Best of Tampa City Tour: History, Waterfront Views & Landmarks

Overview

Itinerary

1. 1
   We start your tour at Armature Works, a restored warehouse and vibrant social hub filled with many variety of restaurants. From here, you can see the riverfront and get a view of the beautiful Hillsborough river.

2. 2
   Passing along the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic path along the river connecting parks, museums, and restaurants. Youu2019ll see people strolling, biking, and enjoying views of the downtown skyline from the water.

3. 3
   One of the Southeastu2019s premier performing arts venues. Where Broadway shows, concerts, and special performances light up Tampau2019s cultural scene.

4. 4
   5 min

   Stop at the Tampa Postcard Mural, a colorful public artwork celebrating the cityu2019s neighborhoods. Take photos and enjoy the vibrant street scene.

5. 5
   A modern and contemporary art museum featuring over 4,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and decorative arts. Notice its sleek architecture from the van.

6. 6
   An interactive museum designed for children, featuring hands-on exhibits in art, science, and imaginative play. Located along the Riverwalk, the museum is a key family-friendly attraction in downtown Tampa.

7. 7
   A 5-acre urban park along the Hillsborough River featuring lawns, public art, walking paths, and event space. Curtis Hixon Park hosts concerts, festivals, and seasonal community activities, making it a central recreational area in downtown Tampa.

8. 8
   10 min

   Weu2019ll make a stop along Bayshore Boulevard, one of the longest continuous sidewalks in the world, stretching over 4 miles along Tampa Bay. Take a stroll or snap photos of the scenic Tampa bay waterfront view and elegant historic homes. It is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, and is considered one of Tampau2019s most iconic streets.

9. 9
   Charming mix of boutique shops, cafes, and historic architecture. This neighborhood was one of Tampau2019s first suburbs, and you can still see the tree-lined streets and classic buildings that give it a quaint, walkable feel.

10. 10
    An upscale residential area built on two man-made islands in Tampa Bay. Features waterfront homes, marinas, main street featuring shops and restaurants. Also, small parks, with panoramic views of the bay and downtown skyline. Davis Islands also includes Tampau2019s municipal airport and yacht clubs.

11. 11
    10 min

    A 600,000-square-foot waterfront convention facility hosting exhibitions, conferences, and concerts. The building includes large event halls, outdoor plazas, and access to the Riverwalk, providing views of the Hillsborough River and downtown Tampa. Step out to take photos of the modern architecture and enjoy views of the riverfront plaza.

12. 12
    Driving through Water Street Tampa, youu2019ll see a modern waterfront neighborhood with condos, offices, and restaurants. Highlights include Benchmark Arena and The Tampa EDITION hotel, adding a vibrant, contemporary feel to downtown Tampa.

13. 13
    10 min

    A waterfront area located on what was historically part of Port Tampa, once used for shipping and maritime commerce. The site has been redeveloped into a public gathering space with restaurants, outdoor seating, and event areas, while still reflecting Tampau2019s long connection to the port and waterfront trade. Today, it offers clear views of Tampa Bay and the downtown skyline.

14. 14
    Tampau2019s main seaport, historically central to the cityu2019s growth through shipping, trade, and military use. Today, Port Tampa Bay is one of Floridau2019s largest ports, serving cargo vessels and cruise ships traveling to the Caribbean.

15. 15
    A public aquarium opened in 1995 as part of Tampau2019s downtown waterfront redevelopment efforts. It features marine and freshwater species from Florida and around the world, highlighting the regionu2019s connection to coastal ecosystems and marine conservation.

16. 16
    The Channel District originally supported port operations, storage, and maritime commerce. Over time, the neighborhood transitioned into a residential and commercial district, reflecting Tampau2019s downtown growth and redevelopment. Today, it includes modern housing, offices, and public spaces while maintaining its connection to the cityu2019s working waterfront.

17. 17
    10 min

    Your final stop, a historic neighborhood founded in the late 1800s as the center of Tampau2019s cigar manufacturing industry. Ybor City was developed by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrant communities who lived and worked around the cigar factories. The area formed its own social clubs, housing, and commercial streets, shaping Tampau2019s early economy and cultural identity. Today, Ybor City remains one of Floridau2019s most well preserved historic districts, with original brick buildings, streets, and murals, making it a popular area for walking and taking photos.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• ✓ 100% refund24 hours or more before the start time
• ✕ 0% refundLess than 24 hours before the start time

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