If you choose Tampa for your next beach vacation, you’re making a great decision. Tampa Bay is near St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs and is within a 2-hour drive of many other destinations – such as Naples, Orlando, and so much more.
If you’re looking to stay in Tampa with Florida Sun Vacation Rentals for your entire vacation, but still explore the surrounding areas, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best day trips, attractions, and activities within 2 hours of Tampa. Let’s get started!
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
One of the unique things about Florida is the scenic wetlands spread throughout the state. Though the Everglades, located at the southernmost tip of the state, is the most renowned wetlands, there are many other fantastic wilderness areas in Florida.
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is one of these. Located about an hour outside of Tampa, this wilderness preserve is still nearly untouched by man. It’s divided into 5 distinct parks, and features more than 560,000 acres of wetlands and wilderness.
This is an excellent place to hike or to go birdwatching and see the numerous, diverse habitats that are common throughout Florida.
Captiva Island
Captiva Island is a small island located 166 miles south of Tampa. Though the trip is a bit long, it’s worth every minute! Captiva Island is renowned as one of the best places in the US to go beachcombing and is surrounded by pristine white beaches. Other activities include fishing and quite a few children’s programs.
Crystal River Swim With Manatees
Crystal River is located about an hour and a half north of Tampa, and it’s the self-proclaimed “home of the manatee.”
Kings Bay and the surrounding rivers are home to more than 400 manatees year-round, and Crystal River is one of the only places you can legally interact with manatees and view them in their natural conditions. You can even swim with the manatees – and enjoy their docile, playful, and fun nature!
Florida Orange Groves Winery
Located less than an hour away from Tampa, on the western tip of St. Petersburg, Florida Orange Groves Winery is an ideal destination for wine aficionados. You can tour the facility, purchase wine to take away, participate in tasting sessions, and much more.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Weeki Wachee Springs is a tourist destination for both kids and adults. Located an hour north of Tampa, this state park offers swimming, boating, dining, and entertainment – such as the world-famous “Weeki Wachee Mermaids”, who perform a stunning rendition of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” in the 400-seat auditorium.
Walt Disney World
Orlando is less than two hours away from Tampa – so that means a day trip to Disney World is within reach! The recreation options at Disney World are almost limitless. Chock-full of rides, dining destinations, and your favorite Disney characters (from Frozen’s Elsa to Star Wars’ Kylo Ren), you and your kids are sure to have a blast.
Take A Day Trip From Tampa – To One Of These Destinations!
There’s plenty to do during your beach vacation in Tampa – and if you take the time to travel to one of these destinations, you’re sure to have a great time. So browse our picks, do some research, and find the ideal day trips for you and your family in Tampa Bay and Tarpon Springs!
