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)
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.
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.
- 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.
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