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Are you in Tampa and thinking of taking a day trip somewhere? Being centrally located in Florida, Tampa is the perfect launchpad for many unforgettable say trips around the area. There are crystal-clear springs, historic towns, and wild nature experiences for all types of travelers. Here are some of our favorite places close to Tampa Florida.
Dunedin
Dunedin is one of Florida’s charming little coastal towns close to Clearwater. It’s a relaxed getaway where you can explore the downtown area with local shops, galleries, and stop by any one of the delicious restaurants in the area. Look out for the murals as you walk around the colorful town.
One of the best ways to explore is to take the Food, Drink & Cultural Walking Tour where you will enjoy the flavors of Dunedin that includes brunch, lunch, and drinks at several stops. You’ll discover popular stops and hidden gems with a small group walking tour.
Dunedin is also home to the popular and stylish hotel, The Fenway Hotel that is a must-stay in the area with luxurious rooms and amenities. The Hi-Fi Rooftop bar is a great place to sit and enjoy the sunset views of the water.
With just a little bit of a drive further, you can explore the Honeymoon Island State Park that is situated on a barrier island and has fantastic beaches.
Sarasota
Sarasota is one of our favorite cities in Florida for its laid back charm but so many things to do. There are over 50 things to do in Sarasota but the stunning beaches surpass all of the other things in the area. The world-famous Siesta Key beach draws thousands of visitors to its powdery soft white sand and clear turquoise water.
The Ringling Museum is another gem in Sarasota that has an impressive art collection, historic Ca’d’Zan mansion, and the interesting tale of the circus empire. It’s a great place to visit with the whole family as is the
For those who love nature there is the beautiful Myakka State Park with plenty of opportunities to hike, cycle and get a good view of the gators.
Safari Wildness Ranch
Located in Lakeland, Safari Wildness Ranch is a cool experience for a day trip out of Tampa. It’s a drive through safari tour where you can view all kinds of animals out of the comfort of your own vehicle. There are deer, zebras, cheetahs, camels, ostriches, and so many more animals to see here.
You also have the option to do a safari tour on one of their custom vehicles, and even ATV’s. Some of their more unique tours for those who are more adventurous are their Camel Safari Tour and their Kayak Safari Tour where you get to view other animals while on one of these.
They also have options for exclusive animal encounters with either lemurs, cheetahs, or guinea pigs. All of these animals are located on over 260 acres of pristine wilderness with a 870 square mile watershed.
Orlando
Orlando has limitless options for entertainment so its naturally one of the options for a day trip from Tampa. It makes an exciting and easy day trip offering world-famous theme parks like Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld.
Beyond the parks, Orlando has a charming downtown with Lake Eola in the center. There you can explore the vibrant shopping and dining scene to discover your favorite finds. The Orlando Eye is there too which is a 400-foot tall observation wheel from where you can see all of Orlando.
St. Pete
The neighboring city of St. Pete is a great option if you want lots of things to do while being closer to the beaches. In under an hour you can be strolling the scenic St. Pete Pier, enjoying waterfront views, local dining, and attractions.
Downtown St. Pete is packed with colorful murals, trendy cafes and fun museums that are worth exploring. The Salvador Dali museum is one of the most popular museums in town and the Sunken Gardens is a botanical garden with exotic birds, flowers, and trees.
Bok Towers
The Bok Tower Gardens are one of the most peaceful escapes that are less than two hours away from Tampa. The gardens are known for their luscious landscapes, winding walking paths, exotic plants, and of course the Singing Tower that towers over the gardens.
Inside the Singing Tower is the Carillon, an instrument of at least 23 tuned bells in chromatic series. The bells do not swing and are instead hit by clappers which then produce the sounds. There are only about 600 carillons around the world and you can see one right here in the Bok Tower Gardens.
Clearwater
Clearwater is a classic Florida destination that boasts beautiful beaches. With the powdery white sand and calm Gulf waters, there is plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing and water sports.
The Beach Walk is a scenic .5 mile landscaped promenade along the Gulf side of the barrier island that is great for strolling and you’ll find plenty of dining options along the way.
After the beach, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium that is home to rescued marine life. There are so many boat tours available in the area including dolphin cruises and parasailing adventures.
Weeki Wachee Water Park
Weeki Wachee Water Park is a fun family destination that is famous for its live mermaid shows. The mermaid shows are one of the coolest features of this park where visitors can sit in front of a large glass window looking out into the water and see the mermaids put on a show. The mermaids do all kinds of tricks in the water and tell a short story narrated with music.
Once you’ve seen the show, you can swim in the refreshing springs and even go down the water slide in the park. There’s a kids area where kids can splash around and enjoy the water too.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is the Greek Village of Florida and such a fun day trip from Tampa. Explore the Greek culture and the sponge business here while learning about the long history of the area and how it all started. The city is known for its historic Sponge Docks where visitors can stroll along the waterfront and watch sponge boats come in and go through their daily harvests.
The area is filled with authentic Greek restaurants that serve fresh seafood, gyros, and their irresistible pastries like baklava.
Dinosaur Land
If you’re looking for a family friendly day trip, Dinosaur World is a close day trip from Tampa that is located in Plant City. It’s a 22 acre Jurassic jungle that features life-sized dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and a Dino-themed playground with slides.
This park makes these giant animals come to life, perfect for the kids imaginations who love dinosaurs. There are plenty of activities, such as the fossil dig, that keep everyone busy for the day that are both fun and educating.
Crystal River
Crystal River is a unique destination in Florida that allows people to come close to the beloved Florida creatures, the manatees. Famous for its crystal-clear springs and the chance to swim with manatees, this town is one of Florida’s gems.
Visitors can take a guided kayak or boat tour to see these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat. Manatees are especially crowded in this area during the winter time to stay in warmer waters.
With a boat tour, you get a wetsuit and goggles to be able to swim in the water around the manatees and see them underwater. Your guide will find the best places to see them and even take pictures with you and the manatees for you to take home.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is one of the further day trips ono this list but its still under two hours driving time. It’s a beloved small town in Florida that is worth a visit that has brick-lined streets, antique shops, cozy cafes and local galleries.
It’s fun to explore the local artists, especially if you happen to visit on any one of their seasonal festivals, like the Mount Dora Arts Festival.
Lake Dora provides scenic opportunities for boating or simply relaxing by the water. The boardwalk is a beautiful walk on the water where you can spot all kinds of wildlife including many alligators.
Safety Harbor
Located on the water right across the Old Tampa Bay is Safety Harbor, a charming small town. It’s a peaceful escape out of Tampa but one that is close enough to the city. The town has an eclectic feel as you see artistic expressions around the town.
One of these places is Whimzeyland that is right outside of downtown that is a quirky, colorful and mosaic-filled display that is created from recycled materials.
The Safety Harbor Resort & Spa is a place where people can indulge in rejuvenating mineral springs and spa treatments. It’s located by the water in the downtown area that features restaurants where they serve up delicious food with things like lobster rolls and pizza.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is accessible with a drive from Clearwater or by ferry from Honeymoon Island. It’s one of the few untouched islands on the Gulf Coast offering a complete nature-filled experience.
If you do plan to make this your day trip from Tampa, be sure to plan ahead since there are not many amenities once you get on the island. You will be surrounded by pristine beaches and maritime forests where you will have the chance to observe lots of wildlife.
Caladesi Island is a true nature getaway making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, photography and simply enjoying the nature.