Taking fun day trips from Tampa is easy. The expressway system is perfect for getting around the state quickly. In under two hours you can visit some of Florida’s most coveted and fun places.

Tampa has plenty of things to do. Of course, Clearwater Beach is just a few minutes away, but a day trip from Tampa at Clearwater Beach is always fun for a day. However, here are a few new ideas for a day trip from Tampa.

Our 10 Day Trips from Tampa

Get ready for some adventure on a day trip from Tampa to any of these locations.

Cedar Key – with the new extension of Veteran’s Expressway (State Road 589) to Lecanto/Crystal River, Cedar Key is reachable in two hours. Historically significant, Cedar Key was once a bustling seaport. Sample some aqua-cultured clams & oysters… Read the story.

Bok Tower – This 100-foot tower is built on one of the highest points in Florida. The surrounding botanical garden and Pinewood estate are beautifully manicured. Just 90 minutes away from Tampa off Rt. 60. Read the story.

Punta Gorda – If you like watersports, shopping and waterfront dining, you will love this quaint city about 90 minutes south of Tampa just off I-75. Read the story.

Mount Dora – One of our favorite day trips from Tampa. Plenty of quirky shops and restaurants. Exceptional food at Pisces Rising. Just under two hours east of Tampa off Rt. 75 north. Read the story.

Anna Maria Island – Just 45 minutes south of Tampa off I75 take rt. 64 to a quaint island. Colorful shops dot the streets along with an uncluttered beach. Read the story.

Crystal River – Not just the Manatee capital of the world, but scallops, springs and more. Plenty of things to see and do in and around Crystal River. About 90 minutes north off the new Rt. 589 extension. One of our favorite day trips from Tampa. Read the story.

The Villages – Just under 2 hours north on I75 is the fastest growing and friendliest community in the state. See why thousands of golf carts and immaculate streets bring a couple hundred new residents each month. Another one of our favorite day trips from Tampa because of great shops, friendly people, restaurants and entertainment. Read the story.

Rainbow Springs – Under two hours north on Tampa is one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks. The clear cool water of Rainbow Springs forms the Rainbow River. Kayakers, tubers, swimmers, fishermen and bird watchers descend on the park grounds daily. Great place for a family picnic. Read the story.

Cayo Costa – Yes, it is another Florida State Park. But this is unlike any other park you have been to. Half the fun is getting there. You have to catch a ferry from another island (accessible by car) to go to this remote island. Don’t expect the beaches there to be like Clearwater Beach – the white sand is there, but the crowds, shops and commercial activity is missing on this remote barrier island. Read the story.

Arcadia, Florida – Do you like old things? I mean real old things like antiques. Arcadia is known as the antique capital of Florida. We believe it. This small town located 30 miles east of Bradenton has streets lined with antique dealers. Every kind of antique you can imagine from farming to World War II. You could easily spend a half day roaming the shops. Read the story.

Map of Day Trips from Tampa

If you look at the map below, you will see that getting around central Florida from Tampa is very easy. The expressways make it simple to get east and west and north or south.

Pick your day trip from Tampa. Let us know your favorite. Maybe we can add it to our list of 10 Day Trips from Tampa.