Family-Friendly Way to Explore Tampa Bay’s Black History
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for something meaningful to add to a day out—especially when you’re already downtown. Bonus points if it’s free, gets everyone moving, and teaches your kids something meaningful.
That’s exactly why I love Tampa’s Soulwalk. This incredible, always-open experience invites families to explore Tampa’s Black history, culture, and community 365 days a year—at your own pace, on your own schedule, and right from your phone.
What Is the Tampa Soulwalk?
In February 2023, the City of Tampa officially launched Soulwalk, a powerful arts and heritage trail designed to honor and celebrate the rich history of Tampa’s Black communities.
Soulwalk connects you to nearly 100 unique destinations across the city, including:
- Public art and murals
- Historic landmarks and markers
- Cemeteries and sacred spaces
- Museums and cultural institutions
A Quick Parent Note: You’re Not Meant to Do It All at Once
Let’s clear this up right away—Soulwalk is not one long walk you’re expected to do in a single day. While the full trail spans about 46 miles across the city, it’s actually designed to be explored in small, manageable sections. It crosses 26 neighborhoods, 100+ historical sites and brings together generations of stories that helped shape Tampa into the city we know today.
Think of Soulwalk as a choose-your-own-adventure.
You can start anywhere, stop anytime, and explore just one site or one short path—some routes are under a mile, making them perfect to fit into whatever you already have planned.
The App Does the Heavy Lifting for You
- Download the Bloomberg Connects App (it’s free)
- Search for “Tampa Soulwalkâ€
- Choose a location near you or follow a suggested walking route
- Explore at your own pace
No tickets. No reservations. No pressure.
Perfect for those “we have 20 minutes—let’s do something meaningful†moments.
Easy to Fit Into a Downtown Day
Already downtown for lunch, a museum, the Riverwalk, or a park day?
That’s the perfect time to add Soulwalk.
You might:
- Walk one short section near where you’re already parked
- Stop at a mural or historical marker
- Pull up the app, read or listen for a few minutes
- And keep moving with your day
It doesn’t replace your plans—it adds meaning to them.
Free TECO Streetcar Makes It Even Easier
Another huge win for families: the TECO Streetcar is FREE and runs right through downtown Tampa, with multiple stops along Soulwalk routes.
That means you can:
- Hop on and off without worrying about parking
- Walk a short section
- Ride to your next stop
- Grab food, visit a museum, or head to a park
It takes the pressure off doing too much walking all at once.
Tampa’s Soulwalk Tour Highlights You’ll See Along the Way
Powerful Public Art
Soulwalk features 50+ public art installations, including murals and sculptures that celebrate Black culture, resilience, leadership, and creativity. These pieces make history feel alive and visible—especially for kids who connect more through visuals.
Perry Harvey Park & Leaders’ Row
One standout location is Leaders’ Row by Mike Parker at Perry Harvey Park, a powerful space that honors Black leaders and changemakers. It’s a great place to pause, reflect, and talk with kids about leadership, courage, and community impact.
Historic Cemeteries & Sacred Spaces
Some Soulwalk stops include historic burial grounds that preserve the legacy of Tampa’s Black residents across generations. These sites help families understand that history isn’t abstract—it’s personal and deeply rooted in the community.
📠Historical Markers
With 25+ historical markers across the city, families can learn about civil rights leaders, neighborhood foundations, and important moments in Tampa’s past—all in short, digestible stops.
Why This Matters (Especially for Visiting Families)
Whether you live here or you’re visiting Tampa, Soulwalk helps families realize something important:
There is a LOT of history here—and it’s worth knowing. By fitting small cultural stops into fun days, kids start to see Tampa not just as a place with beaches and attractions, but as a city shaped by real people, real stories, and deep community roots.
It Encourages Movement (Without Feeling Like Exercise)
Let’s be honest: sometimes the hardest part of family outings is getting everyone moving. Soulwalk naturally encourages walking and exploring, whether you’re:
- Strolling through Perry Harvey Park
- Walking between murals in downtown neighborhoods
- Exploring historic markers one stop at a time
It’s a great way to sneak in steps while doing something meaningful.
A Perfect Add-On to Any Downtown Day
If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly, educational activity that’s flexible, engaging, and deeply rooted in Tampa’s history, the Black Soul Tour (Soulwalk) is a must.
Download the app, lace up your walking shoes, and explore Tampa’s story—one stop at a time.
