Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Downtown Tampa
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, across from University of Tampa's gorgeous minarets, where the elegant Kennedy Blvd Bridge crosses the Hillsborough River, is the crown jewel of downtown Tampa and particularly spectacular at night. The silver minarets of the University of Tampa are lit up, along with the Kennedy Blvd Bridge in varying colors: red, green, blue. And the Tampa Museum of Art is lit up in moving rainbow colors. In front of the Glazer Children's Museum, the splash fountain is lit in little rectangles. Everywhere there is something wonderful and glittering to see! It is magical when there is a sliver of moon just dangling over the water. Come with your lover for a romantic stroll here, a stop along the popular Tampa Riverwalk.
Or come with your kids to the space age playground and little hill with half-globe rocks to climb in front of the Tampa Museum of Art. There is a plastic 4-seater spinner, motorcycle bouncies, circular spinner that kids love to walk along, individual seat spinner, techno music station with large lit-up buttons, and play structure with slides and rope climbies. Sometimes people come out with light-up hula hoops and play on the sloping great lawn, adding more fun to the scene here. Others hang out and listen to live music on the seat terraces. Watch out for speedy electric skooters racing by.
There are inexpensive cafes on Twiggs Street and its side streets, in a slightly grungy urban setting. Or have a glass of fresh-brewed iced tea, or a delicious fresh-baked lemon poppy seed muffin, at Riverwalk Cafe in the Tampa Museum of Art. It has a fantastic view of the river and the minarets from its floor to ceiling windows on two sides, and a modern interior. You can walk around the Tampa Museum of Art after, checking out its ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, and special exhibits. The special exhibits weren't the interesting when we were there but they change all the time.
Walk three blocks east to Sacred Heart Catholic Church to see its beautiful dome and grand interior. The stained glass inside is lovely, though it's a bit of a mishmash of different styles throughout the church. Light a candle for $1 and say a prayer.
We didn't get bit by mosquitoes at this park both times we went, at night and at dusk. It seems that in the city, where there aren't many mangroves, Florida's mosquito problem is much improved.
Splash fountain in front of Glazer Children's Museum.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park as seen from Kennedy Blvd bridge.
Gorgeous lighting on the Kennedy Blvd bridge over the Hillsborough River.
The Kennedy Blvd bridge is a romantic way to cross the river at night.
Stop on the Kennedy Blvd bridge and take in the gorgeous scene of the river.
Looking at the river and park from the bridge.
Changing colors light up the bridge at night.
The lovely walk on Kennedy Blvd across the river to Curtis Hixon Park.
Cluster of palms in front of the Glazer Children's Museum, on a beautiful summer night.
It's lovely to stroll beside the river at Curtis Hixon Park at sunset.
The playground and spinner at dusk (currently closed for repair, September 2019).
The Kennedy Blvd bridge lit at night, with the NBC tower behind.
Minarets at University of Tampa, as seen from Curtis Hixon Park at night.
Green lighting on the Kennedy Blvd bridge as seen from the riverfront in Downtown Tampa.
Space age playground in front of the Tampa Museum of Art at the riverfront.
Half-globes to climb at the sloping lawn in front of the Tampa Museum of Art.
Splash fountain in front of the Glazer Children's Museum.
Enjoying a warm summer night at a nearby cafe.
Outdoor lighting at Malio's on the Kennedy Blvd bridge.
Tampa Pizza Company- so delicious! And a great, modern interior!
Sidewalk cafe across from the park.
Playing in the splash fountain.
Cluster of palms in front of the children's museum.
View of the University of Tampa across the river.
Kids enjoying the spinner, with city skyline behind.
Lovers enjoy the romantic atmosphere among the twinkling city lights.
Benches that line the riverfront boardwalk.
The interesting lines at Curtis Hixon Park.
Skyscrapers in the distance.
The minarets of the University of Tampa, across the river.
Pine trees in a row.
The University of Tampa across the water- what views!
Walking along the riverwalk.
Riverwalk Cafe, in the Tampa Museum of Art.
It's lovely to sit in Riverwalk Cafe and cool down.
Beautiful architecture.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
The sweet interior of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Stained glass windows- in a different style to the others.
Sacred heart of Jesus stained glass.
Looking up at the ceiling.
Angels in an alcove.
Jesus sculpture.
Looking up at the rotunda.
Rose window.
Medieval towns in the stained glass.
I love the architecture in the stained glass.
Tall stained glass.
Stained glass and candles to light.
The beautiful interior of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Sculpture outside Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Cafe with views of the neoclassical National Exchange Bank building.
Tampa Museum of Art is in a modern building.
Bike riding along the Riverwalk in front of Curtis Hixon Park.
The minarets of the University of Tampa.
Minarets of stainless steel- the gorgeous University of Tampa.
Dome at the University of Tampa.
Ancient Greek oil vessel, at Tampa Museum of Art.
Attractive gallery in Tampa Museum of Art.
Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N. Ashley Dr, Tampa FL 33602. There is a public parking garage just steps to the north of the park, on Ashley Dr, and the price is only $5. There are also plenty of metered parking spots where you pay with your credit card at the machine- these are not checked (and are therefore free) on the weekend!
Tampa Pizza Company, 777 N. Ashley Dr, Tampa FL, call (813) 463-1600.
Last Updated: Sat, 12 Jun 2021 16:06:02 GMT
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