Our Favorite Things to Do Along the Tampa Riverwalk

Sparkman Wharf

Sparkman Wharf is an all-outdoor food hall located in Channelside, along the Tampa Riverwalk. Sparkman Wharf is the perfect spot to hang out with friends and one of the best things to do along the Tampa Riverwalk, featuring a huge beer garden and many different food venues. Don’t forget to snap a photo by the Tampa sign!

If you’re a pizza lover, you’ll go crazy with all the cheesy options at Sparkman.

Rocca

Right across Armature Works lies one of the top Italian places in Downtown Tampa – Rocca! Taste the best of Italy without having to set foot on a plane. Only the most exquisite pasta in town, mozzarella bars, and a long list of our favorite wine pairings! No matter how many Italian spots you’ve tried, there’s truly nothing like Rocca.

Pro tip: This is the kind of place to take a date, your partner, or your family for a surprise. Make a reservation as all of Tampa Bay knows this is easily among the top 5 Italian spots in town!

Armature Works

Armature Works is a food hall, located along the Tampa Riverwalk. Their outdoor seating connects directly to the Riverwalk, with lawn chairs overlooking the river. There are also some big picnic tables perfect for groups of friends!

On the lawn, there are a couple of bar stations and popsicle carts where you can cool off from the Florida sun. Armature Works is definitely one of the top things to do along the Tampa Riverwalk!

Columbia Cafe

The Columbia Cafe, a branch of the oldest restaurant in Florida, is located along the Tampa Riverwalk at Tampa History Museum. The beautiful patio is reminiscent of Cuban decor, mixed with a modern Florida aesthetic. The large patio is perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner before walking with friends. The iconic 1905 Salad and Cuban Sandwich are a must-order!

Ulele

Ulele is a popular restaurant located near Tampa Riverwalk and Armature Works. Their menu is full of amazing options–we recommend the Corn Beer Muffins and Native Chili as an appetizer, which has alligator, wild boar, venison, and duck! Native Floridian flavors and ingredients inspire this spot.

Reservations are encouraged and be sure to ask to sit outside if the weather is nice, or if you prefer to sit inside, ask to sit on the second floor.

Stones Throw

The delicious Stones Throw is along the Tampa Riverwalk and a next-door neighbor to Armature Works.  This outdoor patio area has both open-air and covered seating, perfect for watching the sunset or winding down for the weekend. Stones Throw has delicious seafood and the yummiest cocktails.

Pro tip: visit on a Tuesday for all-day Taco Tuesday specials, including $5 tap cocktails and $3 tacos.

Tampa Museum of Art

One of Tampa’s beloved museums, the Tampa Museum of Art, is located next to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park right off of the Tampa Riverwalk. For over 100 years, this museum has been collecting and preserving iconic works of art. The museum hosts rotating exhibits too, so there’s always something new to see.

Pro tip: if you’re a college student, bring your student ID for free admission! Not a student? Visit on a Thursday between 4:00pm–8:00pm for Art on the House and enjoy pay-as-you-will admission.