Tampa Bay's geography — sitting on one of the Southeast's largest estuaries — has produced a remarkable collection of waterfront parks, promenades, and destinations. Here are the best.
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa's Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile linear park along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa — one of the most significant urban development projects in Tampa's recent history. Connecting the Armature Works at the north end to the Tampa Convention Center and Channelside at the south, the Riverwalk passes through a remarkable collection of restaurants, museums, and parks.
Riverwalk Highlights
- Armature Works — Historic trolley barn converted to a spectacular food hall and event venue
- Ulele Restaurant — Spring park setting, Native Florida cuisine
- Tampa Museum of Art — Excellent contemporary art collection with river views
- Curtis Hixon Park — Riverfront park with splash pad and events
- Straz Center for Performing Arts — Florida's largest performing arts complex
Bayshore Boulevard
Bayshore Boulevard holds the Guinness World Record as the world's longest continuous sidewalk — a 4.5-mile path along Hillsborough Bay with unobstructed views of the bay and the Tampa skyline. Used daily by thousands of runners, cyclists, and pedestrians, Bayshore is one of Tampa's most beloved public spaces.
St. Pete Pier
Completely rebuilt and reopened in 2020, the new St. Pete Pier extends 3,300 feet into Tampa Bay with restaurants, art installations, events space, a children's play area, and spectacular views of the St. Petersburg skyline and Tampa Bay. It's become one of Florida's most successful waterfront redevelopment projects.
Sarasota Bayfront
Sarasota's bayfront includes the Ringling Bayfront, Bayfront Park, Island Park, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — a series of public spaces with views across Sarasota Bay toward the barrier islands. The outdoor music venues along the bayfront draw regular programming.
Safety Harbor Main Street
A hidden gem — Safety Harbor's waterfront on Old Tampa Bay features a charming main street, spa resort (Safety Harbor Resort and Spa), and a pleasant fishing pier. The town of Safety Harbor retains a genuine small-town character unusual for the Tampa Bay area.