Historic Central Avenue Walking Tour

Explore Tampa’s historic Central Avenue district with Fred Hearns, one of Tampa Bay’s foremost historians and the Tampa Bay History Center’s first curator of Black history. A longtime journalist, community leader and former City of Tampa human rights director, Hearns has spent decades researching and preserving the stories of Tampa’s Black residents, neighborhoods and institutions.

During this 90-minute tour, Hearns guides guests through the ENCORE! neighborhood and surrounding historic sites connected to Central Avenue, once the center of Black business, culture and community life in Tampa. Historically known as “the Scrub,” the area was home to generations of residents, entrepreneurs, civic leaders and entertainers from the 1890s through the 1960s. Guests will discover Central Avenue’s musical legacy and the people, businesses and gathering places that shaped African American life during segregation.

The route continues through Perry Harvey Sr. Park, where public art and historical markers commemorate Central Avenue’s former businesses, music venues and community leaders.

The tour begins at Tampa’s Black History Museum, 1213 N. Central Ave., Tampa, FL 33602. Participants will walk seven blocks along public sidewalks and brick streets and through Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests may also want to bring bottled water.

Advance tickets are required, and space is limited to 25 guests. History Center members save 20% on walking tour tickets by signing in before checkout.