Bayshore Boulevard skirts Tampa Bay and boasts the world's longest continuous sidewalk.
Local Color: Bayshore Boulevard
Mary Brown, Author, The Bayshore Boulevard of Dreams
The Tampa Bay area may be growing and changing, but it cherishes its landmarks. Bayshore Boulevard, linking South Tampa and downtown, skirts Tampa Bay and boasts the world’s longest continuous sidewalk—about four-and-a-half miles. One side of the drive is lined with stately historic homes and modern towering condominiums while the other offers a fabulous view of Tampa Bay. The so-called “Boulevard of Dreams” was opened around the turn of the 20th century and has been the city’s signature street ever since. On any given day you can see joggers, skaters and bikers working to stay in shape while others come just to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the view. Bayshore is also the location for the annual Gasparilla Parade. Parade-goers line the street to see Jose Gaspar and his band of unruly pirates sail into Tampa Bay and pillage the city. But nobody gets too upset; the good-natured invasion is followed by a parade and a street party.