Tampa is surrounded by some of Florida's most scenic roads. From urban waterfront to open Gulf views, here are 8 drives within 2 hours of downtown that are worth the gas.
1. Bayshore Boulevard
Tampa's most famous road. 4.5 miles along Tampa Bay, lined with historic homes and the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. Best at sunset. The slow cruise is the move.
2. Courtney Campbell Causeway
The 9-mile causeway from Tampa to Clearwater. Elevated above Tampa Bay with views of both cities. Especially cinematic at sunrise.
3. Sunshine Skyway
The cable-stayed bridge from Tampa to Palmetto. 4.1 miles of cable-stayed elegance, 190 feet above Tampa Bay. One of America's most photographed bridges.
4. Howard Frankland Bridge
The I-275 bridge from Tampa to St. Pete. Less scenic than the Skyway but offers wide-water views of Old Tampa Bay.
5. Gandy Bridge
The alternative route from Tampa to St. Pete. Older, smaller, and quieter than I-275. Popular at sunrise with cyclists and joggers.
6. Tampa Riverwalk to Sparkman Wharf
Not a highway drive — an urban waterfront cruise. 2.5 miles along the Hillsborough River, then south to Sparkman Wharf and the Channelside district. Best at night.
7. Hyde Park Village
Tampa's most charming neighborhood. Tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and the most photographed homes in the city.
8. Lutz to Brooksville (US-41)
40 minutes north of Tampa. Old Florida rolling hills, horse country, and the Withlacoochee State Forest. A drive that feels nothing like the rest of Florida.
Best Cars for Tampa Scenic Drives
- Ferrari Roma convertible — Bayshore at sunset.
- Porsche 911 Turbo S — Courtney Campbell at sunrise.
- Lamborghini Huracán — Sunshine Skyway blast.
- Rolls-Royce Ghost — Hyde Park Village arrival.
- Mercedes G63 — Lutz to Brooksville route.
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