6 Easy Day Trips from Tampa

Tampa, Florida, is a popular destination in Florida with plentiful attractions and an active cruise port. But it’s also a great launching point to explore the rest of the state.

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It’s easy to pick up your rental car downtown or at the airport and return to your hotel in the evening for these day trips from Tampa. The city is conveniently located on both I-75 and I-4.

Crystal River

Distance from Tampa: 1 hour 20 minutes

The area around the Crystal River is known for its manatee habitat that brings the gentle creatures throughout the year, but especially during the winter months.

Dozens of snorkeling tours operate here, including one at the Plantation on Crystal River. In nearby Homosassa Springs, visitors can tour Alpaca Magic USA, a working alpaca farm that turns the wool into fabric.

There are plenty of seafood restaurants along the river, including Charlie’s Fish House. The eatery has fresh-caught seafood daily and waterfront seating. Copp Winery & Brewery is also a nice place to have a drink and a bite.

Crystal River Tours

Weeki Wachee

Distance from Tampa: 1 hour

Weeki Wachee State Park is one of Florida’s most well-known natural springs, named for the Seminole word for “winding river.” It’s associated with the mermaid show that has taken place here since 1947 in a submerged theater.

In addition to the springs and the mermaid show, visitors can go on a boat tour or visit the seasonal water park. Nearby Spring Hill also has hot air balloon rides.

Enjoy one of the local restaurants, like pizza from Slice of Life Two Pizzeria. BeckyJack’s Food Shack is a laid-back restaurant with craft beer and pub fare.

Sarasota

Distance from Tampa: 1 hour

Sarasota is far more than a retirement capital. The artsy city has dozens of attractions, including the Ringling Museums. The complex is made up of an art museum, a circus museum, and a historic mansion.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens have plentiful species of plants, including an orchid house, as well as an art museum. MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a research-based aquarium with over 100 species of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, and manatees.

Enjoy Sarasota’s best burgers at SOB Burgers along with a local craft beer. New Pass Grill is in a 1929 tackle store with views of the water. Michael’s on East is the city’s only AAA Four-Diamond winner for its extensive wine menu and classic American fare.

Sarasota Tours

Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

Distance from Tampa: 50 minutes

While there are plenty of beaches near Tampa, those of Bradenton and Anna Maria Island are some of Florida’s best. Anna Maria City Pier has fishing and restaurants, while the Manatee Public Beach has a lifeguard stand and kiosk with food and drink.

3 Keys Brewing and Eatery is a casual spot for a pint and fish tacos, and is one of many local breweries. The Sandbar Restaurant has some of the best seafood around, with waterfront dining.

Anna Maria Island Tours

Fort Myers

Distance from Tampa: 2 hours

Fort Myers and neighboring Cape Coral, Sanibel Island, and Captiva Island are popular with vacationers as well as baseball teams spending their spring training in warmer climates.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a fascinating museum in the summer homes of two great American men. The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a wildlife sanctuary and natural history living museum. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and Mound House educate on the area’s ecology.

Fine Folk Pizza has wood-fired pies, including vegan and gluten-free options. Twisted Lobster is known for its fish tacos, crawfish, and soft shell crabs. Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood is a restaurant and seafood market with lobster rolls, fresh Gulf oysters, and Ahi tuna. There’s also Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery and local breweries.

Fort Myers Tours

Lakeland

Distance from Tampa: 40 minutes

The city of Lakeland is named for its many surrounding bodies of water. Here, visitors can see the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world, constructed between 1938 and 1958. Guided and self-guided tours are available.

The Florida Air Museum covers the history of flight from the moon landing to Howard Hughes. The Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre dates back to 1948 and features first-run films. Hollis Garden is a scenic botanical garden.

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille is one of the area’s seafood restaurants with a Louisiana-inspired menu. Watch a game over a burger and brew at Mojo’s Wings Burgers, and Beer.

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