10 Must-Visit Destinations within Driving Distance from Greater Tampa Bay
By Dylan Berman
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is for thrill seekers and beach lovers alike. Start the adventure at Bradenton Beach, a scenic town at the southern tip of the island. First, experience the ocean from a bird’s point of view and be lifted up into the blue skies and parasail over the deep blue waters.
To continue the journey, travelers should change into walking clothes and head to Pine Avenue. While the name may sound ordinary, Pine Avenue offers delicious desserts at Anna Maria Donuts or Hometown Desserts, cheesy pizza at Poppo’s Taqueria or samples of different lemon olive oils at Olive Oil Outpost.
Built in 1927, the Old City Jail is now a popular photo destination due to its unique open air, no roof design. The jail is of course no longer functioning. Wrap up the adventure next door at the Anna Maria Historical Society.
Leave Bradenton Beach and drive north to Bean Point Beach to be immersed in the light blue waters. The 20-minute drive between the two beaches is well worth it for travelers who are looking to witness a breathtaking sunset.
Driving Distance: 50 to 60 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe, Lunch: The Waterfront Restaurant, Dinner: The Porch Restaurant
Cedar Key
The casual, charming town of Cedar Key has so much to offer passers-by. The Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is covered in trees but cut into by the ocean at several points, giving visitors tons of beaches to enjoy along the way. The refuge is home to birds and other eye-catching wildlife.
The wildlife refuge is just the first chance to enjoy the small town’s greenery. Cemetery Point Park and Shell Mound County Park offer equally beautiful chances to glance at the fresh waters crashing against the Florida shoreline.
In town, guests can admire and even shop through locally produced art at Island Arts. Stay in town and check out the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum. Going back to prehistoric times, the museum offers visitors a detailed account of Cedar Key history.
Driving Distance: 130 to 140 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: 2nd Street Cafe, Lunch: Steamers, Dinner: Big Deck Bar and Grill
Destin
Buried in the Florida Panhandle sits Destin. This small city is a wonderful destination for golfers, active travelers and beach-wanders. In Destin, visitors can jet ski on the famous emerald waters, say hello to one of the dolphins that calls the gulf waters home or relax on one of the sandy beaches.
Vast bodies of blue water surround Choctawhatchee Bay, making it the perfect place to stroll through beachy terrain and gaze at the nearby water. For another stunning view of the coast, Henderson Beach State Park has travelers covered.
Play through 18 holes of golf at the Kelly Plantation Golf Club, built on a former turpentine plantation. After the game, admire another part of the Florida coast with the club’s waterfront views.
Destin Commons is for those more inclined to browsing the shopping scene and exploring the mix of local restaurants. Similar to Destin Commons, Fort Walton Beach is packed with more cafes, bars and boutiques for visitors to delve into.
Driving Distance: 425 to 435 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: Donut Hole Bakery and Cafe, Lunch: The Back Porch, Dinner: Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House
Fort Myers
Boredom is not a part of the Fort Myers’ vernacular. This shoreline city in southwest Florida is home to the impressive Edison and Ford Winter Estates, which sits bordering the Caloosahatchee River. The 25,000 square foot museum contains a botanical library and huge, vibrant gardens sure to catch any traveler’s eye.
Besides the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers boasts the IMAG History and Science Center. Step back in time to learn about the Calusa Native Americans or choose to stay in the present and check out their science and technology related exhibits.
For those that prefer to leave the learning for home, Fort Myers has plenty of walkable neighborhoods filled with photo worthy waterfront homes. In addition, there are rows of shops, boutiques and other forms of entertainment sprinkled throughout the city. Grab a tasty cocktail at The Standard, enjoy fresh seafood at the Oxbow Bar and Grill or relax to some jazz music at The 86 Room.
Manatee Park is another great source of entertainment. Soak up the sun while renting a kayak. Alternatively, choose to explore one of the many walking trails the park has to offer. Lastly, get up-close views and some great pictures with our seafaring friends, manatees.
Driving Distance: 130 to 140 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: House of Omelets, Lunch: Connors Steak and Seafood, Dinner: The Melting Pot
Greater Gainesville
From the Bay Area to the Heart of Gainesville and Alachua County
Find Dreamy Escapes and Fun Ways to Kick Back
Just two hours from Tampa is a place of orange and blue skies you might have heard of – home of the Florida Gators, the cradle of some of America’s most beloved musicians, writers, artists, athletes, educators, and inventors with a picturesque tree canopy, crystal-blue springs, and over one hundred miles of trails leading to the only place in Florida that you can visit a prairie and observe free-roaming bison and wild horses.
Plan a Day in Gainesville and Alachua County
Morning
Start your visit with a trip to Micanopy, Florida’s oldest inland town. Micanopy is known for its antique shops, fall festivals, and perfect Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Rediscover the joy of the leisurely stroll as you browse Micanopy’s numerous antique shops, hear bluegrass tunes floating up from the front deck of dining establishments like the Old Florida Café, and explore attractions like the Micanopy Historical Society Museum. Grab coffee and sweets at “no-chain-restaurants-here” gems like Coffee and Cream and the Mosswood Farm Store and Bake House.
Afternoon
Option 1: Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Continue exploring down State Road 441 to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. On any given day, visitors can see bison, wild horses, alligators, and dozens of bird species from the prairie trails and lookout tower.
Heading into Gainesville – hometown of the University of Florida, one of the nation’s top-ranked public universities, nature lovers can explore serene escapes like the Sweetwater Wetlands Park, a haven for birdwatching, and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens which boast record-setting giant Victoria water lilies. Leashed dogs and picnic baskets are always welcome at the gardens.
Option 2: Discover Incredible Animal Conservation and Educational Opportunities
Visit the Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm (admission price: two carrots!) – a non-profit providing safe-haven and lifelong care for otherwise unprotected horses. Explore the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo, the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), or Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation, a facility caring for exotic animals in need.
Option 3: Pedal or Paddle on a Robust Trail System
Known for its strong focus on conservation, Alachua County shines with opportunities for active outdoor recreation. Paddle “8 Springs in 8 Miles” with a trip down the Santa Fe River or take a swim at Poe Springs, where the water remains a cool 72 degrees year-round. Grab your bike and pedal the nearly 40 miles of single-track mountain bike trails of San Felasco Hammock Preserve or enjoy the soft rolling hills and great vistas throughout the paved 16.5 mile Gainesville-Hawthorne trail.
Option 4: Explore the Great Indoors
Thought-provoking exhibits and world-class collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History, Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, Harn Museum of Art, Matheson History Museum, the Haile Homestead, and the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center offer enriching indoor activities.
Evening – Unwind and Be Entertained
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Dining and entertainment districts like Downtown Gainesville, Celebration Pointe, Butler Plaza North, South Main Station, and Tioga Town Center showcase a vibrant nightlife with live music on dozens of stages and dining options for every palate.
Discover year-round entertainment with live productions at the Hippodrome Theatre, the UF Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Gainesville Community Playhouse, High Springs Playhouse and more.
Plan a visit with a full list of attractions, events, dining, and lodging options at VisitGainesville.com. For top weekly and quarterly events, subscribe to the award-winning What’s Good guide of weekly events at WhatsGoodAlachuaCounty.com.
Jupiter
Fishing expeditions in this Florida city result in catching more than just everyday fish, such as trout or bass. Instead, fish for a species that has been around since before the dinosaurs, sharks. Jupiter is one of the nation’s prime locations for shark fishing, just one of the many facts that make this Florida city unique.
The 110 acre, 6,800 seat Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, which sits in the eastern part of Jupiter, are the training grounds for the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals. Furthermore, it serves as training grounds for a minor league baseball team called the Jupiter Hammerheads. Opened in 1988, this stadium has also hosted several Florida championships.
Walk along the Loxahatchee River at Harbourside Place, a local destination for eateries and shops. Shopping and dining are only part of the experience. Harbourside Place keeps it interesting with yoga events, car shows and farmers markets throughout the year.
Once those shopping bags are full, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a must-visit during any stay in Jupiter. Sightseers will awe at the views offered from this iconic lighthouse. Views include the Loxahatchee River, Indian River, boats, docks and last, but not least, the Atlantic Ocean.
Driving Distance: 180 to 190 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: Soul Rebel, Lunch: Cafe Sol, Dinner: The Jupiter Grill
Naples
Discover the vibrant charm of the Florida landscape with a trip to Naples. For the first dose of nature, start the adventure at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens or the East Community Park.
Then get a true sense of the tropics at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge through its multitude of hiking trails. Stop at one of the observation decks for a chance to spot a wild animal. For more animal sightseeing fun, visit the Bird Garden of Naples to witness an array of uniquely colored parrots.
Before the sun sets, wander through the historic downtown. Walk through streets like Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, both filled to the brim with stores. Guests can purchase more than just clothes in Naples. Exquisite restaurants cover the downtown area as well. To rest tired feet, sit and listen to talented voices at the Opera Naples at the Wang Opera Center.
Approximately 30 miles away from Naples is another slice of paradise called Marco Island. The small island located just off the coast offers folks all things nature. South Marco Beach is a go-to place to watch the waves crash, enjoy the sunset, host a picnic or take a walk along the blue waters. When it is time to take a break from the Florida sun, enjoy the Marco Island Center for Arts or the Marco Island Historical Museum.
Driving Distance: 160 to 170 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: Jane’s Garden Cafe, Lunch: Fuse Gastrobar, Dinner: The Turtle Club
Orlando
Orlando is host to the joy and excitement that both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios bring its millions of visitors. However, the thrill of roller coasters is not for everybody, and SeaWorld Orlando is another fantastic destination.
To get away from the crowds, make a stop at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure to speed through the everglades. Be immersed in nature, while keeping on solid footing, at Gatorland, a 110-acre wildlife preserve, home to many alligators, reptiles and even the rare leucistic white alligator.
Pedal or skate through beautiful scenery on a 22-acre trail at the West Orange Trail Bikes and Blades. After, leave the ground for the sky, and indulge in a hot air balloon adventure at Orlando Balloon Rides. For a calm work through nature, Lake Eola Park and Bill Frederick Park are worthy options.
Orlando has as much offer indoors as it does outdoors. For an adrenaline rush, check out the arcade and go-kart tracks at Fun Spot. Admire a vast collection of modern art pieces at the Orlando Museum of Art or learn about the world around us at the Orlando Science Center.
Driving Distance: 90 to 100 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: White Wolf Cafe, Lunch: 903 Mills Market, Dinner: The Stubborn Mule
Space Coast
Home to the site of America’s first space launch, the Kennedy Space Center is a truly historic part of Florida. Located in Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center allows guests to step back in time to the space launch through tours of the facility, viewings of realistically scaled space shuttles and chats with astronauts.
A mere 16 miles away sits another landmark in NASA history, the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Still in use today, the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station has been headquarters for Falcon and Starlink space missions.
Honor the lives of astronauts at the Space Mirror Memorial, designed in 1987 by Holt Hinshaw Pfau Jones. In the afternoon, retire the space helmet and re-visit Earth’s natural beauty. Head to Manatee Sanctuary Park to see calming trees, still water and fields of healthy, beautiful greenery.
Depart on glass-like kayaks with BK Adventure from Kiwanis Island Park or Merritt Island and sail through the bioluminescent waters, lit up by glowing plankton. The bioluminescent glow is at its best during summer months. Travelers who come outside of the warmer months may still see Comb Jellies roaming around.
Driving Distance: 125 to 145 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: Joanne’s Beachside Cafe, Lunch: Sand on the Beach, Dinner: Sage Bistro
St. Augustine
Year after year, this small beach town is consistently voted a top travel destination. Given its extensive 42 miles of sandy beaches, trendy restaurants and enough historical sites to fill up any road trip itinerary, this comes as no surprise.
As the oldest city in North America, St. Augustine boasts strong roots in Spanish culture and history. Once visitors arrive in the historic beach town, they should head to either the Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Sightseeing Train. In this case, the destination truly matters more than the journey as either choice will give guests the chance to explore the Colonial Quarter or the Castillo de San Marcos.
The local private college, Flagler College, is so much more than just a four-year educational institution. The college is neatly tucked away in downtown St. Augustine, and is situated in the former Ponce De Leon Hotel, developed by Henry Flagler in the 1800s as a luxury resort.
For something more out of the ordinary, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm regularly hosts live feedings of its fascinating reptiles, informative bird shows and hands-on snake shows. When travelers have had enough animal facts for one road trip, they can delve back into Spanish history at The Fountain of Youth.
At the end of a tiring day of learning and exploring activities, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a beverage at the Ice Plant Bar. Once feeling refreshed, adventure back out to either the St. Augustine and Vilano Beaches or reserve a spot on a haunted ghost tour. And of course, visitors can always choose to take a tour of the St. Augustine Distillery.
Driving Distance: 175 to 185 miles
Restaurants: Breakfast: The Blue Hen Cafe, Lunch: The Floridian, Dinner: Collage
