Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
A vibrant downtown oasis on the Hillsborough River, offering stunning views, lively events, and family-friendly amenities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant downtown oasis on the Hillsborough River, offering stunning views, lively events, and family-friendly amenities.
"Stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the skyline, it’s the perfect place to relax."
🚶♀️ Walk the Riverwalk
Explore the scenic Tampa Riverwalk connecting to Curtis Hixon. Watch out for bikes & scooters!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Park hosts many events like festivals & concerts. Plan your visit around them!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tampa Riverwalk Stroll
Along the Hillsborough River
Scenic path offering stunning river and skyline views, perfect for walking, biking, or scooting.

Nightly Fountain Spectacle
Central area of the park
Mesmerizing water and light show that illuminates the park after dark, creating a magical ambiance.

Winter Village Ice Skating
Seasonal setup in the park
Experience outdoor ice skating in Florida during the holiday season, a unique and festive activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Riverwalk
Event Hotspot: Check the Calendar
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Riverwalk
Explore the scenic Tampa Riverwalk connecting to Curtis Hixon. Watch out for bikes & scooters!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Park hosts many events like festivals & concerts. Plan your visit around them!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Features a fenced dog park with water bowls for your furry friends.
⛸️ Winter Village Magic
Enjoy outdoor ice skating during the holiday season at Winter Village.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Riverwalk
Explore the scenic Tampa Riverwalk connecting to Curtis Hixon. Watch out for bikes & scooters!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Park hosts many events like festivals & concerts. Plan your visit around them!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Features a fenced dog park with water bowls for your furry friends.
⛸️ Winter Village Magic
Enjoy outdoor ice skating during the holiday season at Winter Village.
🧘♀️ Free Community Yoga
Join free yoga sessions in the park, often held on Sundays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park's stunning river views, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse events. It's praised as a clean, well-maintained space perfect for relaxation, recreation, and enjoying sunsets. Some wish for more benches, and caution is advised on the busy Riverwalk due to cyclists and scooters.
"Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa is one of my favorite spots in the city. With stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the skyline, it’s the perfect place to relax, take a walk, or enjoy the sunset. The park is clean, well-maintained, and always buzzing with activity from yoga classes and food trucks to weekend markets and festivals. There’s a great playground for kids, a dog park, and plenty of open space for picnics or just lounging under the trees. It’s also a short walk to great spots like the Tampa Museum of Art and Armature Works. Whether you’re visiting or local, this park is a must-see and truly captures the heart of downtown Tampa."
Serge El-Khazen
"Great place to unwind after a long day of anything!!!! The atmosphere is great. You can walk, run, ride or scoot down the sidewalk path from the Convention Center all the way to Armature Works. Sipping is allowed, actually, I recommend it (only after dark tho, it's too hot otherwise). There's a little amphitheater area that's 420 friendly 🥴😉😶🌫️💨. They have a nice playground for the little guys. It's downtown, so there's direct access to food trucks, stores, etc."
CAN'TSTOP ARAb
"Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery. The river view walkway was absolutely stunning, and the whole area had a peaceful, scenic vibe. I just wish there were more benches to sit and enjoy the view for longer. Overall, it’s a great place to visit and unwind!"
Olha B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is located at 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking garages. You can also reach it via the Pirate Water Taxi or by walking/biking along the Tampa Riverwalk.
Yes, there are several parking garages within walking distance, including the Fort Brooke Garage and the Tampa Convention Center Garage. Street parking may also be available.
The Pirate Water Taxi is a popular option for getting to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, offering scenic views along the way.
While the Riverwalk is great for cycling, be mindful of other users like pedestrians and scooter riders. Some users have noted that cyclists and scooter riders don't always yield, so stay alert.
Many visitors enjoy walking, biking, or scooting along the Riverwalk. The park itself is spacious and great for leisurely strolls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a public park and generally free to enter. However, special events held within the park, like festivals or concerts, may have separate admission fees.
The park is typically open from dawn until dusk. However, hours can vary, especially during special events or for specific amenities like the playground. It's best to check the official city of Tampa parks website for the most up-to-date information.
Tickets are usually only required for specific ticketed events such as festivals (like the Asian Night Market
) or concerts. Many community events, like yoga in the park, are free.Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in the park. Some reviews mention enjoying drinks after dark, but be mindful of park regulations.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a family-friendly public space, and there are no age restrictions for general entry. Children are welcome, and there's a dedicated playground for them.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a variety of activities including walking the Riverwalk, relaxing on the grass, visiting the playground, letting your dog play in the dog park, and attending events like festivals, concerts, and yoga.
Yes, the park features a nice playground area for children, making it a great spot for families.
Absolutely! Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park has a fenced-in dog park with drinking bowls, making it a great amenity for pet owners.
The park offers stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the downtown Tampa skyline, especially beautiful during sunset.
While there are open grassy areas perfect for lounging, some visitors have noted a wish for more benches to sit and enjoy the river view for longer periods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park often hosts food trucks and is a venue for food festivals, offering a variety of cuisines. It's also close to Armature Works and other downtown eateries.
Festivals at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park often feature diverse culinary offerings. For example, the Asian Night Market and Mid-Autumn Festival showcased a wide range of Asian foods.
Yes, the park's open grassy areas are perfect for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy a meal with a view of the river.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is conveniently located near many downtown Tampa restaurants and Armature Works, offering plenty of dining choices.
Some reviews suggest that sipping is allowed after dark, particularly in the amphitheater area, which is noted as being 420 friendly. However, always check current park regulations regarding alcohol consumption.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers fantastic photo opportunities with its riverfront views, city skyline, the iconic fountain, and during vibrant events and festivals. Sunset shots are particularly popular.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photos of the river and skyline. The fountain also looks magical when lit up at night.
The Hillsborough River, the Tampa skyline, the park's fountain, and any event stages or decorations during festivals are great subjects for photos.
Drone usage in public parks is often restricted. It's advisable to check with the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation department for specific regulations regarding drone operation in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Events like the Asian Night Market, Riverfest, or even the holiday Winter Village offer dynamic and colorful scenes perfect for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet Owners
🚶♀️ Walkers & Runners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Events and Festivals: A Dynamic Hub
Social media content frequently highlights these events, showcasing the lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. For instance, videos capture the excitement of night markets and the festive spirit of holiday markets. The park's adaptability allows it to transform for various occasions, from solemn vigils to joyous celebrations, underscoring its role as a central gathering point for the Tampa community. The sheer variety means there's often something new and exciting to discover at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, regardless of when you visit.
When planning your visit, consider the impact of these events on accessibility and crowd levels. While they add to the park's appeal, they can also mean higher visitor numbers and potential disruptions to normal park access. Checking event schedules in advance will help you make the most of your trip, whether you're aiming to participate in a specific festival or simply enjoy the park's usual amenities with fewer people around.
The Tampa Riverwalk Experience
However, the Riverwalk's popularity means it can get crowded, especially with a mix of pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users. Some travelers have noted that navigating the path requires awareness, as not all users strictly adhere to traffic etiquette, leading to potential near-misses. It's advisable to stay alert and be mindful of others sharing the path to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Despite these considerations, the Riverwalk is widely praised for its beauty and its role in enhancing the downtown Tampa experience.
Beyond its recreational appeal, the Riverwalk serves as a vibrant artery for community life. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the outdoors, access cultural institutions, and experience the dynamic energy of downtown Tampa. The connection between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the broader Riverwalk system makes it an essential destination for anyone looking to explore the heart of the city on foot or by bike.
Family and Pet-Friendly Amenities
For those with furry companions, the park boasts a dedicated, fenced-in dog park complete with drinking bowls. This amenity ensures that dogs have a safe and enjoyable space to exercise and socialize. The presence of these specific facilities highlights the park's commitment to catering to a diverse range of visitors, making it a versatile destination for a variety of needs and preferences. The combination of a playground and a dog park makes it a convenient stop for families traveling with both children and pets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit