The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park park
The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Reasons to Visit:
1. Beautiful Scenery: The park is situated along the Hillsborough River, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding cityscape.
2. Recreation Opportunities: Curtis Hixon offers a range of recreational activities such as walking, jogging, picnicking, and yoga classes. The open grassy areas and well-maintained pathways are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Events and Festivals: The park hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, food festivals, and holiday celebrations. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and lively entertainment during these occasions.
4. Urban Oasis: Despite being located in the heart of downtown Tampa, the park offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, providing a temporary escape from the bustling city life.
Points of Interest:
1. Riverwalk: The park is a part of Tampa's Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile pedestrian trail connecting various attractions and offering access to the water. Visitors can explore the Riverwalk and take advantage of the park's proximity to other notable destinations.
2. Splash Pad: The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park features a popular interactive water play area known as the "Tampa's Downtown Waterworks." This splash pad offers a refreshing experience, especially for families with children.
3. Tampa Museum of Art: Adjacent to the park is the Tampa Museum of Art, showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the museum with a stop at Curtis Hixon Park.
4. Sykes Park: Located nearby, Sykes Park offers a dog-friendly area where pet owners can let their furry friends enjoy some exercise and socialization.
Interesting Facts:
1. The park was named after Curtis Hixon, a former mayor of Tampa who played a significant role in the city's development.
2. It underwent a major renovation in 2010, transforming it into a modern and vibrant green space.
3. The park features an iconic "Kiley Garden," designed by renowned landscape architect Dan Kiley, which serves as a gathering place and event venue.
4. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park has won several awards for its design, including the 2010 Urban Land Institute's Urban Space Award.
Best Time to Visit:
Tampa's weather is generally favorable year-round, but the best time to visit the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is during the cooler months, from November to April. The average temperatures during this period range from the 60s to the 70s Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius), providing a pleasant outdoor experience. However, it is worth noting that the park's popularity can result in larger crowds during peak tourist seasons.
Please keep in mind that the information provided is based on various sources, and it is advisable to verify specific details or check for any recent updates before planning your visit to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon Creek Military - Macdill Afb | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Coons Creek Military - Macdill Afb | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Bay Bayou Rv Resort | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| E G Simmons County Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Group Campsite A | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Lithia Springs | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
What can I do at The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.