Tampa’s Riverwalk One Of The Top Riverwalks In America

An expert panel at USA Today analyzed the top Riverwalks In America, and you better believe Tampa Riverwalk landed high on the list.

What makes a great riverwalk? It's when you can enjoy the beauty of nature when it's sidled up next to a vibrant city life.

Let's take a look at the top three Riverwalks on USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards. Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati earned the highest honors. Woldenberg Riverfront Park in New Orleans and Waterfront Park in Louisville came in second and third, respectively. So where did the Tampa Riverwalk fall on the list? Drum roll please...

The Tampa Riverwalk runs from Armature Works at 1910 N Ola Ave and rolls down to Sparkman Wharf at 615 Channelside Dr. If you haven't had a chance to enjoy it, what are you waiting for? You can enjoy festivals and events at and around the Tampa Riverwalk.

Naturally, the folks at Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk are pleased. They put out a press release that read, “Securing the title of America’s Best Riverwalk would spotlight Tampa’s vibrant community and our iconic Riverwalk’s contribution to the city and region on a national scale. More than 1 million visitors each year experience the Tampa Riverwalk’s 2.6-mile multi-use path.”

What is your favorite thing about the Tampa Riverwalk? Maybe you've got kids or pets and they love to come out to runaround in the wide, pristine grassy areas. Or do you like the Tampa Riverwalk because you can take in the gorgeous views? You can enjoy a Tampa Bay sunset at Armature Works or Sparkman Wharf. Speaking of Armature Works, how cool can a food hall get? It features some of the Tampa's best tasting meals in a casual food hall environment.

To check out the entire list on USA Today, click here.

It's spring! Now, time to celebrate what we have in Tampa with Tampa Riverfest 2023. Riverwalk gets its own festival each year the first week of May. Here's a list of what you can experience.

Tampa Riverfest will take place along Riverwalk, at Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park and at Water Works Park on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, 2023.

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Try samples from local restaurants at Taste of the Riverwalk. It happens Friday, May 5, 2023 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Get your wristband that gets you access to the food tent area here.

RiverFiesta is a new part of the Riverfest celebration. On Saturday, May 6, RiverFiesta takes place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Check out RiverFiesta for tacos, bowls and nachos. Enjoy samples at RiverFiesta by ordering your wristband online.

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The City of Tampa will be invaded Saturday morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and running, or rather, paddling through 1 p.m. Not by pirates, but by paddleboards, surfskis and canoes.

Join Urban Kai and Friends of the Riverwalk in one of their two races. There's a long one (6 miles) or a short race (2 miles). Learn more here.

Saturday evening, you can participate in the Riverfest Lantern Parade or just enjoy it from the sidelines. Decorated paper lanterns travel a mile down the parade route lighting up Riverwalk. It begins at Water Works Park at 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, May 6.

Click here to find out how to participate.

Another new event is the Riverfest Market at Water Works Park. It's free to explore the vendors from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be music on the Water Works Park Stage plus food trucks for when you get hungry.

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Returning for 2023 is the Hot Air Balloon Glow. Enjoy as hot air balloons light up the sunset sky. The balloons take to the sky beginning at 8:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday evenings at Curtis Hixon Park.

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Yoga in the Park is back for Riverfest 2023. Join the hour-long morning yoga Saturay, May 6th beginning at 9 a.m. Yoga in the Park is hosted by The Calm Collective. There's no registration necessary but they welcome donations. Bring everything you think you'll need, including at mat. They will not be provided.

Among the most popular events from Riverfest is The Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Saturday, May 6th at 10 a.m., check out the derby as Curtis Hixon Park goes to the dogs. Dachshunds race in what may be the largest gathering of weiner dogs in Florida.

There's the derby, plus "Best Nose," "Speed Trap," "Costume Contest," "Kissing Contest" and "Best Tail." Dachshunds are welcome to participate from 4 months to 18 years of age. Winners from the various division champions my qualify for the Florida Circuit Championship of the National Dachshund Race Circuit.

There will also be fun races for all dog breeds, plus games, raffles, auctions and the chance to adopt a dog! Click here for more information about the event and registration.

Interested in being a VIP? If you get a ticket to the VIP tent in Curtis Hixon Park, you can partake of refreshments, light foods, plus front-row for the entertainment.
Friday, May 5th, 5 p.m ,until 10 p.m. and Saturday, May 6th from, 4 p.m, get your wristband for access to the VIP Tent. Drinks include beer, soda, water and cockatails. (Guests must be 21 or older to enter VIP Tent)

Click here for more details and tickets for the Riverfest VIP Tent.

Don't forget the stages with live entertainment! Click here to see the full lineup of artists.