5 Fun Things to Do Near Tampa Bay, Florida

Tampa Bay, Florida, offers a variety of exciting day trip options within a reasonable distance. If you’re looking for something new outside of Tampa, consider these day trips located 1 – 2 hours away.

5 Day Trips from Tampa Bay:

1. Sarasota

Head south to Sarasota and discover its world-class beaches, including Siesta Key Beach with its powdery white sand. Visit the Ringling Museum of Art, explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or catch a performance at the Sarasota Opera.

2. Crystal River

123 NW HWY 19 

Crystal River, FL 

If you’re interested in wildlife encounters, head to Crystal River, known for its manatee population. Take a guided tour and swim or snorkel with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.

3. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

6131 Commercial Way, 

Spring Hill, FL

Experience old Florida charm at Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can watch the famous mermaid shows or take a relaxing kayak trip along the crystal-clear Weeki Wachee River.

4. Rainbow Springs State Park

19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, 

Dunnellon, FL

Rich in history and nature lover’s paradise. When swimmers take their first dip in the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs, they become characters in a story that stretches back over 10,000 years, when humans first visited this place. Ornamental gardens, constructed waterfalls and sloping hills are visible reminders of the springs’ more recent past, when the land was home to a mining operation and a privately owned tourist attraction. Take a walk through lush, mossy hammocks and then cool off in the springs — it’s a time-honored tradition.

5. Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, Florida

Historic Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, features two hiking trails, 50 acres of gardens, the 20-room El Retiro Estate and the 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower carillon. Bok Tower Gardens has fascinated millions of Florida visitors since it’s opening in 1929. Enjoy unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal and spiritual enrichment when you tour the lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens and hear the music of the Singing Tower carillon.

Find out More

These day trips offer a range of experiences, from natural beauty and outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and amusement parks. Choose the one that suits your interests and enjoy exploring the diverse attractions around Tampa Bay.