I was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, and I truly believe it is one of the most underrated places in the state of Florida. Perfectly located in the middle of everything, there are so many perfect day trips you can take, from fresh water springs to eclectic Greek cities. The Tampa Bay area is truly a unique place to live and visit.
Here are some of my favorite day trips in and around the Tampa Bay Area:
Rainbow River Tubing (1 hr 45 mins from downtown Tampa)
Rainbow River is one of my favorite summertime day trips. It is a fresh water spring made famous for its crystal clear, 72 degree water year round. Tubing down the river is the most popular activity, and I recommend going during the week to avoid the crowds and guarantee entrance.
Downtown Dunedin (40 mins from downtown Tampa)
If you are a fan of craft beer, Dunedin is for you. There are seven breweries within a one-mile radius, and each offers their own unique taste and experience. This walkable downtown has more than just beer though. Located along Main Street, there are plenty of local shops, restaurants, and ice cream stands. I highly recommend getting orange ice cream from Lane’s Lemonade and walking to the Fenway Hotel to enjoy their rooftop bar for an amazing sunset.
Devil’s Den (2 hrs from downtown Tampa)
For those looking for a little Florida nature, head over to Devil’s Den, where you can snorkel or scuba dive in this unique Florida cave.
Downtown St. Petersburg (25 mins from downtown Tampa)
Located just across the bridge from downtown Tampa, St. Pete is the perfect day trip. With plenty of restaurants and shopping along Beach Drive and Central Avenue, you can spend your whole day exploring. The brand new pier just opened in July 2020 and has something for everyone. Between a fishing pier, multiple food stands, and a splash pad and playground for the kids, there is entertainment for the whole family.
St. Armands Circle (1 hr from downtown Tampa)
St. Armands is home to more than 130 boutiques, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants. Located in Sarasota, Florida, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many sidewalk restaurants (I would recommend The Columbia) before shopping at the local boutiques. The Circle also has many events throughout the year, like their Holiday Night of Lights event and their annual Art Festival.
Fort Desoto Park (40 minutes from downtown Tampa)
There is plenty of outdoor activity at Fort Desoto Park. From beach days to camping and kayaking, there is so much that this state park offers. You can even take ferry rides to neighboring Egmont Key and Shell Island for a day of exploring and relaxing.
Tarpon Springs (45 minutes from downtown Tampa)
If you can’t get to Greece, your next best thing is to visit Tarpon Springs. Home to a very large Greek community, you can spend your day exploring the Sponge Docks where you can take boat tours to see sponge divers in action. Most importantly, you need to visit for the Greek food and the traditional bakeries. Don’t leave without taking home my favorite Greek dessert, Chocolate Kok Cake, from Hellas Bakery.
There is also lots of shopping at the Sponge Docks. Five Fish is a great boutique and there are plenty of sponge and soap stores to commemorate your trip to Tarpon Springs. If Greek food isn’t your thing, give some fresh seafood a try at Rusty Bellies or head over to downtown Tarpon, where you can shop for antiques, play vintage arcade and pinball games at Replay Museum, and end your night with some of the best pizza in town at Back Draughts.
Anclote Key (45 minutes from downtown Tampa)
This adventure is only accessible by boat. Located three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs, there are plenty of day boat rental companies to choose from. My go-to is Anclote Village Marina, where you can rent a pontoon boat for your trip to Anclote Key. If you don’t want to rent a boat, you can also access Anclote Key by ferry service. This “private island’ has some of the bluest water and whitest sand along the Gulf of Mexico. This island practically looks untouched and is a perfect way to escape the crowds on the main land.
Weeki Wachee (1 hr from downtown Tampa)
Have you ever wanted to see a mermaid? Well, you can at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park! You can also enjoy their Buccaneer Bay waterpark, boat tours, and kayaking adventures. The water is cool and refreshing and, not to mention, crystal clear.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (40 mins from downtown Tampa)
This is home to Winter the dolphin, the marine animal made famous for her prosthetic tail and her movie, Dolphin Tale. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a rescue and rehab aquarium home to many different species of marine life, and it provides a truly unique experience compared to a traditional aquarium. Located across from the award-winning Clearwater Beach, there is plenty of sunshine in the day to do both. If you are looking for a great meal on your day trip, be sure to check out Frenchy’s and order their grouper sandwich. I promise you won’t be disappointed.