TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Riverwalk was voted fourth-best riverwalk on USA Today's 10Best list.
The publication describes it as a "central spot for performances, art, leisure and fitness activities."
It was one of the 20 nominated by an "expert panel." The riverwalks nominated were places that had recreational spaces, culture, restaurants and nightlife.
Tampa's 2.6-mile path stretches from the Tampa Heights District to Channelside and has a variety of activities for people of all ages including parks, museums and restaurants. USA Today also mentions the scenic views as a highlight when people stroll down the path.
The No. 1 riverwalk picked by voters was Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by Woldenberg Riverfront Park in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky.
The city of Tampa announced in February 2023 that the riverwalk would be expanded to be about six miles long to connect more neighborhoods like West Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park and North Franklin Street.
The city said it will feature better sidewalks, bike lanes and crossing features to connect the neighborhoods. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $24 million grant in 2020 to partially fund this project.
The riverwalk was built in the 1970s out of wood that was eventually replaced with granite pavers. Since then, numerous parks have been opened around the path, according to Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk.
In 2014, a span of riverwalk was built under Kennedy Boulevard to connect all the parts of downtown Tampa that had riverfront walkways.