Explore Tampa’s rich history and vibrant culture with a self-guided audio tour. Discover the Riverwalk, Ybor City, and more.
Explore Tampa’s rich history and vibrant culture with a self-guided audio tour. Discover the Riverwalk, Ybor City, and more.
- Tampa Riverwalk - Welcome to the Tampa Riverwalk! This picturesque walking path runs alongside the Hillsborough River, offering plenty of sights and stories on both sides. Today’s walk covers just over two miles and should take about an hour and a half. So, let’s begin our journey!
- Hotel Tampa Riverwalk - As we pass the Hotel Tampa Riverwalk…
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Tampa Riverwalk - Welcome to the Tampa Riverwalk! This picturesque walking path runs alongside the Hillsborough River, offering plenty of sights and stories on both sides. Today’s walk covers just over two miles and should take about an hour and a half. So, let’s begin our journey!
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Hotel Tampa Riverwalk - As we pass the Hotel Tampa Riverwalk on our right, notice its sleek Art Deco design. Although it might seem like it was built in the early 1900s, it actually opened in 1969. The design pays homage to Miami’s architectural heyday when Art Deco was all the rage about a century ago. If you ever visit Miami, be sure to check out the driving tour of the city!
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Hillsborough River - Curious about the large cylindrical skyscraper on our right? That’s the iconic Rivergate Tower, built in 1988. Locals affectionately call it the “Beer Can Building.” It wasn’t designed to resemble a beer can, but rather to symbolize a lighthouse, illuminating Tampa’s business district and economic revival.
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Kiley Garden - The checkerboard pattern of grass and concrete strips to our right is Kiley Garden, designed in the 1980s by the late landscape architect Dan Kiley. Kiley was a fan of modern design and aimed to create outdoor spaces that harmonized with their surroundings. Here, he crafted a gridded landscape inspired by the business buildings that line the garden’s edge.
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Port Tampa Bay - The Hillsborough River flows into Hillsborough Bay, which empties into Tampa Bay about seven miles from here. This is also where you’ll find the Port of Tampa Bay, the largest port in Florida. Tankers and cargo ships transport over 37 million tons of cargo through this port each year!
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Julian B Lane Riverfront Park - How did Tampa, once a small town in the 1800s, become so significant? The discovery of a valuable mineral, phosphate, played a key role. Phosphate, a chemical compound of phosphorus found in rocks, is rich in nutrients and an ideal ingredient in fertilizers that promote crop growth. Phosphate also contributed to Tampa’s growth!
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Ybor City - During the rise and fall of Tampa’s cigar industry, the streets of Ybor City were dominated by a notorious figure known as “The Dean of the Underworld.” That man was Charlie Wall.
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Henry B. Plant Museum - As we near the end of our tour, it’s fitting to revisit the man who helped shape Tampa: Railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant. The lush park we’re about to enter is Henry B. Plant Park, named in his honor. It’s Tampa’s oldest public park and features a botanical garden filled with orchids, palms, citrus, and other tropical plants. When Plant purchased the land in 1886, it was a vast orange grove. 150 years ago, we would be walking through that grove! However, Plant cleared the trees to make way for his Tampa Bay Hotel, funded by his railroad earnings.
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Gasparilla Pirate Festival - Ahoy, mateys! Do you spot any pirates? There’s one day each year when they take over the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on our right. This occurs during the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, an annual tradition since 1904.
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Old Steel Railroad Bridge - This old steel bascule bridge is unique in Tampa. Dating back to 1915, it was once the main route into the old port of Tampa. Remarkably, it’s still in use today, albeit occasionally. Trains still cross the bridge from time to time, but there’s more river traffic passing underneath than trains passing over, so it’s usually left open.
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
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- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Food and Drinks.
- Food and Drinks.
Explore Tampa with this self-guided walking tour! Wander along the picturesque Tampa Riverwalk and discover the city’s scenic charm, from the Kiley Gardens to the historic railroad bridge and more. As you journey, delve into Tampa’s fascinating history. Learn about the city’s founding, its pirate troubles, conflicts between settlers and Native tribes,…
Explore Tampa with this self-guided walking tour! Wander along the picturesque Tampa Riverwalk and discover the city’s scenic charm, from the Kiley Gardens to the historic railroad bridge and more. As you journey, delve into Tampa’s fascinating history. Learn about the city’s founding, its pirate troubles, conflicts between settlers and Native tribes, and Tampa’s unique cigar mafia. Tampa offers an abundance of sights and stories!
After booking, check your email to download the Tour Guide App by Action. Enter your unique password to access your tour. Ensure you have a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection for these steps. Follow the audio instructions and the route provided.
Enjoy new, extended validity — the tour is yours for a whole year! Use it multiple times on different trips!
Please note, this is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Verify opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
- CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.