will find numerous opportunities along the Riverwalk. The Glazer Children's Museum offers a collection of fun and educational exhibits that are sure to spark curiosity in kids and adults alike. Without realizing it, children can learn about architecture, engineering, and even financial management in an interactive environment. At the other end of the Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium provides the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, ranging from penguins to sharks. It even includes a two-acre water play area to give kids a chance to take a break and have fun. For those who are more interested in the history of the area, the Riverwalk also runs past the Tampa Bay Historical Center. This museum paints a portrait of Tampa by highlighting the diverse influences that shaped the city and the area, from the First People exhibit, which features artifacts from the native Tocobaga and Calusa peoples, to the Cigar City display dedicated to the industry that made Ybor City famous.
In addition to cultural institutions, the Riverwalk also offers access to the Channelside Bay Shoppes, as well as several waterfront restaurants. These establishments are near one of the main attractions of the Riverwalk - the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Forum plays host to the Tampa Bay Lighting professional hockey team during the season, but it is also the venue for world-class concerts and other shows.
Of course, the Florida weather can make the outdoors seem more enticing than any of these indoor venues. If basking in the sun is part of their itinerary, pedestrians can take a break at the newly redesigned Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. This space is to become the cornerstone of Riverwalk because it not only provides an area for festivals and concerts, but it includes a dog run, fountains, and even a state-of-the-art interactive NEOS 360 Ring, which integrates video games with aerobic exercise. There are several other parks along the route, such as the Cotanchobee Park, which addresses local history and provides beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
No matter why visitors choose to walk along the Riverwalk, they can rest assured that it offers a convenient way to explore many of the attractions Tampa has to offer for tourists and residents alike.