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Tampa is not just a city; it’s an adventure waiting to happen under the ever-watchful gaze of sunny blue skies and the whisper of warm ocean breezes. Here, the great outdoors isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a playground designed by nature herself, with an impressive trio of rivers – the Hillsborough, Alafia and Little Manatee – complementing the vast, inviting expanse of Tampa Bay.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on off-road trails or a tranquil escape along the waterfront, Tampa beckons with open arms and the promise of unforgettable experiences.
Water Activities in Tampa
Tampa offers a smorgasbord of water-based adventures that would make Poseidon himself envious. From the thrill of kayaking and paddleboarding to the unique experiences of cycle boats and water bikes, Tampa’s waters are a playground for the adventurous at heart. Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the city provides both salty escapades on the bay and fresh adventures on its three rivers, ensuring your visit is soaked in fun.
Best Kayaking in Tampa
The Hillsborough River, a 95-kilometer ribbon of water winding through Tampa before meeting the bay, is a kayaker’s dream. Paddling here is like traversing through a living postcard of old Florida, with cypress swamps, alligator sightings, and a chorus of herons, ibis, and egrets. The journey from Sargeant Park to Morris Bridge Park offers a shaded, serene paddle that feels miles away from civilization. Canoe Escape, with over 25 years of expertise, stands ready to equip you for this river adventure.
Cycle or Paddleboard in Tampa Bay
Imagine cycling on water or paddleboarding as the city skyline unfolds before you. These unique experiences are at your fingertips in Tampa. Sail Pavilion is your gateway to water biking, courtesy of the Tampa Water Bike Company. Their innovative biyaks let you pedal with your hands free—perfect for capturing that ultimate selfie against the bay backdrop. For those preferring a team effort, Kraken Cycleboats offers pedal-powered voyages for a private water party. Paddleboarding with Tampa Bay SUP near the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel introduces a serene perspective of the city, possibly accompanied by dolphins or manatees.
Best Spots to Walk or Bike in Tampa
Tampa’s pedestrian and cycle trails offer immersive experiences that invite you to step out of the car and into the heart of the city. The Tampa Riverwalk and Bayshore Boulevard Trail stand out as prime locales for soaking in views, culture, and the vibrancy of Tampa life on foot or two wheels.
The Riverwalk, a scenic path teeming with attractions like the Florida Aquarium and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, encapsulates the essence of Tampa’s dynamic waterfront. Armature Works, at the trail’s end, offers a culinary celebration, with Hemingway’s Modern Cuban Cuisine leading the charge.
Speaking of Cuban cuisine, no visit to Tampa is complete without indulging in the city’s signature Cuban sandwich. The Columbia Restaurant, a Tampa institution since 1905, and Hemingway’s at Armature Works offer the perfect bookends to a day of exploration—start with a Cuban sandwich, explore, then conclude with another, because why not?
Extending your journey to the Bayshore Boulevard Trail reveals quieter vistas but equally stunning views of Tampa’s skyline and waterside. City bikes are readily available, making it easy to transition from one scenic route to another.
For those seeking a more vigorous biking experience, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail offers a 58-kilometer adventure through Florida’s coastal charm. Dunedin and Clearwater serve as gateways to this path, with bike rentals available to help you embark on this picturesque journey through small towns, nature parks, and the allure of the Gulf Coast.
Tampa is not just a destination; it’s a journey that promises the transformation only travel can provide. From the adrenaline of watersports to the tranquility of its trails, Tampa invites you to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Come to Tampa, and leave changed.
