Here is my list of the best day trips from Tampa, Florida, perfect for anyone who likes to get outside and explore. 

Tampa, Florida is one of my favorite cities in the USA. 

It has the year-round sunshine and warmth of most Florida cities. But it also has an amazing, laid-back vibe that is exciting without being overwhelming. 

There are scenic skyscrapers and diverse museums in the Downtown area. There is multicultural history and cuisine in Ybor. 

But there are also quiet neighborhoods filled with greenery, endless stretches of walking paths, and lush parks framed by palm trees. 

Tampa itself is full of fun things to do. But Florida is also a gorgeous state that boasts world-class beaches, national parks, islands, state parks, and more. 

So explore more with one of these day trips from Tampa!

How to get around on day trips from Tampa

As with most US destinations, the best way to get around Tampa is with a car. 

If you are just visiting, you can easily find an affordable car rental for your stay. You can even hire a car right at Tampa International Airport. 

Tampa is also a very easy city to drive around, with great infrastructure and not much traffic. 

So I highly recommend a car for your stay in Tampa. Then it will be easier to plan your own day trips and gallivant around Florida!

Check prices for car rental in Tampa online before your trip.

The 8 Best Day Trips From Tampa, Florida

From the famous Clearwater Beach to the serene waterways of Crystal River, here are the best day trips from Tampa. 

Clearwater Beach

• Distance from Tampa: 25 miles
• Driving time: 35 minutes

Clearwater Beach is probably the #1 day trip from Tampa. 

This stunning beach on a quiet barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is consistently ranked one of Florida’s best beaches. Many would even consider it one of the best beaches in the entire USA. 

With soft white sands that look like sugar and calm turquoise waters, Clearwater Beach is the quintessential image of paradise. 

The beach itself is about 2.5 miles long (4km), making it easy to find a peaceful spot to yourself. It’s the perfect place for families on a day trip from Tampa, as the water is calm, flat, and warm. 

Because Clearwater Beach faces west, it’s also an epic spot for watching the sunset. 

St. Petersburg

• Distance from Tampa: 23 miles
• Driving time: 25 minutes

Drive southwest of the city across Tampa Bay to the up-and-coming city of St. Petersburg Florida. 

St. Pete is slightly smaller and more relaxed than Tampa. But it also has a bustling nightlife and downtown area, making it a fun spot for a day trip. 

Head to the coast to watch the sunset or swim at St. Pete Beach. Or walk along the St. Pete Pier to listen to live music, browse the market stalls, and sightsee by the water. 

Downtown St. Pete is full of cool bars, restaurants, and museums like the Salvador Dali Museum. 

Just outside downtown, you can explore natural attractions like Fort De Soto Park or the Sunken Gardens. 

Tarpon Springs

• Distance from Tampa: 37 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour

Tarpon Springs is an interesting city near Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast. 

It’s known for its Greek immigrants, who have brought their culture and cuisine to the area. 

The Greeks flocked here in the early 1900s to dive for sea sponges, which led to a boom in the industry. 

Today, there are still lots of Greeks living in Tarpon Springs. You can find amazing Greek food here and admire the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral. 

The most iconic landmark in Tarpon Springs is the Historic Sponge Docks. 

This waterfront attraction has tons of shops and stalls with sea sponges, shells, and other knick-knacks on display. It’s a unique place to shop and explore in Florida!

Crystal River

• Distance from Tampa: 80 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

One of the most beautiful day trips from Tampa is Crystal River. 

Home to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the area is known for its crystal clear springs and waterways where manatees thrive year-round. 

You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, snorkelling, and even scuba diving. 

Three Sisters Springs is an especially scenic spot for kayaking, with its vibrant turquoise waters and peaceful greenery.

The scenery is stunning for water sports, and the chance to get up close and swim with manatees makes it even more exciting. 

Just remember to always respect the wildlife! Keep your distance from manatees and just enjoy them from afar. Though these gentle creatures can get curious and come up to you, which is always fun. 

Crystal River also has great fishing conditions around the Gulf of Mexico. And if you want to spot manatees without getting in the water, there are sightseeing cruises as well.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

• Distance from Tampa: 56 miles
• Driving time: 55 minutes

Another amazing spot for kayaking near Tampa is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 

It’s slightly smaller than Crystal River, but it’s also closer to the city. So it’s an easy day trip from Tampa!

Weeki Wachee Spring is a sprawling network of waterways, mangroves, and marshes where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards. 

Visit early in the morning or on a weekday for fewer crowds. If you can get the place to yourself, it’s absolutely magical paddling through the crystal clear waters and the vibrant greenery. 

You can sometimes spot manatees here, though turtles, fish, and water birds are more common. 

Weeki Wachee Spring State Park is also known for its mermaid shows, which are a highlight among families. 

Anna Maria Island

• Distance from Tampa: 53 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Another gorgeous beach getaway near Tampa is Anna Maria Island. 

It’s a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico with similar white sands and calm waters to Clearwater Beach. 

Anna Maria Island has a charming small-town feel, a scenic pier, local markets, and a historic museum. 

It’s also a great place for spotting dolphins or manatees! Join a kayaking tour or dolphin cruise for your best chances of seeing wildlife. 

Or try parasailing or a sunset kayak to get the best views of Anna Maria Island and the surrounding sea. 

Orlando

• Distance from Tampa: 84 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 22 minutes 

Orlando is one of Florida’s most famous cities. Located right in the center of the state, Orlando is home to the iconic theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. 

Take a day trip to Orlando if you want to meet your favorite Disney characters, immerse yourself in Harry Potter World, and ride some epic roller coasters. 

Many people spend a few days in Orlando, especially with kids so they can fully experience Disney. 

But Orlando and its theme parks are also an easy day trip from Tampa if you’re short on time. 

Orlando also has other cool attractions like the Kennedy Space Center, Orlando Science Center, Henry P. Leu Gardens, and more.

Save money by booking your skip-the-line tickets for Disney World, Universal Studios, or Kennedy Space Center in advance!

Sarasota

• Distance from Tampa: 60 miles
• Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Sarasota is a charming Gulf Coast city that is just over an hour south of Tampa.

As you would expect, it’s also a fabulous beach destination. The nearby Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach boast sun-soaked white sands that are perfect for a beach day.

Sarasota also has several cultural attractions, making it an amazing day trip for art-lovers.

A highlight is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a historic venue that has gorgeous ancient art from around the world.

Visit the Saturday morning Sarasota Farmers Market to shop for local produce, or check out the beautiful gardens and museum at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

And of course you can take part in the usual Florida outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.

Thanks for reading my list of the best day trips from Tampa Florida!

I’m sure there are many other amazing places that I haven’t yet visited. Florida is a massive state that is home to so many cool beaches, towns, and wildlife parks.

Have a blast exploring the Sunshine State!

Check out my other articles about US destinations:

31 Best Things To Do In San Diego, California

21 Best Day Trips From Boston, Massachusetts

2 Days In Sedona Itinerary: Weekend Trip From Phoenix

23 Best Things To Do In Miami, Florida

12 Best Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island