16 Best Weekend Getaways From Tampa, FL (Day Trips Within 3 Hours)

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Are there any road trips from Tampa? There are many options for the best day trips from Tampa (day trips near Tampa) or weekend getaways from Tampa in Florida road trips.

Also Read: Ultimate Florida Itinerary 10 days – Best Of Florida Road trip (with Map + Key West)

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Weekend Getaways From Tampa, FL (Best Day Trips From Tampa)

Read about weekend getaways from Tampa or weekend trips from Tampa with things to do, the best road route, and why they are worth visiting.

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St. Petersburg

Distance: 23 miles (37 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-275 South to exit 23A

St. Petersburg is worth visiting for its charming downtown area, art galleries, museums, and beautiful parks. It’s a great place to explore and discover unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Things To Do in St. Petersburg

Visit the Salvador Dali Museum
Take a stroll along the waterfront at Vinoy Park
Check out the Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts Center
Explore the world-famous St. Pete Beach
Don’t miss the Sunken Gardens

Clearwater Beach

Distance: 25 miles (40 km) from Tampa
Route: Take FL-60 W towards Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is worth visiting for its beautiful white sand and clear blue water. It’s a great place to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.

Things To Do in Clearwater Beach

Enjoy the white sand and clear water at Clearwater Beach
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Take a dolphin-watching cruise
Catch a sunset at Pier 60

Tarpon Springs

Distance: 24 miles (39 km) from Tampa
Route: Take US-19 N toward Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is worth visiting for its unique Greek culture, sponge diving industry, and beautiful natural scenery. The city has a rich history of Greek immigration, reflected in its architecture, restaurants, and cultural events. Overall, Tarpon Springs is an excellent destination for those who want to experience something different and learn about a unique cultural heritage.

It is one of the most unique and best place places to visit near Tampa Florida.

Things To Do at Tarpon Springs

Explore the Greek culture and history of Tarpon Springs
Take a boat tour of the historic sponge docks
Visit the Tarpon Springs Aquarium
Try some authentic Greek food
Don’t miss the Fred Howard Park Beach

Sarasota

Distance: 60 miles (97 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-75 South towards Sarasota

Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a botanical garden and animal park home to over 150 native and exotic animals, plants, and trees.

Things To Do in Sarasota

Visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Check out the beautiful beaches of Siesta Key and Lido Key
Explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Take advantage of the Myakka River State Park.

Weeki Wachee Springs

Distance: 53 miles (85 km) from Tampa
Route: Take FL-589 North towards Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is known for its underwater mermaid shows and its natural springs, river boat rides, and wildlife.

Things To Do at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

See the mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Take a riverboat ride along the Weeki Wachee River
Rent a kayak and explore the river on your own
Don’t miss the Buccaneer Bay water park

Crystal River

Distance: 85 miles (137 km) from Tampa
Route: Take US-19 N toward Crystal River

Crystal River, located near Tampa, is worth visiting for its unique natural beauty, crystal clear springs, and the opportunity to swim with manatees. The region has abundant natural springs that are crystal clear and offer excellent swimming, kayaking, and boating opportunities. Crystal River is famous as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” Visitors can take guided tours to swim with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The city is also home to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, which features pre-Columbian Native American artifacts and structures.

Things To Do At Crystal River

Swim with the manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Explore the Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Visit the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Don’t miss the Three Sisters Springs

Bok Tower Gardens –

Distance: 58 miles (93 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-4 East towards Lake Wales

Bok Tower Gardens, located near Tampa, is worth visiting for its stunning botanical gardens, unique architectural features, and rich history.

The gardens are home to various beautiful plants and trees, including camellias, azaleas, and magnolias, as well as rare and endangered species of plants. In addition, the gardens are home to several historic buildings, including Pinewood Estate, a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion that has been restored and is open to the public. Visitors can also explore the Singing Tower, a beautiful 205-foot neo-Gothic tower that houses a carillon with 60 bells that chime every half hour.

Things To Do Bok Tower Gardens

Enjoy the stunning gardens and carillon tower at Bok Tower Gardens
Explore the Pinewood Estate historic home
Don’t miss the Singing Tower carillon concerts

Orlando

Distance: 85 miles (137 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-4 East toward Orlando

Orlando is the top destination in the world for Walt Disney, Universal Studios, and huge amusement parks. Not only for local travelers from the U.S. but globally, this is the favorite destination for amusement park lovers. There are many things to do in Orlando for a birthday, hence a popular spot for celebrating your lifetime moments.

Things To Do In Orlando

Visit Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort
Explore the Kennedy Space Center
Check out the fun at SeaWorld Orlando
Don’t miss the nightlife and dining at CityWalk

Anna Maria Island

Distance: 45 miles (72 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-275 South towards Bradenton and then take FL-64 West towards Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, charming small-town feel, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Things To Do On Anna Maria Island

Relax on the beaches of Anna Maria Island
Take a sunset sail or dolphin-watching tour
Rent a bike or golf cart and explore the island
Don’t miss the Island Players community theater

Honeymoon Island State Park

Distance: 24 miles (39 km) from Tampa
Route: Take FL-60 W towards Dunedin and then take the Dunedin Causeway to the park

Honeymoon Island State Park is worth visiting for its unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and wildlife. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and connect with nature.

Things To Do On Honeymoon Island State Park

Enjoy the pristine beaches of Honeymoon Island State Park.
Take a nature walk or bike ride on the trails
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the coast
Don’t miss the birdwatching opportunities

Ybor City

Distance: 8 miles (13 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-4 East towards Ybor City

Ybor City is worth visiting for its rich history, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore and discover unique shops, restaurants, and bars.

Things To Do In Ybor City

Explore the historic Latin district of Ybor City
Visit the Ybor City Museum State Park
Check out the cigar factories and shops
Don’t miss the Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida

Dinosaur World

Distance: 43 miles (69 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-4 East towards Plant City and then take Exit 17 towards Dinosaur World

Dinosaur World is worth visiting for its extensive collection of life-sized dinosaur replicas, interactive exhibits, and activities for kids. It’s an excellent place for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.

Things To Do In Dinosaur World

Walk among life-size dinosaur replicas at Dinosaur World
Explore the Fossil Dig and Boneyard exhibits
Don’t miss the museum and gift shop

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Distance: 73 miles (117 km) from Tampa
Route: Take US-19 N toward Homosassa Springs

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located near Tampa, is worth visiting for its diverse wildlife, natural beauty, and educational opportunities. The park is home to various animals, including manatees, alligators, black bears, river otters, and numerous species of birds.

Things To Do In Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

See manatees up close at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Take a pontoon boat tour of the Homosassa River
Visit the underwater observatory to see fish and other aquatic animals
Don’t miss the Florida Panther, black bears, and other wildlife exhibits

Fort De Soto Park

Distance: 31 miles (50 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-275 South towards St. Petersburg and then take the Pinellas Bayway to the park

Fort De Soto Park is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, nature trails, and historic fort. It’s a great place to escape. It is one of the fantastic nature day trips from Tampa Florida.

Things To Do In Fort De Soto Park

Enjoy the beaches and nature trails of Fort De Soto Park
Explore the historic Fort De Soto Battery
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the mangrove tunnels
Don’t miss the birdwatching opportunities

St. Augustine (Historic Weekend Trips From Tampa)

Distance: 191 miles (307 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-75 North towards Gainesville and then take I-95 East towards St. Augustine

St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, full of history and charm. Visitors can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fortress, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the oldest masonry lighthouse in the country, and stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops and restaurants. If you love historical culture, St Augustine is one of the best road trips from Tampa.

Things To Do In St Augustine.

Visit the historic town of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S.
Tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Explore the Lightner Museum and Flagler College
Don’t miss the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Devil’s Den Spring

Distance: 119 miles (191 km) from Tampa
Route: Take I-75 North towards Ocala and then take Exit 354 towards Devil’s Den Spring

Devil’s Den Spring, located near Tampa, is worth visiting for its unique geological features and crystal-clear water, which make it a popular destination for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.

The water in Devil’s Den Spring is crystal clear, with visibility up to 50 feet, and maintains a temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The spring is inside a cave, with a small opening at the top that allows sunlight to filter in and illuminate the water below. Hence one of the unique weekend getaways from Tampa, FL.

Things To Do at Devil’s Den Spring

Swim or scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of Devil’s Den Spring
Explore the underground cave system
Explore fossils and ancient artifacts.

I hope you loved reading about Weekend Getaways From Tampa, FL, or some of the must-do day trips from Tampa, which are within 2 to 3 hours by car.

16 Best Weekend Getaways From Tampa, FL (Day Trips Within 3 Hours)