The 2.5-mile pedestrian space connects downtown's most popular destinations like gems on a string. The mix of museums, restaurants and parks makes the Tampa Riverwalk a crucial part of any visit.

FLORIDA AQUARIUM | 20,000 sea creatures, river otters and ring-tailed lemurs call this Tampa Bay institution home. Touch sting rays, ponder the coral reef tank or splash in the water park.

CHANNELSIDE BAY PLAZA | Well-known restaurants (Hooters) and local favorites (Hablo Taco) make this entertain complex a place to stop. Not hungry? Bowl a few frames at Splitsville.

TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER | This modern museum houses 12,000 of Tampa Bay history, starting with the Native Americans who first found settled on the shores of the sparkling bay. Interactive exhibits tell of Spanish and American settlers, cowboys, Cuban cigar makers and the region's role in U.S. wars.

COTANCHOBEE FT. BROOKE PARK | On Garrison Channel, this park is named for the 1840s U.S. military encampment that became the City of Tampa. The park has a children's playground and great views of the Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat races each spring.

SAIL PAVILION | A 360-degree bar makes a great place to watch the sunset. It shares space with Tampa Bay Water Bikes and Tampa eBoats for those who want to get out onto the water.

USF PARK | In the shadow of the Tama Convention Center, this park celebrates Tampa Bay's hometown University of South Florida, which stands as a national center of education and research.

MACDILL PARK | Tampa Bay's hometown military institution, home to Special Operations Forces and U.S. Central Command, is commemorated with monuments that trace its history from World War II.

KENNEDY BOULEVARD PLAZA | The last major segment of the Riverwalk opened in early 2015. The quarter-mile span skims the surface of the Hillsborough River and includes shade canopies and seating.

KILEY GARDENS | Named for its designer, architect Dan Kiley, this 4.5-acre plaza's grid is based on the mathematical Fibonacci sequence. It includes an amphitheater and is a popular place for festivals.

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS | Part of the iconic Rivergate Tower complex, the museum displays photographic works and offers courses in the art of photography.

CURTIS HIXON WATERFRONT PARK | Tampa Bay's riverfront festival grounds, the 8-acre park has splash fountains, a playground and dog park – all with city skyline as a backdrop. Stop in Sundays for yoga.

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART | A work of art itself, the museum's collection runs from ancient to modern. It frequently hosts traveling shows. At night, the shimmering colors of “Sky (Tampa)” by New York artist Leo Villareal light the facade.

GLAZER CHILDRENS' MUSEUM | Children up to 12 explore all facets of life in Tampa Bay at this hands-on museum. They study the working of water, engineer paper airplanes and create works of art.

AMERICA, AMERICA | A towering steel sculpture by Barbara Neijna stands entwined by the spiral staircase leading to John F. Germany Central Library. It's part of the City of Tampa's public art collection.

STRAZ CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS | The largest theatre complex in the Southeast hosts a Broadway series fall through spring, homegrown theater troupes, and the Florida Orchestra.

WATERWORKS PARK | The northern end of the Tampa Riverwalk, this part includes a concert shell, splash pad and waterfront views of the Hillsborough River and restored Ulele spring.

ULELE | Among Open Table users' Top 100 U.S. restaurants, Ulele serves meals inspired by foods used by Florida's original natives. Housed in the city's restored former pumphouse, it has its own brewery.

HISTORIC MARKERS | Bronze busts on granite plinths recall the men and women whose work created today's Tampa Bay. The list includes railroad baron Henry B. Plant, whose trains and steamers made Tampa Bay the commercial hub of Florida's west coast.