Are you looking for fun day trips from Tampa? Everything from the Florida wilderness to world-class theme parks will be waiting just outside city limits. Central Florida generally includes all of the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas. For families and couples looking for the most magical attractions in Florida, this means that all of the big ones are just a few hours away if you’re staying in downtown Tampa.
One thing that surprises people planning Tampa Florida day trips is that every town, city, and community in this region can feel like a completely different world. Every place has its own unique culture. While you may only be driving for a few minutes, you can be transported to places where magical manatees glide under the bridges at your feet, beaches lined with carpets of shells glisten, and busy city streets are alive with incredible shops and restaurants. The Tampa area is also home to many of the best nature preserves in the country.
A tour we think you'll love
You don’t have to wonder what you’re missing by “just” staying in Tampa during your upcoming vacation. Check out day trips from Tampa that are easy to plan!
1) Day Trip To Clearwater Beach For A Boat Adventure
Schedule a Clearwater Beach day trip to enjoy an unforgettable boat tour! The Tropics Boat Tours in Clearwater offers world-class adventures using a pristine fleet.
Have you always dreamed of seeing dolphins in the wild in the Gulf of Mexico? Our Dolphin Exploration Tours take you Clearwater Bay through Clearwater Pass to see dolphins in the emerald tides of the Gulf of Mexico. We also offer our legendary Sunset Celebration Cruise to the same spot to witness a breathtaking Florida sunset. We offer:
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Cruises for the whole family
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Expert guides who know the area
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Beautiful boats with bathrooms
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100% guarantee on dolphin sightings during our Dolphin Exploration Tours. If you don’t see a dolphin, you can hop on another tour free of charge
With the Clearwater Beach distance from Tampa being less than 24 miles, it’s so easy to plan this amazing day trip! Don’t miss your chance to book a Clearwater Beach day trip that pampers you with dolphin sightings or a magical sunset. Book your spot with The Tropics Boat Trips today!
2) Walt Disney World Resort And Magic Kingdom
Did you know that the distance between Tampa and Orlando is around 85 miles? Yes, that means you can get to America’s favorite theme park in just over an hour. If you’re not planning to rent a car, there are several private shuttle services operating routes between Tampa and Orlando.
It’s okay if Disney isn’t your thing! The distance for getting to Universal Studios is roughly the same.
Bonus day trip from Tampa idea: If you’re heading to Orlando for the parks, consider a stop at Winter Park near Orlando. Famed for its green spaces and beautiful views of Lake Osceola, Winter Park is home to Central Park, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
3) Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a stunning barrier island located on Florida’s Gulf Coast in Manatee County. Enjoy this resort city by spending time at the shops, galleries, and restaurants on Pine Avenue.
There’s also a gorgeous pier jutting out from the beautiful sugar-white beaches. With Anna Maria island distance to Tampa being just over 50 miles, it takes a little more than an hour to get here by car.
4) Manatees At Crystal River
A trip to the Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River is a dream come true for anyone who has ever wanted to see wild manatees. This stunning coastal city is home to a spring-fed body of water called Kings Bay where manatees seek shelter all year long.
From the boardwalks inside Three Sisters Springs, visitors can enjoy once-in-lifetime views of these majestic creatures!
5) Safari Wilderness Ranch
Safari Wilderness Ranch in Lakeland, FL lets you explore 260 pristine acres in a safari vehicle while admiring exotic animals and wetland species. This one-of-a-kind ranch is situated in the expansive wilderness area of Green Swamp.
During your adventure, you’re sure to see:
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Waterbucks (antelopes)
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Lemurs
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Zebras
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Fainting goats
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Ostriches
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Llamas
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Camels
Good to know: There’s also a special feeding area where you can feed eager lemurs fresh grapes! Visitors can also pet and ride lemurs.
6) Downtown St Petersburg
What about a glamorous dinner out in the city to get a break from all these natural adventures? Would you like to visit some amazing parks and museums? Downtown St Petersburg has some of the best cultural attractions in the Tampa area.
Enjoy one of the best day trips from Tampa by putting these stops on your itinerary:
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The Dali Museum
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Sunken Gardens
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Tropicana Field
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Florida Orange Groves Winery
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Sunshine Skyway Bridge
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The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
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St. Pete Pier
7) Beaches
Tampa is a gateway to many great Florida beaches. You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck with a day trip if you head to Indian Rocks Beach. Located on a barrier island called Sand Key, Indian Rocks contains 26 beaches spread across several miles on the Gulf of Mexico. Indian Rocks Beach distance to Tampa is just over 26 miles.
Apollo Beach is another great pick for a day trip. The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a 63-acre space that’s home to a variety of aquatic species. Visitors can enjoy a designated nature-based recreation area for picnicking and sunbathing. There’s also an observation tower.
For the ultimate beach destination, consider heading to Sanibel Island. Protected by an underwater shelf, the beach here is carpeted with gorgeous shells! In fact, Sanibel Island has earned a reputation for being the best shelling beach in America. People from around the country voyage to Sanibel Island specifically for shelling.
8) Winter Haven
The big attraction in Winter Haven is the canal-linked Chain of Lakes. This hidden gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Winter Haven is also home to a large entertainment complex that includes the Legoland Florida Resort and Cypress Gardens.
Conveniently located just 60 miles from Tampa, Winter Haven is the ideal destination for a memorable family outing.
9) Local Towns And Communities
There are many small towns and quaint communities that offer fun day trips from Tampa. Here’s a rundown of potential itineraries to give you some inspiration for Tampa Florida day trips:
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Fort Myers: Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Edison Mall, and Millennial Brewing
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Plant City: Dinosaur World, Edward Medard Regional Park, Plant City Train Viewing Platform
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Tarpon Springs: Sunset Beach, Fred Howard Park, Brooker Creek Reserve, Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
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Lake Wales: Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Pinewood Estate
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Spring Hill: Historic Bayport Park, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Wildlife Survival Sanctuary
Fun Day Trips From Tampa Are Waiting
Squeezing a day trip into your Tampa vacation is one of the best ways to feel like you’re getting two vacations in one! Of course, finding ideas for day trips from Tampa that everyone in your group can agree on can be a challenge. That’s why you can’t go wrong with a boat trip!
The Tropics Boat Tours is the Tampa area’s #1 tour provider. We take you to the dreamy emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphin sightings and dreamlike sunsets. We promise to offer you the most unique day trips possible. With our incredible customer service and affordable rates, you’ll be surprised to learn just how easy booking something like this can be.
Rest assured that our staff will walk you carefully through the booking process to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want. Just be warned that dates tend to fill up quickly. Book your once-in-a-lifetime Tampa-area excursion with The Tropics Boat Tours today!
