Are you living or vacationing in Tampa and have a free day to do something awesome? Here are the 14 best day trips from Tampa that you can choose from. Each day trip is unique and different but all of them will offer you a super fun experience.
Most of these day trips are three hours or less from Tampa (some are much less) so each destination can be reached in one tank of gas. There is so much to do in Florida, it is not all theme parks and these one tank trips from Tampa Bay prove that.
There are plenty of super fun things to do in Tampa itself but if you’re ready for a change of scenery and a new experience or two then let’s hop in the car and get going. Day trips from Tampa, here we come!
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Day Trips from Tampa
The Beach
Location: Varies
Time to Get There: 1-3 Hours
Tampa and the surrounding areas are home to some of the best beaches in the United States and the world. You have your pick of stunning stretches of beach in the Gulf of Mexico covered in white sand and emerald water. I recommend packing a lunch and making a day of the beach from Tampa no matter how long you have to spend in town.
Clearwater Beach is the classic beach option in the area. It is surrounded by high rises, restaurants and shops but it has gorgeous white sand and dolphins frequent the area.
You can also head a little further north to see Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. They are both beautiful beaches but Caladesi Island is especially remote as it can only be reached by boat. There is a ferry available that leaves from Honeymoon Island that will take you there and back. You can explore the island’s paths, go shell hunting and even eat at a small cafe.
If you are feeling really adventurous head over to Sanibel island. It is the furthest away on this list but it has the best seashell hunting around.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Beaches in and Around Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg, FL
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Time to Get There: 40 Minutes
St. Pete is another major metro area only 40 minutes from downtown Tampa. There is so much to do in St. Pete it will definitely fill a day or more! Visit Fort de Soto park, a large park consisting of several islands filled with beaches and paths to explore. Don’t miss seeing St. Pete’s Sunken Gardens, a tropical garden inside an inactive sinkhole or the Salvador Dali Museum, an architecturally stunning building full of a large collection of art.
Finally, the new St Pete pier in Downtown St. Petersburg finished in 2020 and is now open for you to explore. With restaurants, a playground, a splash pad and even a small beach there are always a lot of fun events going on at the pier to see.
Read More: Guide to St. Petersburg, Florida’s Sunken Gardens
Sarasota, Florida
Location: Sarasota, FL
Time to Get There: 1 H 15 Min
Now let’s head south to the beautiful city of Sarasota! Don’t miss out on visiting The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. There is a full building dedicated to circus history and facts as well as a stunning pink art museum! The Ringlings mansion is also available for tour and looks like a building plucked right out of Venice!
While in Sarasota there are more award winning beaches like Siesta Key as well as a fun aquarium. When you are hungry stop by St. Armands Circle to pick from several restaurants to eat at.
Florida’s Natural Springs
Location: Varies
Time to Get There: 1 Hour – 2.5 Hours
There are so many natural springs near Tampa to choose from and all of them deserve a day trip. They vary in distance from an hour drive away to a couple of hours away. At most springs you have the option to go swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding or even tubing. The spring water stays at a brisk 72 degrees fahrenheit all year round and the springs are a fun, active way to spend the day.
Some of the bucket list springs to visit near Tampa are Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Ginnie Springs, Rainbow Springs State Park, and Ichetucknee Springs.
Weeki Wachee Springs also has mermaid shows to watch that have been a local attraction since 1947. Entrance fees to the natural spring are affordable and give you access to the spring, water slides, buccaneer bay and wildlife shows. It is well worth a visit.
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Walt Disney World + Disney Springs
Location: Orlando, FL
Time to Get There: 1.5 Hours
Did you know that Orlando and thus Walt Disney World is only 1.5 hours away from Tampa? Sometimes there is traffic which makes it closer to 2 hours but it is a fun day trip either way.
You can head into one of the Disney Theme Parks (or Universal Studios) to spend the day riding roller coasters and meeting characters. There are five park options from Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios. Or if you are looking for a cheaper option you can spend the day in Disney Springs.
Disney Springs is run by Disney but it is free to get into. The area is full of shops and restaurants to explore and is a really great place to grab a meal. There is more to do than just eat though. The Lego store has areas that allow you to build and race a lego car and the Ghirardelli store hands out free chocolates!
Bok Tower Gardens
Location: Lake Wales, FL
Time to Get There: 1.5 Hours
Bok Tower Gardens is worthy of any Florida Bucket List. The centerpiece to the gardens is the Singing Tower with a 60 bell carillon that plays beautiful concerts twice a day. There are walking paths galore to explore and in the spring there are flower blooms all over the gardens.
Come take pictures, walk the garden paths and just enjoy a quiet day in a beautiful area.
Read More: Guide to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL
Crystal River + Three Sisters Spring
Location: Crystal River, FL
Time to Get There: 1.5 Hours
If you are visiting Florida in the winter, it is still beautiful with so many fun things to do! When the water temperatures of the gulf drop many springs often fill up with manatees that are trying to stay warm. Since the spring water stays 72 degrees all year round, the springs are a great place to catch a glimpse of these giant creatures in the winter.
In Crystal River you can actually swim with the manatees! There are several tour options that will allow you to snorkel in the river with them. You cannot disturb the manatees or touch them because they are protected animals but they are gentle and naturally curious animals so there is a good chance that they will come up to you!
Ocala National Forest
Location: Silver Springs, FL
Time to Get There: 2 H 15 Minutes
Ocala National Forest is the perfect place for a day full of adventure. It is over 600 square miles to explore in so many different ways. There are six main activities to get out and have fun but don’t limit yourself. Cool off while swimming in the spring or grab a canoe or kayak and glide on top. Take a hike on one of many, many nature trails or ride your bike if that is what you prefer. You can even ride horses or cut down a christmas tree (with the right permits)!
If you would like to turn your day trip into an overnight trip you can camp in the forest at one of their campsites.
Anna Maria Island
Location: Anna Maria Island, FL
Time to Get There: 1.5 Hours
For a taste of classic Old Florida come visit Anna Maria Island. The island is covered in cute brightly painted beach houses and there are absolutely no high rises or even chain stores around. Many people choose to get around on bikes and golf carts rather than cars which adds to the laid back feeling.
At this popular destination everything runs on island time and the beaches are STUNNING. Definitely worth a day trip or more.
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Devil’s Den Spring
Address: Williston, FL
Time to Get There: 2 Hours
Here at Devil’s Den you can snorkel or dive near Tampa but not in the ocean. Instead visit this prehistoric spring that will have you feeling as if you are swimming in a Mexican cenote. This underground spring is accessible by staircase only and you can snorkel or scuba drive to explore its depths. You can eat in the small town nearby or there are several picnic tables to sit at if you bring along a lunch.
Reservations for this unique experience are required on their website so make sure you snag a spot before you go!
Plant City
Address: Plant City, FL
Time to Get There: 40 Minutes
Take a day trip from Tampa to visit Plant City, a place famous for the Strawberry festival and its plentiful strawberry fields. It is the world capitol for winter strawberry growing and there are several places that even offer u-pick strawberries. If you aren’t here at the right time to pick strawberries there are also blueberries, blackberries and even oranges that you can pick!
Don’t forget to stop by Parkesdale and try their world famous strawberry shortcake or get a strawberry milkshake for the car ride home.
Solomon’s Castle
Location: 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865
Time to Get There: 1.5 Hours
One of the more off the beaten path and unique day trips from Tampa is Solomon’s Castle. This castle is made from aluminum by an artist named Howard Solomon. Now it is open for tours almost every day of the year. This unique attraction is one of a kind and you can receive a tour of the grounds and see more art made by Mr. Solomon.
Enjoy a day at this medieval castle for yourself and enjoy lunch at the Boat-in-the-Moat Restaurant while you’re there.
Tarpon Springs
Address: Tarpon Springs, FL
Time to Get There: 1 Hour
About 40 minutes north of Tampa is a city called Tarpon Springs that is famous for its sponge diving. That’s right, sponges grow here that divers then harvest to be sold. There are similar conditions in Greece so many Greek immigrants settled in the area to use their trade. Now the city of Tarpon Springs draws strong influences from Greek culture which can be seen in many of the restaurants and shops in the area.
There are also museums and shops you can visit to learn about sponge diving and buy a sponge to take home.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Location: 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville, FL 32653
Time to Get There: 2 Hours
Sinkholes are surprisingly common in Florida and there is a large sinkhole not too far from Tampa that you can visit. At Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park you can climb down into a 120 foot deep sinkhole and see the miniature rainforest growing inside. There are hikes with many staircases along them that will allow you to see the lush vegetation with small waterfalls inside this bowl shaped sinkhole.
Practical Information for Visiting Tampa
Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy the Tampa CityPASS for 54% off Tampa’s top attractions.
Day Trips from Tampa on a Tankful
Fill up your gas tank and get exploring, each of these day trips from Tampa can be reached in one tank of gas. Each activity will be fun for the whole family and a great way to see more of Florida. Have fun! And here are some ideas if you are looking for a weekend trip from Tampa.
Are there any Tampa day trips you would add to this list? Let us all know in the comments.
