Experience Tampa’s Vibrant Riverwalk Along Hillsborough River
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Riverwalk Tampa along Hillsborough River
Since moving to Florida in 2020, Riverwalk has been one of our favorite places to visit. With so many fantastic restaurants, multiple events, and endless entertainment you will be able to spend several days enjoying this area. Situated along the Hillsborough River, this iconic pathway invites visitors to indulge in a diverse array of dining experiences while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. There are enough restaurants to satisfy every palate. The excitement continues with multiple events throughout the year and cultural celebrations, guaranteeing there is always something to do. Take advantage of the paved 2.6 miles path from Water Street to Armature Works along Hillsborough River as you stroll through the area. You can walk, bike, roller skate, or use a scooter along this path. There are things in this area for people of all ages to enjoy.
Bikes/scooters: You can rent bikes and scooters from this area through Coast Bike Share. Bikes are located all over downtown with one of those stations being located at Armature Works on the corner of W. 7th and Ola Ave. Bikes can be rented 24/7 once you set up an account on the HOPR or Lime app.
Live music: located throughout Armature Works. Check out their website for details.
Pets: Pets are allowed throughout Riverwalk but not inside the Armature Works building.
Parking: There is metered parking throughout the area but can be hard to find during the evenings, weekends, and during special events.
Sunsets: Even though there is no beach at this location, there is still a beautiful sunset to enjoy.
Experience a Tiki Boat Cruise through Tampa. This tour is a BYOB vibe with coolers available on board. This 90-minute ride will bring the party alive as you stroll along the waters with your guide with a drop off/pick up at Waterworks Park. Book your Cruise HERE.
Waterworks Park
This area allows a fun place for kids to splash and play while parents sit and enjoy the view of the surrounding area. Lots of space to climb, splash in the water, and wait in excitement as the big bucket drops water on top of you.
Ulele
One of the best restaurants along the riverfront is Ulele. This restaurant and menu is inspired by native and early Spanish explorers. They have some of the best food in the area. You have to try the carrot fries, they are so good, who knew! They also craft their own beer for those beer lovers out there.
Address: 1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am - 11pm
Delicious food options and an amazing vibe throughout.
There is a large lawn between the river and Ulele for all to enjoy. You can grab a chair or lay out a blanket on the grass and enjoy the view with a picnic lunch. Entertainment can be viewed from this area as well.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Our absolute favorite ice cream is at Jeni’s Ice Cream. We have tried this ice cream in Florida, Tennessee, and St Louis. They are all amazing. The Brambleberry Crisp is my favorite. They have so many amazing and unique flavors. There are multiple stores across the US. Check them out for your favorite flavor or purchase a pint to take home. Publix also sell’s pints of Jenni’s ice cream in their grocery store for $7.99 each.
Address: 305 W Palm Ave, Tampa
Scoop Shop Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm - 11pm, Friday to Sunday 12pm - 12am
Dog parks
There are a couple dog parks in the area for all your furry family members to enjoy. Each area is gated and has shade trees or umbrellas to keep cool and drinking fountains for the animals. Riverwalk is animal friendly and there are plenty of spaces to walk your dogs along the paved path next to the Hillsborough River while you enjoy the water view.
Waterworks Park area
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park Dog Park
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Armature Works
Armature Works is another amazing place to eat when in the area. This is located in a former trolley barn, Heights Public Market. There are multiple restaurants within this area to sample all types of food. They have taco’s, ice cream, a coffee shop, and so much more. There are about 18 restaurants, a theater, gathering room, social hall, social room, and courtyard within Armature Works.
Address: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 10pm, Friday 7:30am - 12am, Saturday 8am - 12am, Sunday 9am - 9pm
Parking: Armature Works lot offers free parking Monday through Friday until 4pm. Parking during holiday and special events might vary. Metered street parking is located throughout the area at $1.50 an hour or more.
Show + Tell: An area chefs can rent to conduct cooking demonstrations.
Shops and restaurants inside Armature Works
The Shop at Armature Works
There is a cute little shop once inside to purchase fresh flowers for your loved one or buy a cute shirt or small souvenir. Make this your first stop once inside to find an item to add to your wardrobe or a gift for a friend.
Buddy Brew Coffee, Bake’n Babes for yummy cookies and Show + Tell where you can take a cooking class. This is a small sampling of the food options within Armature Works. (pics below)
Astro Ice Cream
Astro Ice Cream also located in Armature Works. This ice cream was really good and had some amazing flavors to choose from. Ice Cream in a dish is served with a slice of waffle cone. There are several other Astro Ice Cream Shops throughout Florida.
Address: inside Armature Works
Hours: see above hours
EmpaMamas
EmpaMamas had some really good empanadas and tacos to choose from. Our beef empanadas were amazingly good and the fries that we ordered with them were crisp and tasted good as well. Definitely have an empanada when visiting Armature Works.
Address: Inside Armature Works
Hours: see above for hours
Cost: empanadas $7 each, tacos 2 for $15 plus chips and salsa, chicken tenders $16, cheeseburger and fries $15, chips and queso $8, chips and salsa $7, seasoned fries $5, soda $3.00. (2024 prices)
Bake N Babes
Bake N Babes sells some delicious sweets. You can get cookies, shakes, Taiyaki cone, and slushies. I will admit that the cookies were oh so amazing!!! You have to get one when you visit Armature Works. Shake was $12.00 for a total of $14.84 with tax.
Graze 1910
Graze 1910 is tucked away by Astro Ice Cream inside Armature Works. This was the first time we had tried Graze, and I will say the service and food was amazing. They serve good ol’ fashioned American foods, cooked to order. We ordered the spicy chicken sandwich which came with Tator tots. The sandwich was so so good. It had pickles, lettuce and was actually not spicy at all. We sat at the cute bar area while we ate our food. It was a delightful place to visit. Cost for one spicy chicken sandwich was $13.00 for a total of $14.37 with tax. (2024 prices)
Muchachas
If you are craving Mexican foods, this is the place to stop. We tried the classic Walking Taco with shredded beef and more. It was really good, and I would recommend this stop when visiting Armature Works. Cost for one beef Walking Taco was $16.00 plus $3.00 for added queso. Total of $20.42 with tax. (2024 prices)
Other restaurants in Armature Works
Bar AW
BNB - Butcher N Barbeque
Dalmoros
Hemingway’s Cuban Cuisine
Kipos
Steelbach
Stones Throw
The Fold
Zukku Sushi
M. Bird
You have to stop at this fabulous roof top bar/restaurant when visiting Armature Works. The food at M. Bird was so so good, and the view was fantastic. On the roof top you have a view of the Hillsborough River overlooking the patio area full of life with people walking, sitting and drinking a beer, boating and more.
Their menu is limited but they have some unique food options, and you will no doubt find something good to eat. We had the M - Burger which had great flavor with added chipotle cherry, brie, bacon, crispy onions, and a sesame brioche bun and include truffle fries. If you have never had truffle fries, you have to try these. The are soo good. Truffle has a hint of mushrooms, so it has a slight mushroom flavor but even if you don’t like mushrooms, you will like these fries. My husband had the spicy garlic shrimp which he said was really good. This consisted of garlic shrimp, chorizo, homemade tomato sauce with herbes, and grilled sourdough bread. Although the portion was small, it was good. We also had the lemonade, which was not good at all, so I do not recommend it.
Address: 1903 Market Street, Tampa
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 4pm - 12am, Thursday 4pm - 2pm, *Friday 3pm - 2am, *Saturday 12pm - 2am, *Sunday 12pm - 11pm. *21+ after 6pm. Thurs, Fri, Sat only.
Boat rental
In the area known as The Heights District Public Boat Docks at Armature works you can rent one of 10 boats for an hourly rate using the ParkMobile sign/app.
Pirate Water Taxi
Pirate Water Taxi offers a hop on, hop off service from 16 different stop along the Hillsborough River. Stop 16 will take you to Armature Works/Ulele area. Tickets can be purchased at any of the stops, online, or at the ticket booth at stop #7.
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11:30am - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 10:30pm
Cost: Adult $34, Child (ages 2-12) $24, Florida residents adults $26, Florida resident’s child $16. One way pass adult $20, child $15. Annual membership $199.95.
Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals
Rental prices range from $35 to $75 each rental depending on length of time. Check out Urban Kai online store for details.
Rent a Stand-up paddle board or kayak from this location right across from Armature works.
Kichi Taiyaki - Japanese Desserts
This next dessert place, Kichi Taiyaki, we went to isn’t in Tampa, but I added it to this list since it is in Brandon which is only about 20 minutes from Tampa Riverwalk. This place is worth the trip. This is a Japanese dessert restaurant. The food was delicious, and the portions were good size. We tried multiple desserts so we could try a variety of the foods. The Mango cheesecake was amazing although the cheesecake piece was really small compared to what you get but overall, it was a large dessert.
Cost for our meal 2024: Mango Cheesecake $12.50, Taiyaki cone with 2 toppings (ice cream in a cup with fish shaped cake on top) $7.75, Souffle pancake (we chose the cookies and cream flavor) $14.55. Total was $52.18
Address: 2020 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon
Hours: Daily from 12pm to 10pm
Explore the vibrant heart of Tamp at the Riverwalk, where eclectic locals and visitors gather for a dynamic blend of activities, from waterfront strolls and bike rides to paddleboarding adventures. Indulge in a culinary journey with a diverse array of dining options, ranging from fresh steak and seafood to trendy coffee and bistros. Immerse yourself in the lively entertainment as you dance to live music, street performers, and cultural events adding to the energy of the atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day along the water or an evening of excitement, Tampa’s Riverwalk offers an unforgettable experience for all. You will love visiting this area when in downtown Tampa.
Bookmark this page as I will add more details as I visit areas along Riverwalk.
**While in the area, head over to Ybor city for a historical city full of great food and lively roaming chickens. Check out my blog post HERE to learn more.
**Head south to Anna Maria Island and check out the best places to eat before enjoying the beautiful sunsets. Check out the details HERE.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the Author: Jennifer
I’m just a girl who loves to travel. My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures to inspire others to travel more. If you can dream it, you can do it! Want the whole story?
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