Tampa is the perfect launching point for Florida road trips. Within 4 hours in every direction, you can hit the ocean, the swamps, the springs, or the cities. Here are 10 weekend road trips that are worth the rental.
1. Tampa to Clearwater Beach
30 minutes via the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Sugar-white sand, sunset at Pier 60, Frenchy's for grouper sandwiches. Half-day trip — perfect for the convertible.
2. Tampa to St. Petersburg
15 minutes via I-275 South. The Dalí Museum, the St. Pete Pier, Central Avenue nightlife, and the Don CeSar for sunset. Day trip or weekend.
3. Tampa to Sarasota
90 minutes via I-75. The Ringling Museum, Siesta Key Beach, St. Armands Circle. Weekend trip — stay on Longboat Key.
4. Tampa to Naples
3 hours via I-75 (or 4.5 hours via the Sunshine Skyway scenic route). Fifth Avenue shopping, the Ritz-Carlton, Marco Island. Weekend trip.
5. Tampa to Miami
4 hours via I-75. South Beach, Wynwood, the Design District. Long weekend — 3 to 4 days.
6. Tampa to Key West
7 hours via I-75 and US-1. The Overseas Highway, Key Largo snorkeling, Key West sunset. Bucket-list trip — 4 to 5 days.
7. Tampa to Orlando
90 minutes via I-4. Disney, Universal, the theme parks. Weekend trip — stay at a Disney deluxe resort or the Four Seasons.
8. Tampa to Ocala / Nature Coast
90 minutes via I-75 North. Horse country, the Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs State Park. Day trip or weekend.
9. Tampa to Crystal River
90 minutes via US-19. Manatee swims in the springs, scalloping in the summer. Day trip.
10. Tampa to Cocoa Beach
2 hours via I-4 East. Space Coast beaches, Kennedy Space Center, surfing. Day trip or weekend.
Road Trip Tips
- Plan fuel stops — Florida has plenty of gas stations but the Alligator Alley section of I-75 has limited options.
- Check toll roads — most Florida tolls are now pay-by-plate.
- Watch for speed limits — Florida highway patrol is active on I-75 and I-4.
- Convertibles are perfect November through April (winter).
- Plan sunset timing — most scenic stops face west.
Reserve Your Weekend Road Trip Car
Tell us the destination and the dates. Multi-day packages include delivery and pickup.
