ISLAND HOPPER TOUR – 10K

Tampa’s Island Hopper tour is the ultimate experience for anyone who loves running by the water. Starting off downtown along the Riverwalk, we’ll see both islands just over the water, as we head east along the Garrison Channel. Gorgeous views of the downtown skyline, Amalie Arena and the History Center line our left, complimented by equally stunning views of our first destination, Harbor Island, on our right.

Keep an eye on your left side for any cruise ships coming into port, as we cross the water onto Harbor Island. Not a large island, we’ll quickly make our way into the center where you’ll hear about Harbor Island when it was known as Seddon Island. With the city of Tampa, the boats along the water and the palm trees right in front of us, this makes for one of many great photo opportunities. Leaving the smell of fresh seafood behind, we’ll tell you more about the island today and perhaps suggest some dinner plans if anything struck your fancy on the run, as we loop around and head back to the mainland.

Back across the water, breezing by the Convention Center where we first started, we’re quickly on our way to Davis Island. The Platt Street Bridge takes us over the Hillsborough River and comes complete with my personal favorite view of the city; I’ve probably taken this photo over 200 times!

A short jaunt down Bayshore Boulevard (the longest contiguous sidewalk in the world), we’ll pass by Jose Gaspar’s pirate ship before landing on Davis Island. Learning all about the history of Gasparilla and the many traditions (and interesting stories) that come with it, each year, we’ll be bombarded with stunning views of the water just past the Garden and Yacht clubs. Views of the residential side of Harbor Island are possible now and line the entire water side of our loop, while your guide tells the story of D. P. Davis and his mysterious death.

Known for it’s tight-knit community and laid-back lifestyle, you’ll be surprised to hear about some of the celebrities who have lived or who still live on the island, as we now pass through the center of town. Delicious restaurants, coffee shops, a few watering holes and local stores line Davis Blvd and are mainly frequented by locals. As we depart the island and make our way back, we’ll provide plenty of local insight regarding anything from restaurants to shops or anything else that you might be interested in while in town. I’m quite certain that after you run the islands, you’ll find any excuse to go back very soon!