Tampa Ranked #2 Best Riverwalk in the Country

Tampa Riverwalk was officially ranked the #2 Best Riverwalk in the Country

The Tampa Riverwalk was one of 20 nominated riverwalks across the country competing for a spot at the top in USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards! After 4 weeks of online voting, the Tampa Riverwalk came in behind Detroit's International Riverwalk to earn second place in the country.

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile-long open space and pedestrian trail along the Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida. The Riverwalk extends along most of the downtown Tampa waterfront from the Channelside District on the eastern terminus to the mouth of the Hillsborough River and then north along the riverside to Tampa Heights, forming a continuous path that connects a multitude of parks, attractions, public spaces, and hotels.

The Tampa Riverwalk was originally created in the 1970s to connect businesses, parks, and museums along the riverfront in Tampa, Florida. It also serves as a central spot for performances, art, leisure, and fitness activities. At 2.6 miles long, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views along the way. 

The city of Tampa has also spoken about the 6-mile expansion! This project involves completing the remaining gaps in what will be a 12.2-mile walkway and installing enhanced, safe crossing features at major roadways. This project connects the existing Riverwalk on the East Side of the River to what will be the new “West River” side of the Riverwalk.

“We're grateful to everyone who voted and it was truly an honor to be nominated alongside some amazing cities and riverwalks,” said MaryBeth Williams, executive director of Friends of the Riverwalk, the privately funded nonprofit organization that helps develop, activate and promote the Tampa Riverwalk. “Our vision is for the Tampa Riverwalk to be America’s iconic riverwalk and we are on our way to seeing that vision materialize. We hope this inspires people from all over the U.S. to include the Tampa Riverwalk in their travel plans and see for themselves what our amazing our city has to offer.”