The World’s Longest Continuous Sidewalk: Tampa’s Bayshore Blvd.
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Tampa is most known its’ top notch tourist attractions including Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa, and The Florida Aquarium. In addition to these well known entertainment destinations, the Bay area is also home to many beautiful recreational areas, including lush parks, gardens, and biking paths. After living in the metro for more than 3 years, I quickly figured out that the best things to do in the area were more often than not the areas least visited by tourists. While I love the beaches, the city is home to so many gorgeous recreation areas. As a fitness buff and regular cycler and jogger, I love the convenient access to all these wonderful parks and paths.
Many tourists stick to the Gulf beaches and theme parks but forget that Florida is a beautiful place away from the man made clutter. As the beaches can get really crowded, biking can be a breath of fresh air for those tired of the tourist traffic. You still get to enjoy wonderful scenery with the added bonus of a fantastic workout! After a few weekends at the beach, I am usually looking for something different to do. Biking is a great way to still enjoy the outdoors without dealing with the tourist crowds and hassle of finding parking.
Did you know that Tampa is home to one of the world’s longest continuous sidewalks? At 4.5 miles, it makes the Guinness World Records. Starting in downtown Tampa and passing through the beautiful historic Hyde Park neighborhood, this 9 mile round trip ride provides the most picture-perfect setting for a weekend morning ride, run, or skate.
Update: Since originally writing this post, there is a new record holder. The Galveston Seawall is now the longest uninterrupted sidewalk at 10.3 miles. Regardless, Bayshore is one of my favorite places to bike and run. Honestly, the distance is long enough for me – most of the time I wouldn’t recommend much longer in this heat and humidity!
Palms, Sunshine, & The Bay
Near the start of the trail, you will pass the Gasparilla pirate boat. Each year, the city hosts the Gasparilla Pirate Festival which is basically a weekend long celebration of everything pirate related. There is a parade and 5k race amongst other fun events. I lived here during the iconic Super Bowl LV festivities (the first time a team was playing at their home stadium). As you can see in the photo, the boat was all decked out and they even had a pyrotechnic show at night. As a Brady and Patriots fan, this was a cool experience to attend the Riverwalk Superbowl event.
Along the path, there is a decent view of the skyline. In my opinion, it’s not the most attractive skyline in the country, but the water backdrop creates a picture-perfect summer vibe. It’s not often that I come across a biking path along the water, so it’s something different.
Although unshaded for the most part, pretty palm trees line the path, giving you a nice summery Florida feel all year-round. Of course, it is best to save this ride for the fall/winter season as there is pretty much zero shade. You will find beautiful views of the Hillsborough Bay on one side and historic waterfront mansions on the other side. The homes are so gorgeous in this area – I imagine they cost a fortune. It can be hard to get out there on vacation and exercise, but scenic views like this make it a bit more motivating.
For those looking to get in a more intense workout, you can work up a sweat on the fitness stations. Test out your strength on the pull up bars or give your abs a workout on the sit up bench. I admit all these challenges are really hard, but I have fun testing my limits.
The most beautiful place in the city for a workout
Biking or walking this path is one of the best ways to take in all that the city has to offer. On this fabulous trail, you can experience everything from grand views of the skyline to gorgeous views of the bay to possible dolphin and manatee sightings! I have never seen any wildlife here despite usually biking pretty early in the morning but I’ve heard from others so the chance is always there.
Despite being so beautiful, this path sees a surprisingly low amount of traffic, even on weekend morning/afternoons. This is my favorite urban trail to bike or run in the metro. The scenery can not be topped and the distance is perfect for a moderate exercise session.
I recommend checking it out whether you are a local tired of the same old-same old or a tourist looking to do something more off-the-beaten path. Grab your bike, skates, or running shoes and enjoy a day of exercise and fun-in-the-sun on the Gulf. You will see all types of athletes out there enjoying the sun. It’s fun. It’s free. And, most importantly, it’s beautiful. And even better, it’s a really great workout.
Know that you don’t have to complete the entire route – you can turn around at any point. For those needing a break, there are various benches scattered about to relax and enjoy the view before continuing on the path.
For those up for a challenge
You have the option of connecting to the Riverwalk, a 2 mile route downtown which connects a lot of the city attractions like the Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Museum of Art. Sure, it will be a longer ride but you will get convenient access to a lot of attractions. I also recommend lunch at Columbia, a wonderful Spanish restaurant with many locations throughout the metro. Their Cuban Blacks Beans dish is so amazing!
Directions
The path begins at 312 Bayshore Blvd. There is area parking near the Gasparilla pirate boat. Meters are in effect weekdays until 6:00pm. Weekend parking in downtown is free.
Tips for a great workout
*Bring with a reusable water bottle. There are fountains located throughout the path to refill it up. You will need it, especially on hot spring and summer days! A camelbak also works well in this case.
*Plan your ride for a weekend morning. Crowd levels will be low and parking will be free! As an added bonus, the temperatures will be a little bit cooler. I recommend getting out here by 7am.
*Make sure your bike is properly tuned before heading out.
*If running or walking, bring with a GPS watch so you can plan how far you want to go and when you want to turn around (unless you plan on completing the full 9 miles there and back). I use a Garmin Forerunner.
*Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and manatees early in the morning!
*Fuel up at a local coffeehouse prior to your ride. Buddy Brew in Hyde Park Village serves great coffee and also offers a few pastries and delicious biscuits! I love their seasonal pumpkin bread.
