Tampa Riverwalk Battling For Best Riverwalk In America

The Tampa Riverwalk has been such a nice addition to our beautiful city. It's even battling head-to-head for the best Riverwalk in America from USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards. The path was one of 20 nominated Riverwalk's across the country and is currently in fourth place. This means we need your help voting to make it to the top spot. Last year, Tampa almost came in as the best Riverwalk in America, but fell to second place behind Detroit.

YOU can help the Tampa Riverwalk claim its rightful spot as the best Riverwalk in the country. Anyone can cast their vote once a day until the poll closes on Monday, April 8 at 12 p.m. The top 10 with the most votes will be presented as winners. But the top 10 isn't good enough for Champa Bay, we love to be #1. Click here to cast your vote! Be sure to bookmark the page for easy voting. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 17.

The Tampa Riverwalk was initially built in 1970s but a lack of funds caused construction to halt. In 2014, the City of Tampa unveiled the 2.6-mile-long stretch that we know today. There are so many reasons to vote for Tampa's Riverwalk. From being able to sip some beverages from your favorite Tampa restaurants like Ulele, the Sail, or Columbia Café at the Tampa History Center. There are also many plans to improve the Riverwalk, like eventually connecting it to a water taxi entrance to ZooTampa in Lowry Park. According to ABC Action News, the US Department of Transportation approved a $24 million grant to expand the Riverwalk and link it to more neighborhoods west of Hillsborough River. Although a recent estimate now puts the construction cost at $51.8 million.

As of now, Woldenberg Riverfront Park - New Orleans, Louisiana is currently in first place. In second is Waterfront Park - Louisville, Kentucky, and right above Tampa in third place is Riverfront Park - Spokane, Washington.

Updated 03/13/2024

[Source: ABC Action News]

Everybody always wants that 'Instagram-worthy' photo op whenever they're in town. Luckily, Tampa is packed full of 'Instagrammable' spots! Much like Nashville and other big cities, Tampa is becoming more and more of a mural city each week. It seems like every time we go downtown, there's new artwork to be admired and shared. We are including the best Instagram-worthy murals on this list and other perfect Tampa backdrops that are guaranteed to get you tons of likes.

There are lots of new things to see and do in Downtown Tampa. It seems like Water Street is constantly transforming with new restaurants, condos, and art fixtures. Recently there was a light show on Water Street that illuminated the entire street blue and gave you the feel of being "underwater".

Sure you could just point and shoot and let the editing apps do the rest. Or you can adjust these settings in your phone to help you get that perfect shot without relying on a bunch of editing.

There are plenty of rooftop bars in Tampa to get you that perfect skyline photo. M.Bird at Armature Works is one of the more popular ones. Beacon, the tallest rooftop bar just recently opened in Tampa. You can find breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the waterfront.

There are tons of photo opportunities at Sparkman Wharf. Whether you want to show your love for the 813 in front of the Tampa sign or by the neon heart and peace sign murals. Or you can hang in their open seating area for a more chilled vibe. Either way, Sparkman has the perfect backdrop for you.

Tampa's best-named hotel is a great spot for artsy photo-ops. The luminated staircase offers an appealing optical illusion, the Arts Club has plenty of seductive lighting, and the rooftop pool has so many options for a great backdrop!

Tampa postcard, Ray Charles, Tom Brady, Beyoncé, Tampa Bay Lightning. There are so many different themes for murals across Tampa. Visittampabay.com has a list of all the major ones you can check out here. 

It's especially great during championship boat parades, but any day will do! Take a stroll at sunset to get some gorgeous colors and the University of Tampa as your background!