🚴 Bike the Bayshore Route
Don’t overthink it - perfect weather + best views in the city.
- Published: 2026-05-05
- By: Visit South Tampa
- Category: Things To Do
Biking on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa offers a beautiful, 4.5-mile waterfront ride . You can choose to pedal along the world-famous, 10-foot-wide linear park trail (widely known as the longest continuous sidewalk), or ride directly on the road using the striped bike lanes.
Route Overview
Distance: ~4.5 miles one-way (8.5 - 9 miles out-and-back)
Route Type: Flat, paved, out-and-back
Endpoints: Columbus Statue Park (Platt Street Bridge) to the north, and Gandy Boulevard to the south
Path Options
The Sidewalk/Trail: Perfect for leisurely riding, taking in views of the bay, and spotting dolphins or manatees. However, because it is a shared multi-use path heavily used by pedestrians and runners, you must keep your speed in check and watch out for other users.
The Roadway: Bayshore Boulevard features striped, on-road bike lanes. This is typically the preferred route for road cyclists or those looking to ride at a faster pace without dodging walkers.
Important Tips & Etiquette
Be Courteous: Yield to pedestrians on the shared path and announce your presence when passing.
No Shade: The waterfront trail has very little shade. Bring sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and carry plenty of water, especially during the warmer months.
Combine with the Riverwalk: If you want a longer ride, you can connect directly from the northern end of Bayshore (Platt St. Bridge) to the Tampa Riverwalk and continue your ride into downtown Tampa or even head toward Ybor City.
Side Trips: Consider taking a detour into the adjacent historic Hyde Park neighborhood to enjoy its beautiful, oak-canopied streets and great shopping/dining options.
Parking Access
There are several convenient spots to park and start your ride:
Ballast Point Park (near the southern end of the trail)
Fred Ball Park
Public parking areas or side streets in the Hyde Park/downtown area near the northern end
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