<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Stretching 2.6 miles, the Tampa Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River by downtown Tampa is a fun, festive and extremely popular destination for Tampa Bay locals and visitors alike! With a growing list of waterfront dining options, three museums, a steady stream of outdoor festivals, and a growing list of water activities, it’s easy to plan the perfect Labor Day Weekend Tampa Riverwalk date.
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more active itinerary, the Tampa Riverwalk has something to fit every style.
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What is the Tampa Riverwalk?
The Tampa Riverwalk is a unique 2.6-mile waterside walkway along the shores of downtown Tampa. Great for biking, walking, jogging, and strolling, the Tampa Riverwalk connects parks, museums, restaurants, bars, hotels, sporting venues, meeting spaces, offices, convention spaces and cultural landmarks.
The Tampa Riverwalk walkway begins north of downtown Tampa at the Heights Public Market inside the Tampa Armature Works building, by the North Blvd. Bridge. It continues south along the shores of the Hillsborough River, finally terminating by the Tampa History Museum and Channelside Drive, home to the redeveloped Sparkman Wharf.
You can walk, bike, or even use an electric scooter to get around and there are rental spots all along! Just watch out because pedestrians have the right of way, and they like to walk in big groups!
Things to Do Along the Tampa Riverwalk Labor Day Weekend
Take a Bike Tour Around Tampa
Tampa Bay By Bike has several tours that take you along some notable locations in the city. This is a fun, active option to see Tampa from a whole new point of view. For $49 per person, this tour lasts about 2.5-3 hours and includes a bike, helmet, and bottle of water making for the perfect outdoor Labor Day Weekend event! Try the Brew Loop Bike Tour to stop along some of Tampa’s best breweries.
Water Activities to Do Labor Day Weekend
Rent an eBoat (open late until 10pm) or mini powerboat (last rental at 6pm) to explore the downtown waterways. There are multiple restaurants where docking is permitted and no boating license is required.
Alternatively, hop on and off the Pirate Water Taxi at various stops along the Riverwalk while taking in scenic views of the waterfront, including stops at Channelside for shopping, Harbor Island, and Davis Island’s restaurant row.
Prefer a booze cruise? Enjoy pedal-powered fun on the Kraken Cycleboat or make your way down the river on a floating tiki boat with Cruisin’ Tikis Tampa Bay. Both tours are BYOB.
Visit the Tampa Museum of Art
Founded in 1920, the Tampa Museum of Art features engaging exhibits and rotating exhibitions. It houses one of the largest Greek and Roman antiquities collections in the southeastern U.S. The museum features sculpture, photography, painting, new media, and more. Located along the Riverwalk next to Curtis Hixon Park, it’s a great place to hang out for the day during the long Labor Day Weekend. Tickets start at $25 for general admission.
Places to Eat Along the Riverwalk
Most of the food and drink spots along the Tampa Riverwalk are concentrated within Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf. Both have fantastic outdoor areas to hang out on a beautiful day during Labor Day Weekend. You can find the full Armature Works vendor list here, and the full Sparkman Wharf vendor list here. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites.
Astro Craft Ice Cream
Astro Craft Ice Cream, located inside the Height’s Public Market at Armature Works, creates Instagram-worthy ice cream to order, right in front of you. Make your own indulgent creation from a variety of flavors and add-ons, including a fun “shot” of honey, caramel or chocolate injected into your masterpiece by way of a plastic syringe.
Ava
For those times you’re craving an authentic Italian Neapolitan pizza cooked in a piping hot oven straight from Italy, Ava delivers. Aside from pizza, the menu also features other rustic Italian dishes. There are three locations throughout the Tampa area, including one inside of Armature Works along the Riverwalk.
Bake’n Babes
Also located inside of Armature Works, it doesn’t get more Instagram-worthy than Bake’n Babes’ over the top desserts. From the unique taiyaki cone to Nutella stuffed chocolate chip cookies, this is the spot to let your sweet tooth go wild. Exclusive to this location is “The Works,” an over-the-top ice cream treat topped with an assortment of sweets (think donuts, Oreos, popcorn, candy, etc.) that rotates monthly.
BAR AW at Armature Works
Bar AW at Armature Works, at the northern starting point of the Tampa Riverwalk, is a creation from the cocktail masters at Ciro’s Speakeasy in south Tampa. It’s hard to miss the stylish bar standing proud inside the market. Stop and stay awhile for a delicious craft cocktail made with care.
Butcher n’ Barbeque
Butcher n’ Barbeque (BnB) serves up tasty made-to-order sandwiches, house-smoked meats and more within Heights Public Market. Feast on house-smoked meats like brisket, pulled pork, spareribs and whole or half chicken.
Cru Armature Works
Cru’s downtown location is a cozy fixture inside the Armature Works building, part of the Heights Public Market, along the Tampa Riverwalk’s northern end. The location offers a smaller menu highlighting dishes like sandwiches, cheese & charcuterie and wines by-the-glass. Oh and, you can take that wine to go as you peruse the rest of the market!
Edison’s Swigamajig
Swigamajig bills itself a no-frills dive bar and fish kitchen. Seafood loves will delight in tasting Chef Pierola’s seafood menu alongside craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Find it in Sparkman Wharf’s dining garden at the end of the Tampa Riverwalk.
Empamamas
Hand wrapped with Love at Armature Works along the Tampa Riverwalk, Empamamas serves delicious empanadas and tacos.
Flock & Stock
Over the top burgers and tasty waffle fries are a few fixtures on the menu at Flock and Stock. Burger choices range from Cooter Brown’s Favorite F&S Southern Swag Burger with sauce, cheddar cheese, bread and butter pickles to the Hugh Heifer with truffle oil, aged Swiss, bacon jam and sauteed mushrooms. Also, with a great selection of chicken sandwiches, a la carte sides (can you say “Moon Pie?”), and a good kid’s menu, this place is a gem!
Gallito Taqueria
At the Sparkman Wharf end of the Tampa Riverwalk is Chef Ferrell Alvarez and restaurateur Ty Rodriguez’s Gallito. Gallito is a modern taqueria serving up a twist on classic Mexican street food. The menu includes everything from Duck Carnitas to Barbacoa Butternut tacos.
Graze 1910
If you’re looking for a place where breakfast is served all day, Graze 1910 in The Heights Public Market inside Armature Works is your spot! The menu includes breakfast and brunch favorites like house made waffles, artisan burgers, and gourmet toasts. There are also some healthier options available. Soak up scenic downtown Tampa skyline views while you dine.
LightHaus Biergarten
Beat the heat with a cold one at the reimagined waterfront biergarten at Sparkman Wharf by the Tampa Riverwalk. This outdoor biergarten offers over 30 beers, many of which are craft beers local to the Tampa Bay area.
M. Bird Rooftop Bar
Take in the spectacular views of downtown as you venture to the rooftop of Armature Works to M.Bird. Treat yourself to craft cocktails and small plates while you enjoy the view. Rain or shine, M.Bird has a covered patio to keep the party going.
Murph’s Barbecue
Sink your teeth into pulled pork, chopped chicken, brisket, mac-and-cheese, baked beans and coleslaw. Named after co-founder Scott Roberts’ childhood canine, Murph’s welcomes all friendly pups and even offers homemade dog treats.
Oak & Ola
Created by a group of close friends, Oak & Ola is a EuroAmerican romantic restaurant located right in Tampa’s Armature Works. Enjoy a classic and comfortable setting with a timeless design. Check out the Blue Crab Spaghetti for a fun twist on a classic Italian dish.
The Sail
Located directly on the Tampa Riverwalk by the Tampa Convention Center is The Sail, a 360-degree waterfront bar. The Sail is a great spot for a cocktail and a bite to eat while strolling along the Tampa Riverwalk. It offers unparalleled views of the water and is also a great place to watch the Labor Day Weekend sunset.
Splitsville Southern + Social
Splitsville is a one-stop shop for bowling, arcade games and a tasty bite. You’ll find it located at Sparkman Wharf along the Tampa Riverwalk. The menu comprised of Southern fare is inspired by James Beard Award winning Chef Art Smith. Hang out here before attending a Lightning hockey game or event at Amalie Arena.
Steelbach
Located inside of Armature Works, Steelbach’s chophouse menu includes local grass-fed beef and Southern-inspired favorites. Steaks are cooked over a 1000-degree oak fire grille, lending a unique flavor. Looking for something other than a dinner date? Check out the sweet and savory brunch menu while sipping on mimosas.
Ulele
Near the northern starting point of the Tampa Riverwalk, by Armature Works and the North Blvd. Bridge, is Ulele. Ulele, a concept by Columbia founder, Richard Gonzmart, features a seafood-heavy menu utilizing ingredients from Florida’s waters. It also pays homage to the many Native Americans who once lived in the area.
Zukku Sushi
At Zukku inside the Height’s Public Market at Armature Works, you create your own sushi creation in roll, bowl or burrito form. The DIY-menu approach allows you to pick a style, protein and a few finishing touches to make a one-of-a-kind sushi creation. Or choose from a selection of Zukku’s own sushi rolls, bowls and burritos.