Are you getting bored of the same old scenery in Tampa? Tampa has a lot to offer from Ybor City to Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf, and there’s always something going on in town. But when you stumble upon a weekend where you can't find something to do, check out our list of fun day trips you could take from Tampa! 

Orlando

Orlando is the perfect distance away from Tampa for a day trip! It’s only an hour and change away, so pack up the car and head out to any of the following destinations for a day trip from Tampa! 

Disney

Don’t forget to throw your Mickey Mouse ears in the car if you’re headed for Disney! Check out any of the four amusement parks filled with thrill-seekers looking for their next adrenaline rush. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can take a day trip here and get lost in the fantasy of Disney for a day! 

Related content: 15 Roller Coasters in Florida Providing the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush

Universal Studios

Calling all adrenaline junkies! If Disney was cute when you were a little younger, we get it, and Orlando has another spectacular amusement park to check out while you're in the area. Universal Studios has four different parks in the area: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk. Each one of these parks has a unique atmosphere, but all of them allow you to let loose and have a good time!  

Related content: The 15 Best Water Parks in Florida

Discovery Cove

Is it on your bucket list to swim with the dolphins? At Discovery Cove, they can make that fantasy a reality! However, swimming with the dolphins includes a reservation, so be sure to plan a day trip in advance if you’re traveling to Discovery Cove.

Other than swimming with dolphins, you can also check out the Explorer’s Aviary, Freshwater Oasis, Serenity Bay, The Grand Reef, and Wind-Away River, all included in the price of your ticket. Become one with the underwater world at Discovery Cove. It’s both fun and memorable! 

I-Drive District

I-Drive is much more exciting than most people think! You can get up over Orlando if you want to ride the ICON 360 Ferris Wheel or get your adrenaline pumping with the Orlando Star Flyer. They have other attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Figure Museum, The Orlando Aquarium, and Arcade City. No matter the age of your group, everyone can find something fun to do on I-Drive in Orlando. 

Crystal River

A little bit of peace and quiet is good for the soul. Check out the gorgeous clear, blue waters of Crystal River the next time you need something to do on your day off. Grab a tube, kayak, or canoe and float down the river as you enjoy your friends' or family's company. If you’re scared of alligators, make sure you’re in a kayak because I’ve heard stories of tubers seeing alligators during their trip to Crystal River

Weeki Wachee

Substitute the alligators for manatees, and you’ve landed in Weeki Wachee. It's just as beautiful and serene as Crystal River, so when you need some time to yourself in nature, this is a great destination to type into your Maps app.

Related content: Discover Florida's Nature Coast

Not only are the aqua blue waters perfect for your next Instagram, it’s also just good for you to get out of the city and be in nature for a minute. Let the clean air fill your lungs, and breathe it in deeply. Weeki Wachee is only about an hour away, so it’s perfect for your next day trip! 

Devils Den

The magical atmosphere at Devil's Den is just unmatched! This underworld excursion will take you into a den filled with crystal blue water. It was formed by a karst window, in which the roof over the river collapsed and left us with this gorgeous natural wonder.

Devil’s Den operates as a recreational facility and scuba diving training center. The water remains at 72 degrees all year long, so if that’s cool for you, bring a wetsuit to stay warm! 

Sanibel & Captiva Island

If you take a two-hour journey south, you'll run into a small island off of Naples called Sanibel Island. If you want to take a boat trip, hop on a charter boat to Captiva Island! Both of these beautifully quaint islands are filled with tourists, vacationers, and a few locals, too. There are fresh seafood restaurants and even a little shopping area for you to enjoy. I would suggest checking out the ONLY Sea Shell Museum in Florida on Sanibel Island! 

Gainesville

Calling all football fans to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium! This fall, the Florida Gators will be on fire, so stop by for a great game of football with the family. If you’re going with friends, check out Lake Alice as it's the best place to park and tailgate before a game. Spend some time rooting for your University of Florida team this fall in Gainesville! It’s only a two-hour drive from Tampa. 

New Smyrna Beach

Surfers will be excited about this one! New Smyrna Beach is the surf capital of Florida, so if you’re looking to catch some waves, take a day trip and head to the East Coast! Not only will you be able to surf through the waves, but, after a long day in the sun, you can head to dinner at one of Downtown Smyrna Beach’s local restaurants. Downtown’s palm-lined Canal Street Historic District has art galleries, shops, and the New Smyrna Museum of History. Head there for good waves and good vibes this summer! 

Daytona Beach - NASCAR Fans

If you love NASCAR, then you already know where I’m sending you! Daytona Beach hosts the Daytona 500 each February for fans to get an up-close and personal look at NASCAR. If you don’t know a lot about NASCAR, the Daytona 500 is a 500 mile-long Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race held annually at Daytona International Speedway. Perfect for a day trip from Tampa as it’s only a three-hour drive from home. 

Space Coast/Kennedy Space Center

Do you plan on storming Area 51 with the rest of America on September 20? Well, instead of getting in loads of trouble and spending tons of money getting to Area 51, why not check out NASA’s Space Station called the Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral? Watch the video below to get an inside look at the Kennedy Space Center. 

 

For more on traveling in Florida, check out our Travel page where you can find fun things to do in and near Tampa Bay! And you can always come back to 813area for more fun things to do in Tampa

Images courtesy of Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons.