Last Updated on October 1, 2023
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Tampa is a beautiful bay city along Florida’s Gulf Coast with so many fun things to do. From here up to Orlando or south to Naples, there are a lot of day & weekend trips to take from Tampa.
The recommendations in this post are kid-friendly places and activities so bring the whole family!
Luscious, white, sand beaches, Busch Gardens, and Ybor City, are just a few things that Tampa has to offer in terms of attractions and entertainment.
If you’re from the Tampa area or just staying here on vacation, there are plenty of exciting activities to do nearby.
All of the attractions on this list are under 3 hours from Tampa.
Take a day trip from Tampa or even a weekend getaway to these spots and enjoy some of the best that Florida has to offer!
Here are 15 day & weekend trips to take from Tampa!
Best Day & Weekend Trips From Tampa
1. St. Pete Pier- St. Petersburg
Just a short 30-minute drive from Tampa is the new St Pete Pier in downtown St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg is a vibrant city and its downtown area is a cultural mix of art galleries, museums, restaurants, and more.
One of the highlights of the city is the new St. Pete Pier, which opened in the summer of 2020.
The pier is 3,000 feet long and on 26 acres of land! While here, walk the pier or you can take a tram that takes you to the restaurants/bars at the end.
Pier Teaki is the rooftop restaurant at the end of the pier where you can see some spectacular views of the water and downtown St. Petersburg.
There’s seriously so much to do here; a splash area and playground for the kids, a fishing deck and bait shop at the end of the pier, a beach, and lots of food!
There are several restaurants and bars at the pier, including Doc Fords Rum Bar and Grille, where you can enjoy some seafood and a drink on their waterfront patio.
Spa Beach Bistro is a pizza place at the pier, and there a few other restaurants, as well.
Things To Do Nearby- Downtown St. Petersburg
Take a stroll or ride bike through the waterfront parks next to the pier.
Check out the downtown shops and restaurants.
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts or Dali Museum.
Looking to see a bit more of the area? Take a downtown city tour!
Recommended Rental Nearby-
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
St Pete Pier
800 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
2. Icon Park- Orlando
About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Tampa is Icon Park in Orlando.
Icon Park sits on the famous International Drive, which is the strip in downtown Orlando known for its attractions, restaurants, shops, and of course, near the theme parks.
This outdoor shopping area is full of shops and over 40 restaurants/bars.
Tin Roof is one of the most popular restaurants/bars at Icon Park and is known for its good food and live music.
Icon Park is home to The Wheel, which is a giant Ferris Wheel that takes you up and gives you incredible views of the city from 400 feet in the air!
If that’s not enough, ride the Orlando Starflyer, the world’s largest swing that spins you around even higher at a heart-stopping 450 feet.
The park has plenty of kids’ activities too, including an arcade, 7D rides, Sea Life Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Or you can have the Pearl Express Train take the kids for a ride around the park.
It’s free to walk around the park and parking is free, also. You can pay for the games and attractions separately, or bundle them up to save.
Things To Do Near Icon Park
If you’re looking for more fun in the area, Ripley’s Believe It or Not is right by Icon Park and is worth visiting.
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows is right next to the parking ramp for the park. It’s a live comedy/mystery show where you try to solve the crime.
Pirates Cove Adventure Golf is a mini-golf course and just a short walk from Icon Park.
For a deal that lets you bundle several attractions on International Drive, try the Orlando Explorer Pass!
Recommended Rental Nearby– Hyatt Place
Icon Park
8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Hours- 10 am-2 am
3. Treasure Island
Treasure Island is a lovely hidden gem about 35 minutes from Tampa.
Right next to Clearwater and St. Pete Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, Treasure Island is an amazing little city to experience.
St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at Treasure Island sits south of John’s Pass and north of Blind Pass.
The beach has a snack bar, restrooms, gift shop, kids’ playground, and sand volleyball.
There’s also a walking and biking path that takes you along the beach.
The parking lot is open 24 hours a day and is $2 an hour.
Treasure Island is a nice place to take a day or weekend trip from Tampa!
Things To Do In Treasure Island and Nearby
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is less than a 10-minute drive from Treasure Island.
(See #8 on this list)
Rosselli Park is nearby and has tennis courts, a kids’ playground, baseball field, picnic area, and dog park.
Get some food at Caddy’s restaurant on the beach. Known for their bottomless mimosas and sangrias on weekends.
If you’re looking to get out on the water, check out a yacht cruise in the area!
Recommended Rental Nearby– Island Inn Beach Resort
Treasure Island
11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL, 33706
4. Ocala National Forest- Ocala
Just over 2 hours from Tampa, the Ocala National Forest is north of Orlando near Ocala.
With over 600 rivers and lakes, this forest is a nice getaway from the theme parks and crowds.
There are lots of things to do here. Come to have a picnic, hunt, fish, swim, go snorkeling, boating, canoeing, biking, or shoot at the shooting range.
The Ocala National Forest is also well-known for nature viewing, plants, scenery, and wildlife.
You can rent a cabin, camp in the campground, or in an RV.
Things To Do Near the Ocala National Forest
Both the Ocala National Recreation Trail and Silver Springs State Park are nearby.
Recommended Rental Nearby– Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Ocala
Ocala National Forest
Forest Service Road 09, Silver Springs, FL, 34488
5. Times Square- Fort Myers Beach
Times Square in Fort Myers Beach is about a 2 hour and 20-minute drive from Tampa.
Fort Myers Beach sits on Estero Island, a barrier island that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
Times Square is the downtown hub of Fort Myers Beach.
Here, you can relax at the beach, fish at the pier, or just enjoy the views.
Lynn Hall Beach Park is at the pier and has restrooms, showers, grills, parking, and a picnic area.
There is often entertainment, street performers, and live music at Times Square.
Up the street, you explore the shops and dine at the restaurants.
At the base of the pier, you can eat, get drinks, and enjoy some daily live music at PierSide Grill.
Smokin’ Oyster Brewery and Nervous Nellie’s are just a couple more of the popular restaurants here.
Things To Do Near Times Square, Fort Myers Beach
Try a 4-6 hour fishing charter in the area with Beeline Fishing Charters!
Bowditch Point Park is near the northern tip of the island and is a nature preserve with trails and a beach.
Take a Dolphin Tiki Cruise around Fort Myers Beach.
Recommended Rental Nearby- Pink Shell Vacation Villas
Times Square
1133 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL, 33931
6. Clearwater Beach
Just a short hop from Tampa is beautiful Clearwater Beach. It’s about a 30-minute drive.
The drive from Tampa to Clearwater Beach is a scenic one and you’re surrounded by lots of water throughout the trip.
Clearwater Beach has been voted the best beach several times in the past! Once you’re here, there’s lots to do.
Relax on the soft, white sand, rent some water equipment, or go for a dolphin-watching boat ride!
Clearwater Beach has Pier 60, a large fishing pier with great views of the area.
The pier area has a kids’ playground and also entertainment and vendors most nights.
The beach also has several waterfront restaurants so you don’t have to go far for food and drinks!
I recommend Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. This beach restaurant has excellent seafood and drinks.
If you like fish, try one of their grouper sandwiches.
This is a popular beach and gets lots of people, but the beach is so wide, it’s easy to keep plenty of space from others.
Come early for beach parking because it will fill up fast. Downtown, there is a big parking ramp that’s within walking distance of the beach and pier.
Things To Do In Clearwater Beach
Visit downtown for shops and restaurants/bars. The downtown area is just a block from the beach and includes Pelican Walk Plaza, 2 floors of shops, and restaurants.
Hogan’s Beach Shop is a great place to see wrestling history and collect memorabilia. After checking out the beach shop, have a beer at Hogan’s Hangout on the corner of Mandalay Ave.
The original Frenchy’s Cafe is right around the corner from Hogan’s Hangout.
While in Clearwater Beach, don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for some family fun. The aquarium is home to dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Sand Key Beach Park is south of Clearwater Beach and Pier 60. It’s a quieter spot with a picnic area, grills, shelters, dog park, and beach.
Recommended Rental Nearby– Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
Clearwater Beach- Pier 60
7 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL, 33767
7. Bayfront Park- Anna Maria
About 1 hour and 25 minutes from Tampa is Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.
Anna Maria is the northernmost city on Anna Maria Island, a barrier island across from Tampa Bay to the south.
Bayfront Park is at the northern tip of the island and is sandwiched between the Anna Maria City Pier and the Rod and Reel Pier.
The park has bike racks, grills, pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms/showers, and a nice little stretch of beach.
Things To Do In Anna Maria
While here, walk over to the Anna Maria City Pier. The pier is just a little ways south.
Or you can walk north to Rod & Reel Pier for some great views and good food. Both are less than a half-mile away from Bayfront Park.
Looking for more delicious food in the area? Check out these restaurants on Anna Maria Island!
You can see lots of marine life in the water from the piers. We saw stingrays and dolphins when we were at the Rod & Reel Pier.
Just a little further north from Rod & Reel Pier is Bean Point, which is the beach at the northernmost point of the island. Here is where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.
There are no amenities at Bean Point, it’s just a great beach with picturesque views and smaller crowds.
Recommended Rental Nearby– Sunrise Garden Resort
Bayfront Park
316 N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, FL 34216
8. John's Pass- Madeira Beach
You can take the kids on a pirate ship or dolphin sightseeing tour, or to an arcade.
There are plenty of rentals to do here too, including boat rentals, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks.
For those looking for some thrills, they offer parasailing at John’s Pass and also have an alligator attraction, where you can kiss an alligator! They also have tortoises, frogs, and fish.
You can’t go to Johns Pass without eating some food or doing some shopping.
The Lazy Lizard and Overhead Surf Shop are just a couple of the apparel stores here, but there is also a jewelry store, gift shops, ice cream shops, candy stores, and more.
Get some lunch or dinner at Bamboo Beach Bar or The Hut. There are lots of other restaurants here, too.
At The Hut, we had great food and drinks outside on their deck overlooking the John’s Pass waterfront.
John’s Pass
12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Things To Do Near John’s Pass, Madeira Beach
Just north of John’s Pass is a nice beach access area in Madeira Beach. This beach isn’t very wide and there are a lot of hotels on the beach, so it gets crowded fairly quickly.
There’s a parking lot and a pay station here. There are no lifeguards here and hours are 7 am- Dusk.
About 10 minutes south of John’s Pass is the St. Petersburg Municipal Beach in Treasure Island (See #3)
Recommended Rental Nearby– Barefoot Beach Club
9. Sightseeing Cruise- Naples
Naples is a bit of a drive from Tampa at 2.5 hours but there are lots of fun things to do here, so it’s definitely worth the trip!
Pure Florida has sunset and sightseeing cruises around Naples Bay and Gordon Pass.
The boat captain is knowledgeable and they tell you a lot about the area, while they take you along the beautiful waterfront homes in Naples.
See dolphins and other wildlife, and enjoy the views on the boat ride, while having a couple of drinks.
The company also does jet boat thrill rides, boat rentals, dolphin tours, and jet ski rentals.
They do boat tours in Fort Myers, as well.
Things To Do In Naples
The boat picks you up and drops you off at Tin City, which is a bunch of indoor shops and restaurants on the Naples waterfront.
The Naples Pier is close by and a popular attraction with concessions and a beach area.
For more to do in Naples and Southwest Florida, go here.
Recommended Rental Nearby– Cove Inn on Naples Bay
Pure Florida Cruises at Tin City
1200 5th Ave. S Ste 501, Naples, FL 34102
10. St Pete Beach
About 40 minutes from Tampa, St Pete Beach is known as “The Sunset Capital of Florida” for the breathtaking sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico.
St Pete Beach was just named the top beach in the U.S. for 2021 by TripAdvisor!
Take the boardwalk up to the white, sugar sand beach. They sell tickets for parasailing and other water activities right here on the beach.
The County Park Beach has metered 235 parking spots, but you still want to get here early, because they will fill up quickly especially during the busy season.
It was $6.50 to park here for 2 hours. The beach also has restrooms and showers.
No pets or alcohol allowed on the beach. There are also no lifeguards here.
Hanging out at St Pete Beach just before a storm rolled in
Things To Do In St. Pete Beach
The Drunken Clam is a good seafood restaurant right across the street from County Park Beach. The Clam is a sports bar and is also popular for wings and drinks.
Pass-a-Grille Beach is further south on the island and has paddleboard and speed boat rentals.
This is a well-known beach with gift shops and restaurants/bars nearby, including Hurricane Seafood Restaurant.
Recommended Rental Nearby– The Don CeSar
County Park Beach
4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706
11. Lighthouse Beach Park- Sanibel Island
Just a little under 2.5 hours from Tampa is Lighthouse Beach Park in Sanibel Island.
Lighthouse Beach Park is on the eastern tip of the island and one of the best things to do while here.
It’s one of the best places to collect shells in Florida.
There is a nice beach area, a fishing pier, and of course the lighthouse just a little ways from the beach.
Bring some food and have a picnic, there are barbecue grills to cook on, too. This park is over 40 acres and it’s a nice place to hang out and relax.
There are also trails to walk around the area. The park is pet-friendly and is open 24 hours a day.
Parking is $5 an hour and it costs $6 to get on Sanibel Island.
Things To Do On Sanibel Island
There are quite a few places to rent bikes on the island and it’s a good way to get around and explore.
Bowman’s Beach Park is on the western end of the island and has trails, a kids’ playground, and is another popular spot for shelling.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is close to Bowman’s Beach Park and is known for its migratory bird populations.
The refuge is more than 6400 acres and home to nearly 250 bird species!
Recommended Rental Nearby– Waterside Inn on the Beach
Lighthouse Beach Park
One Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL, 33957
12. Universal - Orlando
Just a little over an hour from Tampa is Universal Orlando. With 4 Parks and hundreds of attractions, Universal is one of the top things to do in Orlando.
Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure feature the likes of Harry Potter, Despicable Me, and the Transformers.
Come to both parks for hours of rides, food, shows, family-friendly entertainment, and shopping.
Volcano Bay is the new water theme park and has water slides, a lazy river, and wave pool.
Take it easy and unwind in one of their private cabanas!
City Walk features lots of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Get some food at popular chains like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Hard Rock Cafe, or experience some Jamaican- influenced food and enjoy some reggae music at Bob Marley’s.
Show off your singing skills at City Walk’s Rising Star karaoke bar or take in a show with Blue Man Group.
Things To Do Near Univeral Orlando
Shadow Bay Park is just north of Universal and has trails for walking and biking and tennis courts.
Fun Spot America is another lesser-known theme park with an arcade, roller coaster rides, bumper cars, and go-karts.
Recommended Rental Nearby- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando
6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
13. Dinosaur World- Plant City
Dinosaur World is just over 20 minutes from Tampa in between Tampa and Orlando.
Explore the life-size dinosaurs outdoors at this family-friendly attraction.
There are hundreds of dinosaurs to walk among, interactive displays, a dinosaur-themed playground for kids, and a gift shop.
Food, snacks, and coolers are allowed in the park. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
Credit Dinosaur World/Youtube
Things To Do Near Dinosaur World- Plant City
There are a number of food options in Plant City not too far from Dinosaur World. These include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 1916 Irish Pub, Applebees, Outback Steakhouse, and Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant.
If you bring your dog to Dinosaur World, you can also let them play at the Plant City Dog Park which is close by. Burchwood Park and Rowena Mays Park are also in the area.
Recommended Rental Nearby- Hampton Inn Plant City offers 15% off room rates when you call ahead and mention Dinosaur World.
Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
14. Leffis Key- Bradenton Beach
About an hour from Tampa is Leffis Key in Bradenton Beach.
Bradenton Beach is the southernmost city on Anna Maria Island but has some nice beaches and other attractions.
At Leffis Key, you can walk on the boardwalks and trails through the mangrove forest and take in the sights along Sarasota Bay.
This preserve is popular for viewing birds and other wildlife and there is fishing access.
There are also benches, a bike rack, overlooks, and a pavilion.
Things To Do In Bradenton Beach
*Coquina Beach is right on the other side of Gulf Drive from Leftis Key and is the most popular beach on the south end of the island, with lots of amenities.
*Cortez Beach is also close by and is about a mile north of the preserve.
*If you’re looking for the best beaches on the island, go here!
Recommended Rental Nearby- Tropic Isle Inn
Leftis Key Preserve
2351 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL, 34217
15. Disney World- Orlando
The list of day trips from Tampa wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Disney World!
Disney World is about an hour away from Tampa and is filled with theme parks, resorts, shopping, restaurants, bars, live shows, and entertainment.
Visit the 4 theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.
There’s also shopping at Disney Springs, and the water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
You can fit some of these Disney attractions in a day trip, but with so much to do here, you will definitely need to come back for more!
Things To Do Near Disney World
Sea World is about 10 minutes from Disney. This attraction has shows and presentations with marine life, rides and attractions, and close encounters with the animals.
Discovery Cove is a nearby snorkeling spot where you can also go swimming with dolphins!
Recommended Rental Nearby– Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort
Disney World
1375 E Buena Vista Dr., Orlando, FL, 32830
Day Trips From Tampa- FAQ’s
What Cities Are 1 Hour (Or Less) From Tampa?
St. Petersburg- 25 minutes
Plant City- 25 minutes
St. Pete Beach- 36 minutes
Clearwater Beach- 38 minutes
Madeira Beach- 39 minutes
Anna Maria Island- 60 minutes
What Cities Are 2 Hours (Or Less) From Tampa?
Orlando- 1 hour and 33 minutes
Ocala- 1 hour and 38 minutes
What Cities Are 3 Hours (Or Less) From Tampa?
Fort Myers Beach- 2 hours and 18 minutes
Naples- 2 hours and 23 minutes
Sanibel Island- 2 hours and 28 minutes
What Beaches Are Closest To Tampa?
Ben T. Davis Beach is a popular beach in Tampa and is located on the causeway as you head to Clearwater. Located across from Davis Beach is East Tampa Beach.
For more on the best beaches in the Tampa area, check out this post!
Conclusion:15 Day & Weekend Trips From Tampa
As you can see, there are many awesome attractions and day trips from Tampa!
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Florida, check out these 17 Amazing Gulf Coast Beaches.
Booking a last-minute trip to Tampa?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!
Top Tours in Tampa
Guided Tampa Tour In A Deluxe Street Legal Golf Cart – (Best Guided Tampa Tour)
Tiki Boat – Downtown Tampa – (Authentic Tampa Floating Tiki Bar)
Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise From Tampa – (1.5 Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise)
Tampa History Cruise – (Learn Tampa’s History On A Cruise)
Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour – (Guided Food Tour In Ybor City)
Top Hotels & Accommodations in Tampa
Courtyard By Marriott Tampa – (Budget To Mid-Range Stay In Tampa)
AC Hotel By Marriott Tampa Airport – (Top Rated Hotel Near Tampa Airport)
Hyatt House Tampa Airport/Westshore – (Highly Rated Hotel With Bar & Pool)
Hotel Haya – (Best Rated Hotel Near Ybor City)
Looking To Get Around In Tampa?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
