Tampa Riverwalk places No. 2 in national competition

The popular walkway is one of Tampa’s most popular attractions.

Riverfest 2015 Junction 1.jpg

Folks crowd the pathway during Riverfest.

Photo by Friends of the Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is nearly on top. But we already knew that.

The scenic, five-mile walkway lining the Hillsborough River just nabbed silver in USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Travel Awards for Best Riverwalk, beating out San Antonio’s River Walk (hey SATXtoday), Louisville’s Waterfront Park (booyah LOUtoday), and the Charles River Esplanade (wink BOStoday), and more.

The judges ranked the Tampa hotspot highly for its beautiful surroundings + views and “how effectively links businesses, parks, and museums while serving as a central location for community activities,” according to a release from the Friends of the Riverwalk.

And the Riverwalk’s role in linking the community is growing. We recently reported that the City of Tampa is progressing with plans to expand the Riverwalk to about 12 miles by 2026 — allowing more neighborhoods access, connecting schools to the path, adding living shorelines, and more.

More from TBAYtoday
See this dino-mite live experience featuring 70 realistic dinosaurs.
Take a peek at the Lightning’s new throwback jerseys.
Check out these spook-tacular events happening at our local aquariums.
Curated calendar for new openings, tours, exhibits, and foodie events.
The local professional theater community has named its 2022 awards contenders.
There’s ample Tampa Bay waterways, and we break down some of best ways to explore them.