Day Trips from Tampa, Florida

1. Clearwater Beach

Known for its soft white sand and its inviting blue water, Clearwater Beach is widely recognized as one of the best beaches in the United States. The warm, shallow water is perfect for swimming, and plenty of private cabanas, beach chairs, and umbrellas are available for rent.

Many beachgoers also take advantage of the opportunity to get out on the water and jet ski, parasail, or stand-up paddleboard.

The boardwalk that runs along the beach is lined with excellent restaurants and shops, but if you'd like more selection, you can head inland to the charming town of Clearwater Beach.

2. Jacksonville

Fondly referred to as the "River City by the Sea", Jacksonville boasts an excellent location right next to both the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful St. Johns River. The city's young population gives it a fun, energetic atmosphere and a vibrant nightlife scene, and even if you're only here for the day, you can still appreciate the city's trendy craft breweries and the views from its waterfront rooftop bars. There are also more than 20 miles of beach in the city, but before you head down to the water, make sure to spend some time wandering the streets to admire the street art.

3. Sarasota

One of the best-known cities on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota offers excellent beaches, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The city was famously the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, and although circus performances no longer take place, visitors can see old costumes and learn about the circus's fascinating history at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

These days, you might be able to catch a Broadway show or a ballet performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, but there's also a good chance you'll be too busy relaxing on the city's beautiful beaches to have time for a show.

4. Bok Tower Gardens

Nestled amidst the rolling hills covered with citrus trees just outside Tampa, the Bok Tower Gardens are set on a stunning 250-acre property that offers plenty of things to see and do. The heart of the property is a 50-acre contemplative garden designed by the well-known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., but other garden areas include an endangered plant garden, a wetland area with a boardwalk, and a 2.5-acre children's garden. Another highlight of the property is the Singing Tower, a unique instrument known as a Carillon.

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, Phone: 863-676-1408

5. Cabbage Key

Sitting just off the Gulf Coast, Cabbage Key is a tiny but welcoming island that perfectly embodies the feel of Old Florida. There's not much to do here, but that's a big part of the island's appeal; most visitors come here simply to soak up the atmosphere, relax on the beautiful, pristine beaches, and explore the nature trails that crisscross the island. If you're here for lunch, make sure to stop by the famous Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant to try the hamburger that some people believe inspired the Jimmy Buffet song "Cheeseburger in Paradise". Map

6. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1983 to protect the Florida Manatee, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is home to approximately 600 manatees when they migrate here during the winter. There are several different places throughout the park where visitors can see the manatees, but the most popular is the Three Sisters boardwalk, which can be reached by taking a shuttle from the Three Sisters Springs Center. Once here, visitors can admire the manatees from the boardwalk, rent a kayak to paddle around on the river, or even join a guided tour to snorkel among the gentle giants.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge , 1502 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429, Phone: 352-563-2088

7. Dali Museum

Located in St. Petersburg, the Dali Museum boasts one of the world's largest collections of Salvador Dali's artwork.

More than 300 oil and watercolor paintings are on display, but the exhibits also contain a wide range of other Dali works, including sculptures, photographs, textiles, and posters. Outside the museum is a beautiful garden, which features a labyrinth, a peaceful grotto, and a drooping ficus tree reminiscent of a Dali work. A public guided tour is included in the price of admission, but audio guides are available as well if you'd prefer to explore the museum at your own pace.

Dali Museum , 1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 727-823-3767

8. Everglades National Park

Encompassing an incredible 1.5 million acres of land in southern Florida, Everglades National Park is a protected region of tropical wetlands that serves as a habitat for hundreds of animal species, including the endangered Florida panther and the leatherback turtle. It's a fantastic place to wildlife watch and there are endless opportunities to do so; alligators can be spotted by the dozen along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve, while visitors who take an airboat ride across the water will have the opportunity to spot manatees, dolphins, and crocodiles. There are also several hiking trails in the park, including some that have boardwalks. Everglades Map, Everglades National Park Video