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Looking for the best day trips from Tampa, FL? Perfect! We are here to help!
Whether you are enjoying a Florida vacation or a Tampa Bay local looking for things to do in the area, you will find some inspiration here.
Tampa is ideally located near the beaches of the Gulf Coast, the beautiful springs of central Florida and only a couple of hours from the theme parks in Orlando.
This ideal location means that you will be spoilt for choice in terms of day trips from Tampa.
In this article, we gathered the best destinations to discover on a day out of Tampa. This includes options for families, couples and also solo travelers.
No matter what you like, you will find the perfect Tampa day trips here!
St Petersburg, FL
🚗 Driving time: 25 minutes
Located only a 30 minutes drive from downtown Tampa, St Petersburg is an all-time favourite when it comes to day trips from Tampa.
As a matter of fact, most locals share their time between the two cities.
St Pete is known for its vibrant and lively downtown and its beautiful beaches.
If you love art and food, head downtown. You will find an incredible selection of things to do including visiting the Dali Museum or the Sunken Gardens.
Street art is big in downtown St Pete so make sure to roam around. You will find many murals around Central avenue.
For food, opt for one of the local restaurants on central avenue. If you fancy a delicious cuban sandwich, head to Bodega.
While downtown has loads to offer, St Pete is famous for its beaches.
If you want to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, head to St Pete Beach, Treasure Island or even Pass-a-Grille.
The sand is incredibly soft and white, the water is warm and if you will surely see some dolphins.
If you love water activities, consider joining a dolphin cruise, party cruise or renting a kayak.
READ MORE: Best Things to do in St Petersburg, Florida
Honeymoon Island
🚗 Driving time: 50 minutes
Located in Dunedin, near Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Tampa Bay.
You can easily get there by car. There is a small bridge linking the mainland to the island which makes it very easy.
Once you arrive, you will need to pay the entrance fee as Honeymoon Island is a state park. However, don’t worry about this, it’s well worth it.
Honeymoon Island is home to fantastic walks such as the Osprey walk, where you get to see many birds.
You will also find some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida here.
Best of all? It’s not crowded!
Most people go to St Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach which means that Honeymoon Island is always pretty quiet.
There aren’t any restaurants or cafes on the island so make sure to pack a picnic. You will find many picnic tables and barbecues by the various parking lots.
READ MORE: 14 Incredible Hidden Gems in St Petersburg (FL), Clearwater & Tampa
Clearwater Beach
🚗 Driving time: 40 minutes
If you love beach towns, you will be in for a treat in Clearwater Beach.
Located only 30 minutes from Tampa, Clearwater Beach was listed as America’s Number 1 beach in 2019 by TripAdvisor.
This beautiful stretch of white and soft sand is the ideal destination for a day trip from Tampa with kids.
There are many things you can do in Clearwater Beach such as:
- Enjoying the views from Pier 60. Pier 60 is located by the beach and if you walk up to the end you can enjoy beautiful views of the bay and the beach.
- Sunset cruise. The sunset celebration is an important event in Clearwater. Most people go to Pier 60 for that but opting for a sunset cruise is also super fun.
- Water sports. Clearwater Beach is known for its water activities. Parasailing, kayaking, paddling… everything is possible here.
- Walking and cycling. Clearwater Beach is a very nice place to go for a walk or cycling. It’s flat and the promenade is very nice. You’ll also find many restaurants and ice-cream parlors there.
READ MORE: 23 Fun and Unique Things to do in Clearwater Beach, FL
Dunedin
🚗 Driving time: 35 minutes
If you want a relaxing day out, visiting Dunedin will be ideal.
Located on the coast, only 30 minutes from Tampa, Dunedin is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets!
This small town is home to fantastic beaches, cafes, restaurants and is the perfect place to just enjoy a family outing.
The Dunedin Causeway is a great place to visit as there are many activities you can do there including walking, kayaking, swimming and cycling.
If you are a foodie, make sure to visit one of the numerous breweries. Dunedin Brewery is the most famous but there are many others.
READ MORE: 20 Beautiful Hidden gems in Florida
Tarpon Springs
🚗 Driving time: 40 minutes
Located only 40 minutes from Tampa, Tarpon Springs is one of the cutest small towns to visit in Florida.
It’s known for its European influences and sponge culture.
When you arrive in Tarpon Springs, you will start feeling like you went to a completely different place. This is why this is such a good day trip for locals who want to experience a unique staycation.
The historic district is an excellent place to start your visit. You can stroll around and discover the cute cafes, antique shops and galleries.
Some of these buildings are over 200 years old!
Tarpon Spring is known as the sponge capital of the world so make sure to head to the Sponge docks to discover a bit more about this aspect. It’s free and well worth your time!
In terms of beaches, make sure to go to Fred Howard Park and Sunset Beach.
Finally, don’t miss out on the incredible Greek food you can get in Tarpon Springs. The best restaurants are Hellas, Mykonos and Mama’s Greek Cuisine.
Caladesi Island
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
Caladesi Island is also located in Dunedin, right by Honeymoon Island.
It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to discover what unspoilt Florida looks like.
Caladesi is home to fantastic beaches and walking trails. It truly is a beautiful gem and yet, a lot of people completely overlook it as a destination.
This is mainly due to the fact that, unlike Honeymoon Island, there is no bridge going to Caladesi. You will need to take the ferry.
Nothing to be worried about, it’s actually super easy, quick and pretty affordable.
To do so, drive to Honeymoon Island and head to the ferry terminal there. You can book your crossing and just hop on!
Cars are not allowed on Caladesi Island so you will be on foot. That’s the best way to explore and truly discover all these stunning beaches.
PRO TIP: Caladesi Island Ferry is almost always available on Groupon so check out this page!
Sarasota
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
Sarasota is a city south of Tampa and sits on Florida’s Gulf coast.
It’s a great place to discover if you like museums and cultural sites.
One of the most popular ones is the Ringling Museum of Art, which showcases old masters and modern art.
Sarasota has a very interesting past and if you are into history, you will be in for a treat. To learn more about this, consider joining the sightseeing tour of Sarasota. See prices.
You will also find many restaurants serving delicious food in Sarasota. If you are a foodie, you should opt for a walking tour in Downtown Sarasota.
Although this is very interesting (as well as being one of the most underrated things to do in Florida), the reason why Sarasota is so famous has nothing to do with that.
Sarasota is the gateway to miles of beaches with fine sand and shallow waters, such as Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
The sand is incredibly white and soft!
You can also opt for one of the numerous water activities:
- Parasailing in Siesta Key
- Kayaking in the Mangroves
- Paddleboarding through the lido and mangrove tunnels
- Discovering the local wildlife. There are many dolphins in Sarasota so it’s well worth going on a boat tour here.
This is why it can be one of the best options to consider when it comes to family day trips from Tampa.
You will love soaking up the sun and treating yourself to some boutique dining, the perfect place not just for families but for couples and groups of friends wanting to get away from the city.
It’s very easy to get to Sarasota from Tampa by car. It’s only a couple of hours drive, making it the ideal one tank trip from Tampa.
PRO TIP: If you are planning on visiting Siesta Key, make sure to get there early. There is a large parking lot at the beach but it’s usually completely full by 9AM.
Visiting in the fall? Sarasota is home to some of the most famous haunted places in Florida. If that’s something you are interested in, make sure to join the haunted Sarasota tour. It’s very good fun, especially for Halloween.
Bradenton
🚗 Driving time: 50 minutes
You will find Bradenton on the Manatee River just south of Tampa. It’s an easy 45 minutes from Tampa via the I-75.
Alternatively, you can also get there through St Pete but you will have to take the toll bridge so you might as well avoid that.
Bradenton is a city in its own right and full of the joys and delights that come with it.
When looking for day trips from Tampa, you might want to consider Bradenton because of the number of museums and galleries on offer here.
There is something for every interest but the main ones include the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium, and Parker Manatee Aquarium.
It’s a great day trip that the whole family can enjoy, but also one for couples who may want to browse the museums at their own leisurely pace.
If you like beaches, make sure to head to Bradenton Beach or even up to Anna Maria Island.
Fort De Soto Park
🚗 Driving time: 40 minutes
Located south of St Pete, Fort De Soto is a great location when it comes to finding a place that is perfect for children and adults alike.
This park is one of the best places to visit in Tampa Bay.
You will find a camping ground close to beaches as well as a beautiful parkland, making it the perfect location for those RV hookups and camping under the stars.
Fort De Soto is home to five offshore keys (Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and Mullet Key).
They are excellent places to visit if you love to discover unspoilt beaches.
It’s also one of the best places in Florida for kayaking and snorkeling.
You will also find a seven-mile paved trail that is particularly popular with cyclists. You can bring your own bike or rent one from a local shop.
For a bit more fun, you should also consider opting for a motorized bike that you can take on the beach. See rental prices.
Fort De Soto truly is a beautiful place with stunning scenery and will be perfect for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
PRO TIP: Fort De Soto is also one of the rare places in the area where you can let your dog off the leash on the beach so if you are looking for a dog-friendly day trip from Tampa, it will be an excellent option.
Looking for something a bit different? Book a helicopter flight over the Skyway Bridge, Fort De Soto and the beaches of St Pete.
Anna Maria Island
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
Anna Maria Island is the perfect location to add to your list of day trips from Tampa and is special in its own right.
It’s very easy to get there by car and only takes 1 hour! You can go via St Pete and take the Skyway Bridge (toll) or drive on the I-75 to Bradenton.
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s known for its broad and beautiful beaches, like Manatee Beach, Bean Point Beach and Holmes Beach.
There is also a cute little town where you will find boutique shops, great bars, and fantastic restaurants to explore.
If you want to have a bit of fun, you can rent a segway and explore the island. See prices.
If you love water activities, you can easily rent a paddleboard or a kayak and explore the area.
Finally, if you love the outdoors and are looking for a unique thing to do, you’ll be happy to know that Anna Maria Island is one of the best places in Florida for horseback riding. You can even ride on the beach!
Anna Maria Island feels safe and secure so it is perfect if you have young kids, but you may find that it could also be a romantic place for couples to connect.
The sunsets on the island are incredible so if you can stay a bit in the evening, that will be well worth it!
READ MORE: If you are thinking about taking a weekend trip from Tampa, check out these awesome vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island.
Crystal River
🚗 Driving time: 1h 20 minutes
Located a couple of hours north of Tampa, Crystal River is home to one of the most beautiful springs in Florida: the three sisters spring.
This cute small town is particularly famous for being home to hundreds of manatees in winter.
It’s also the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees.
From January to March, hundreds of manatees come to Crystal River to enjoy the warm water of the springs and lazy rivers.
As a visitor, there are many things you can do such as:
- Kayaking. With over 70 freshwater springs, Crystal River is a paradise for kayakers. You can easily rent a kayak and go on an adventure. If you want to make the experience even more unique, opt for a clear kayak! See prices.
- Swimming with the manatees. Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can swim with the manatees. The best place to do so is the 3 sisters spring. It can be reached by kayak or paddle. You can book an eco-tour for this. It’s very good fun.
Please note that the manatees are in their natural environment and you should not touch them nor bother them in any kind of way. They are kind creatures and it’s important for us all to respect them.
- Scuba diving. You can also opt for the diving tour of the springs.
- Snorkeling. Crystal River is one of the best places in Florida to snorkel. You can bring your own equipment or opt for one of the guided tours. See prices.
PRO TIP: Before heading there, give a call to the visitor center to check there are manatees. Sometimes they leave before the usual time and if you choose to go to Crystal River just to see them, you’ll be very disappointed if there aren’t any when you get there.
That having been said, you can still enjoy kayaking and the spring without the manatees.
READ MORE: 16 Best Springs in Florida to discover as soon as possible
Lake Wales
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Lake Wales will be the perfect place to go if you are hoping to explore a little inland in Florida and away from the beaches.
It’s one of the underrated Florida day trips, but definitely one you should consider.
Lake Wales will offer you a glimpse of old Florida, something you don’t normally see in some of the other locations.
There is always an event going on here, and lots of gardens and unique places to explore.
The most interesting place to visit is the Bok Tower Gardens. This is one of the best hidden gems in Florida! There are carillon bells, cultivated areas and the Iron Mountain.
It could be one to add to romantic day trips from Tampa if you are hoping to find a little snippet of heaven away from the usual and more popular tourist hotspots.
Ocala National Forest
🚗 Driving time: 2 hours
The Ocala National Forest is located north of Orlando. It takes about 1h30 to get there from Tampa.
This is the perfect destination for people who would like to explore and be up close with wildlife in their natural surroundings.
If you are a nature lover, the Ocala National Forest will be one of the best day trips from Tampa that you can take.
The Ocala National Forest is known for its large areas of sand pine scrub forest and a great place to explore as a couple as well as a family.
It is more suitable for families with older children but a great location for walking trails and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
The Ocala National Forest is home to a segment of the Florida Scenic Trail which is one of the best hikes in Florida.
You will also find beautiful natural springs such as the Silver Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs.
With an average temperature of 72F, they are the perfect place to go swimming, paddling, kayaking and snorkeling.
Finally, you can also opt for the following outdoor activities:
- Cycling
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining
Gamble Plantation State Historic Park
🚗 Driving time: 40 minutes
Are you looking for unique day trips from Tampa? Then you should consider visiting the Gamble Plantation State Historic Park.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to do something a little different!
It’s the only surviving plantation house in South Florida which makes it an excellent place to visit if you love history and want to learn more about confederate history.
Perfect for history lovers, the mansion itself has many stories to tell and things to look at, but then you can enjoy the plantation and surrounding gardens as well.
It’s a great day trip for families for older children or couples wanting to learn something new.
Also, there is no entrance fee! If you want to join the guided tour, you will need to pay for that but it’s only $6 for adults and $4 for children.
It is only a short distance by car (40 minutes drive), so a great option as a day out from Tampa.
Hillsborough River State Park
🚗 Driving time: 30 minutes
Another state park, but one that can offer a lot to both families and couples is the Hillsborough River State Park.
The park consists of over 2900 acres, and with more than seven walking trails to explore, you are likely to want to visit again.
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this place can take you out of the city and into the open-air countryside.
Enjoy the river rapids and explore the historical site of Fort Foster you will find through the park, it is a great location for a day trip out.
You can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and bike trails for people who enjoy doing different activities.
There is a $6 entrance fee per vehicle but it’s well worth it! If you have the Florida State park annual pass, it will be included.
Weeki Wachee
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
Weeki Wachee is a great location to consider when it comes to looking for day trips from Tampa.
It is located an hour north of Tampa. It’s a bit further than the other locations in this article but not too far away that you will be able to embrace a full day trip here and enjoy the surroundings and what Weeki Wachee has to offer.
Weeki Wachee is home to a 12,000-acre Weeki Wachee Preserve and the Weeki Wachee Springs park, meaning there is plenty to see and do.
Weeki Wachee Springs are particularly famous for their mermaids. Yes, you read that right, there are mermaids in Florida!
The Mermaid shows take place in a submerged auditorium. It’s such a magical and unique thing to see. There is nothing quite like it.
These mermaid shows have been running since 1947 and use an incredible technique for breathing underwater.
Apart from the mermaids, Weeki Wachee is also a great destination for people who like water activities.
If you head to Buccaneer Bay, you can enjoy the water slides and pool. It’s a great place for families.
Finally, you can also explore the spring with a kayak. There are some launching platforms as well as kayak hiring places.
All in all, Weeki Wachee is a great option for families, sporting enthusiasts, people who love to walk and hike, or couples who simply want to enjoy quality time together.
Please note there is a state park entrance fee of $13 for adults and $8 for children.
Disney World
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes
It would be impossible to talk about day trips from Tampa without mentioning the most famous theme park in the world, Disney World!
Located in Lake Buena Vista, Disney World is about a couple of hours away from Tampa.
It’s a very easy drive as you just need to hit the I-4 towards Orlando and take the exit to the relevant park.
Disney World is made of several entertainment and water parks.
It’s important to know that you should not be trying to visit several parks in one day. Although not logistically impossible, it would be a very tiring day and you’d be missing out on so many things.
It’s much better to choose one park and explore it thoroughly.
Each one of the Disney parks offers a different experience and between the rides, shops, parades, dining options and fireworks… you will have many things to keep you busy.
Here is a quick summary of what each park has to offer:
- Magic Kingdom. This is the ultimate Disney Experience. That’s where you’ll find Cinderella’s castle, main street USA, the parade and the fireworks. If you are here with kids or for everything Disney, it’s the best one.
- Hollywood Studios. This one is better for adults as it focuses on more recent movies, mainly the Pixar ones and is home to more thrilling rides.
- Animal Kingdom. As the name may suggest, this one is all about animals and creatures. There is a safari and the land of Avatar here.
- Epcot. This is perfect for people who want to eat and drink their way through the world.
Legoland
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
If you are looking for family day trips from Tampa then Legoland is perfect for younger and older children.
Legoland is filled with attractions and rides, as well as opportunities to get involved with building and seeing some marvelous lego creations.
The entire place is pretty much made of Legos. They are absolutely everywhere. Just picture it, 150-acre of lego experiences!
The park is divided into several universes and destinations. It even includes a water park!
You will also find gardens inside Legoland with giant Banyan trees.
There are even three themed resorts, and it is only an hour away from Tampa, so ideal for the whole family to visit and embrace a day trip there.
Whether you enjoy the thrill of the rides or your children simply love anything to do with lego, Legoland has something to suit the whole family.
It’s also a great place to take beautiful photos with your little ones.
To visit Legoland, make sure to book your tickets in advance. Click here to see the prices.
PRO TIP: Planning on visiting several attractions in the area? You may want to opt for the Go Orlando All-Inclusive Pass. It includes attractions in both Orlando and Tampa and can save you a lot of money if you are planning on visiting several places within 2 to 5 days. See prices here.
Universal Orlando
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
Universal is one of the most iconic theme parks in Florida. This Florida bucket list item is one of the most popular things to do in Orlando but it is also possible to enjoy it as a day trip from Tampa.
It’s only 1h30 drive from Downtown Tampa.
Universal is split into several parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventures and Volcano Bay.
It is a theme park that is suitable for all ages but is particularly enjoyable for adults.
You can also visit with kids but children who are more interested in thrills and rides will benefit from it more than younger children. If you are looking for a theme park day trip with toddlers, you should opt for Magic Kingdom instead.
Everything at Universal Studios is about famous movies. You will discover many universes, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
If you are a Potterhead, you’ll love drinking butterbeer and riding the Hogwarts Express here.
In terms of rides, here are some of the best ones to try:
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Jurassic World Velocicoaster
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
HOW TO VISIT: Make sure to book your tickets in advance and online.
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
If you want open spaces, the Rock Springs Run State Reserve is the place to go.
With over 14,000 acres of parkland, there is a lot to explore and see here.
Visitors who come here for a day trip from Tampa can experience plenty including bike riding, walking trails, and even horse rentals are available.
You will find many equestrian trails here. It’s known as one of the best places in Florida for horseback riding.
While in the area, make sure to visit Rock Springs at Kelly Park. They are one of the most beautiful springs in Florida and such a great place for swimming and paddling.
Pro tip: to make the best of your trip to Rock Springs, go on a clear kayak tour. It’s very good fun. See prices.
You can also discover another state park in the area, Wekiwa Springs State Park.
It’s perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends to explore the nature and countryside and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.
Downtown Orlando
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes
There is more to Orlando than theme parks and downtown can give you a different perspective on it.
In downtown Orlando, you will find everything typical of a city with high-rise buildings and modern architecture.
Orlando Downtown is a prime location for live music events, so perfect if you want to experience a different side of the city.
With plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants, a busy social scene, and a fantastic live music area, it is perfect for couples who are looking for romantic day trips outside of Tampa.
Orlando is also a paradise for foodies and if you are always down for tasting delicious food, you should join the food tour of Winter Park. See prices.
While you are in the area, make sure to also visit Harry P Leu Gardens. It’s super cute!
As you roam around the city, make sure to visit Lake Eola. It’s the best park in Orlando and such a refreshing place.
READ MORE: The Best Things To Do In Orlando, Florida
Rainbow Springs State Park
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Heading north of Tampa you will get to the Rainbow Springs State Park which is one of the Tampa day trips to consider.
This beautiful serene park will suit families with children of all ages as well as couples who are looking for an outdoorsy and romantic day trip from Tampa.
You can go swimming in Rainbow Spring, or enjoy the many walking trails. It’s also one of the best places in Florida for kayaking so don’t miss out on that.
The waters of Rainbow Spring are incredibly blue, making it one of the prettiest springs in the Sunshine State.
If you’d rather relax in the spring, you can opt for tubing instead!
The State park is also home to ornamental gardens and waterfalls.
Disney Springs
🚗 Driving time: 1 hour
If you want fancy a bit of a Disney day but don’t want to pay the entrance fee to one of the parks, you should head to Disney Springs.
It’s an entertainment complex located in the Walt Disney Resort but is free to access.
Here you will find all sorts of stores and attractions.
The most famous one is World of Disney. It’s the largest Disney store in the world so you can find everything you need here. The Coca Cola shop is also worth checking out.
In terms of dining, you will find many options with all types of cuisines.
Finally, there are also a lot of attractions you can visit such as the Aerophile which is an an air balloon ride with incredible views of Disney World.
If you enjoyed these Florida day trips from Tampa, don’t hesitate to check out my other articles about Florida.
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