Oaklawn Cemetery Walking Tour
Explore one of Tampa’s most intriguing landmarks on a guided walking tour of Oaklawn Cemetery, the city’s oldest public burial ground. Established as the final resting place for “white and slave, rich and poor,” Oaklawn holds the stories of Tampa’s earliest days.
As you walk shaded paths lined with weathered headstones, you’ll encounter the graves of 13 mayors, a Florida governor, enslaved people, pirates, Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, and more than 200 Native Americans. The cemetery also includes two mass burial sites, adding to its solemn and powerful history.
This 90-minute tour begins at 10 a.m. and is limited to 25 participants. Guests will stop at notable sites throughout the cemetery while learning about the people who shaped Tampa’s past. Comfortable shoes and outdoor attire are recommended.
Oaklawn remains one of our most popular tours, and space fills quickly. Reserve your spot now to experience the history, legacy, and quiet intrigue of this remarkable site.
Meeting Place: Tour meets at Harrison St. & Marion St. in front of the former St. Paul AME Church located on 502 E Harrison St, Tampa, FL 33602
Reservations required. Capacity limited.
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Museum hours
The history center is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
**Galleries are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and open until 3 p.m. on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
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Weddings
The History Center provides a dramatic and historic backdrop for your wedding, wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. Give your wedding a unique Tampa flair your guests will remember for a lifetime.
Corporate events
Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind Tampa experience for your next corporate event or convention party? Are you a meeting planner looking for a unique setting to host a board retreat or employee function? Located within walking distance of downtown hotels, the History Center is perfect for your next corporate event.
