Tampa Day Trips

Reachable only by ferry or private boat, this state park near Clearwater is home to wading birds, armadillos, a three-mile nature trail, and a sparsely populated stretch of white sand.

Mediterranean heritage permeates this tranquil town, best known for its shop-lined Sponge Docks where Greek divers have gathered sea sponges since 1905 Other wares include jewelry, hand-rolled cigars and Greek crafts.

Pre-Columbian Native American burial grounds, the Floridian fauna of Homosassa State Wildlife Park, and the opportunity to swim alongside docile West Indian manatees lure nature enthusiasts to this spring-fed coastal area.

The Central Florida theme park oasis beckons kids of all ages with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and countless kitschy independent attractions—the Gatorland alligator park instantly springs to mind.

A bayfront community flanked by picturesque keys, it's the site of Florida's first golf course, the 66-acre Ringling historic mansion and art museum, and orchid-rich botanical gardens.