Take a look at our Tampa to Miami drive itinerary! This epic street journey consists of all of the highlights of the Gulf Coast and South Florida.
Tampa and Miami are two of the most well-liked seashore locations on mainland Florida.
From the Riverwalk, museums, and sports activities arenas of downtown Tampa, to the enduring South Seashore, nightlife, and delicacies of Miami, the 2 cities assist dominate Florida’s tourism business.
So when you’re planning to go to each Tampa and Miami throughout your subsequent go to to Florida, contemplate a street journey between the 2!
A Tampa to Miami drive might be carried out in as little as half a day. It may also be stretched out into an epic southern Florida street journey! There are such a lot of attractive seashores, islands, state parks, and charming coastal cities to take a look at on a Tampa to Miami drive.
From fishing on the Naples Pier, to exploring Myakka River State Park, to amassing shells on white sand seashores at Marco Island, Sanibel Island, or Captiva Island, there are many superb issues to do on this street journey.
When you’ve got just a few days to spare, lease a automotive and tackle this superb street journey! Right here is our full information for the Tampa to Miami drive, together with when to do it and the place to cease alongside the best way.
The place to begin a Tampa to Miami street journey?
You may simply begin this street journey in both Tampa or Miami! Each are main cities in Florida with loads of facilities for travellers together with worldwide airports.
We’ll define the itinerary starting in Tampa, however you may simply reverse it when you’re beginning in Miami.
For beginning in Tampa, fly into Tampa Worldwide Airport. There are many locations to lease a automotive right here which you should use for exploring the Tampa Bay space earlier than beginning the street journey.
Should you’re beginning in Miami, there are additionally a lot of automotive rent choices on the airport and across the metropolis.
Both means, see when you can choose up your automotive at one vacation spot and drop it off on the different, except you need to do the entire street journey once more in reverse! However most main automotive rental corporations may have workplaces in each Tampa and Miami. So you must be capable of drop the rental automotive off at one other vacation spot.
The easiest way to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We advocate Rental Vehicles, which has the most important vary of autos for the most effective worth in the marketplace.
Greatest time of yr for a Tampa to Miami street journey
As a result of Florida has a tropical local weather, there isn’t any dangerous time to do a Tampa to Miami drive. You’ll get heat or scorching climate year-round, although summer time has a a lot larger probability of thunderstorms. Winter additionally has cooler temperatures that is probably not splendid for seashore days!
So the most effective time for a Tampa to Miami drive is both spring or autumn.
In spring, from March to Could you may take pleasure in heat temperatures starting from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) which might be excellent for out of doors actions and seashore visits.
Springtime affords blooming wildflowers and usually nice climate, offering a scenic and gratifying drive. The decrease humidity and comfy temperatures make spring a really perfect time for exploring the various landscapes and vibrant cities of Florida.
Late autumn, from October to November, can be a superb time for a Tampa to Miami drive.
The climate begins to chill down, with temperatures averaging between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C), providing a cushty local weather for touring. This era can be post-hurricane season, which brings a decreased danger of climate disruptions.
Spring and autumn each usually have fewer vacationers and decrease costs as properly, which makes it simpler to search out lodging and luxuriate in points of interest with out the summer time or winter crowds.
See extra of the Sunshine State with our record of the 25 Greatest Issues To Do In Florida.
How lengthy is a Tampa to Miami drive?
A straight Tampa to Miami drive with no stops can take as little as 4.5 hours when you follow the highways.
However if you wish to have a extra scenic Tampa to Miami drive filled with tropical locations alongside the best way, we advocate stopping on the points of interest we’ll record beneath. This route takes nearer to eight hours, and that’s simply the driving time.
2-3 days is a handy period of time for a Tampa to Miami drive with the most effective stops alongside the best way. You may even select to spend just a few nights in cities like Fort Myers or Naples, and we’ll advocate some lodging choices for individuals who need to lengthen their street journey.
So you possibly can simply stretch this drive out into every week or extra. However you possibly can additionally do it in sooner or later. It simply depends upon how a lot time you’ve and the way lengthy you need to spend in every location!
Is it price driving from Tampa to Miami?
It’s positively price embarking on a Tampa to Miami drive if you wish to take your time soaking in all of the pure magnificence and tradition of South Florida!
Although it’s only a fast flight from Tampa to Miami, a street journey is a way more immersive and thrilling technique to discover the Sunshine State. You may take pleasure in a leisurely drive filled with pristine sandy seashores, tropical islands, and charming cities and cities.
So when you’re somebody who loves gradual touring and out of doors adventures, contemplate an action-packed Tampa to Miami drive as an alternative of a flight!
Tampa to Miami Drive Itinerary
Listed here are the most effective locations to cease throughout your Tampa to Miami drive! Once more, you may cater this street journey to fit your schedule, so be at liberty so as to add or subtract any of those stops.
However you probably have loads of time, these are the most effective locations between Tampa and Miami.
Our street journey itinerary heads south out of Tampa Bay and continues alongside the southern finish of Florida’s Gulf Coast. When you attain Naples and Marco Island, you’ll begin heading inland and go east by way of the Everglades till you attain Miami.
A lot of the points of interest are on mainland Florida, plus there are just a few island detours to take you probably have time. We’ll additionally shortly go over an alternate itinerary on the finish that heads inland from Tampa and goes south down the east coast of Florida in the direction of Miami.
Discover extra of Tampa Bay with these superb day journeys!
Tampa Bay Space
Earlier than you embark in your Tampa to Miami drive, be sure to spend at the least just a few days exploring the attractive Tampa Bay. This dynamic metropolis on Florida’s west coast affords a laid-back attraction that feels homey and comfy in comparison with massive cities like Miami or Orlando.
One of many prime issues to do in Tampa is discover the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic waterfront pathway that stretches 2.6 miles alongside the Hillsborough River. Key stops alongside the Riverwalk embody the Tampa Museum of Artwork, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and the Florida Aquarium.
Or head to north Tampa and expertise a thrill on the top-rated Busch Gardens theme park.
Additionally try Ybor Metropolis, a neighborhood crammed with eclectic retailers, fashionable bars, and a few of the greatest Cuban delicacies outdoors of Cuba. Guests can tour the Ybor Metropolis Museum State Park to study concerning the space’s historical past and the immigrants who constructed it.
After seeing the highlights of downtown Tampa, spend a day or two exploring the close by coastal gems like Clearwater Seashore and St. Petersburg Seashore.
When you’ve seen the most effective of town, head out of Tampa Bay and start your street journey to Miami!
Lower your expenses on the most effective points of interest in Tampa with the CityPASS!
The place to Keep in Tampa
Earlier than the drive to Miami, listed below are a few of the top-rated lodging to select from in your keep in Tampa Bay.
Funds: Hampton Inn Tampa Worldwide Airport/Westshore
For an reasonably priced keep in Tampa, the Hampton Inn is conveniently subsequent to Tampa Worldwide Airport and the Westshore purchasing space. That is a simple place to seize a rental automotive, discover good eating places, and calm down earlier than your Tampa to Miami drive.
Mid-Vary – Aloft Tampa Downtown
Keep within the coronary heart of Tampa at Aloft. The lodge rooms right here have superb views of town and river, and there are nice amenities like air con, a health heart, and an outside pool.
Luxurious – The Tampa Version
Should you’re hoping for some actual luxurious earlier than your Tampa to Miami drive, look no additional than the Tampa EDITION. A 5-star lodge situated simply steps away from downtown and the riverfront, right here you may take pleasure in attractive furnishings, unbelievable service, and class.
Sarasota and Siesta Key
From Tampa, head an hour south till you attain the attractive coastal city of Sarasota.
Famend for its stunning seashores, cultural facilities, and vibrant arts scene, it’s price spending at the least just a few hours or perhaps a full day right here.
Town has some world-class seashores together with the well-known Siesta Seashore. Positioned on the eight-mile-long barrier island of Siesta Key, it’s usually ranked one of many prime seashores in the US.
Past its gorgeous shoreline, Siesta Key affords a relaxed, village-like environment with a wide range of charming retailers, eating places, and bars, notably within the Siesta Key Village.
Again within the metropolis of Sarasota, there are a number of worthwhile points of interest and cultural establishments to take a look at, such because the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Occasions such because the Sarasota Movie Competition and the annual Chalk Competition draw guests from world wide, enhancing town’s dynamic environment.
After soaking in the great thing about Sarasota and Siesta Key, proceed in your Tampa to Miami drive to Myakka River State Park!
Myakka River State Park
Simply half-hour inland from Siesta Key lies Myakka River State Park. It’s price taking a small detour off the coastal street to this unbelievable Florida state park.
Myakka River State Park is one among Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, spanning over 58 sq. miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands.
Guests can discover the park by way of numerous actions, comparable to climbing on intensive path programs, canoeing and kayaking on the river and lakes, and wildlife viewing from the park’s well-known cover walkway or one among its many commentary towers.
Myakka River State Park is dwelling to a wealthy array of wildlife, together with alligators, deer, birds, and wild turkeys, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.
With its distinctive mix of ecosystems and leisure alternatives, Myakka River State Park gives an immersive expertise into Florida’s wild landscapes.
You should definitely examine the Florida State Park web site for up to date data about situations and closures in Myakka River State Park. Should you’re visiting through the wet summer time months, components of the state park could also be flooded or closed.
Learn subsequent: 30 Of The Greatest Issues to Do in St. Petersburg, Florida
Fort Myers
After Myakka River State Park, proceed south for about an hour to Fort Myers. This bustling metropolis alongside the Caloosahatchee River is understood for its historic significance, thriving cultural scene, and welcoming pure magnificence.
Town is steeped in historical past, most notably because the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose adjoining houses and gardens now function museums providing a glimpse into the lives and improvements of those nice American inventors.
The downtown River District is a vibrant space the place historic buildings home trendy boutiques, eating places, and galleries, contributing to a energetic environment that blends the previous with the brand new.
With its charming streets, waterfront views, and common occasions comparable to Artwork Walks and Music Walks, Fort Myers gives a dynamic cultural expertise for residents and guests alike.
The place to Keep in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a well-liked vacation vacation spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast so there are many lodging choices. Listed here are some top-rated resorts!
Funds – Suburban Studios Fort Myers Cape Coral
One of many least expensive locations to remain in Fort Myers is Suburban Studios in Cape Coral. It’s not proper within the metropolis heart, nevertheless it’s nice you probably have a automotive since you’re nearer to points of interest like Fort Myers Seashore and Sanibel Island. It’s a easy, cozy spot excellent for these making an attempt to save cash on their Tampa to Miami street journey.
Mid-Vary – The Banyan Lodge
The Banyan Lodge is a part of the Tapestry Assortment by Hilton and showcases beautiful design. It’s additionally fairly reasonably priced for its location proper within the coronary heart of Fort Myers, so it’s a handy spot in your street journey.
Luxurious – Luminary Lodge & Co
Deal with your self to a little bit of luxurious in your Tampa to Miami street journey! The Luminary Lodge & Co in downtown is a beautiful luxurious lodge with free bike leases, free American breakfast, a health centre, and delightful facilities.
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island
It’s price taking a 40 minute detour from Fort Myers alongside the Sanibel Causeway to the gorgeous Sanibel Island and Captiva Island.
Sanibel Island is a haven for shell collectors from world wide, due to its distinctive east-west orientation, which permits the Gulf currents to deposit an abundance of shells on its shores.
Past beachcombing, Sanibel Island affords a wealth of out of doors actions, together with kayaking by way of mangrove forests, biking alongside scenic paths, and chook watching within the J.N. “Ding” Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, dwelling to a various array of wildlife.
A bit additional north you will discover Captiva Island, one other attractive barrier island identified for its stunning seashores and vibrant sunsets. This slender island, accessible by a small bridge from Sanibel Island, affords an intimate and relaxed atmosphere that’s excellent for these trying to escape the hustle and bustle.
The seashores on Captiva Island are famend for his or her pristine sands and wonderful shelling alternatives, whereas the encompassing waters are perfect for fishing, boating, and water sports activities.
Lovers Key State Park
After having fun with Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, proceed in your Tampa to Miami drive. It’s slightly below an hour to go again alongside the Sanibel Causeway and go south to Lovers Key State Park.
Initially accessible solely by boat, this 712-acre park is now simply reachable by way of a causeway and is comprised of 4 barrier islands, with Lovers Key being essentially the most outstanding.
Lovers Key State Park is well known for its pristine, uncrowded seashores, the place guests can bask within the solar, swim within the heat Gulf waters, or stroll alongside the shore.
The park’s pure magnificence is complemented by its various ecosystems, together with mangroves, tidal lagoons, and maritime hammocks. The realm gives a sanctuary for a wide selection of wildlife comparable to manatees, dolphins, and quite a few chook species.
It is a nice cease in your Tampa to Miami drive if you wish to decelerate, calm down, and join with nature in South Florida.
Discover the greatest issues to do in Naples, Florida!
Naples
Subsequent in your street journey is Naples, a spotlight of southwest Florida.
Town’s stunning shoreline options smooth, white sand seashores that stretch for miles, providing gorgeous sunsets and wonderful alternatives for water actions comparable to swimming, boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Naples Pier is a historic landmark and widespread spot for fishing, watching dolphins, or just having fun with the panoramic views of the Gulf.
Town’s downtown space, notably Fifth Avenue South and Third Road South, is lined with stylish boutiques, artwork galleries, and gourmand eating places, making it a vibrant hub of tradition and commerce.
Naples can be dwelling to a number of top-rated golf programs, attracting lovers from across the globe.
Nature lovers can discover the close by Everglades, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and the Naples Botanical Backyard, all providing distinctive glimpses into Florida’s various ecosystems. Naples Botanical Backyard specifically is a spotlight for anybody who needs to watch the wildlife of south Florida.
The place to Keep in Naples
Listed here are some lodging choices in Naples so you may relaxation your head throughout your Tampa to Miami drive!
Funds – Naples Backyard Inn
For an inexpensive and comfy keep within the space, try Naples Backyard Inn. It’s inside a 5-minute stroll from close by seashores and even has afternoon iced tea service on the out of doors pool.
Mid-Vary – Naples Park Central Lodge
This top-rated lodge combines upscale facilities with truthful costs, an ideal possibility for these on a street journey from Tampa to Miami. Naples Park Central Lodge is only a 15-minute stroll from Naples Seashore and has a pool, free parking, a laundrette, and a shared lounge with a comfortable solar terrace.
Luxurious – The Ritz Carlton Naples
Be a part of excessive society with a keep on the iconic Ritz Carlton in Naples! With elaborate furnishings, superb views, and even a spa and a sauna on-site, take pleasure in a little bit of pampering earlier than persevering with to Miami.
Marco Island
Heading south from Naples additional into Florida’s Gulf Coast, Marco Island is one other must-see on any street journey from Tampa to Miami.
Marco Island, the most important of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, is a shocking tropical paradise situated within the Gulf of Mexico, simply south of Naples. Recognized for its immaculate white-sand seashores and clear turquoise waters, Marco Island affords a serene retreat for guests in search of pure magnificence and leisure.
The island’s crescent-shaped shoreline is good for swimming, sunbathing, and shelling, with Tigertail Seashore and South Marco Island Seashore being widespread spots on the island.
The island’s waters are additionally excellent for boating, fishing, and dolphin watching, offering ample alternatives for aquatic adventures. A shelling and sightseeing boat cruise is among the greatest issues to do on Marco Island since you’ll get to cruise across the gorgeous surroundings and let an area information present you round!
Marco Island additionally options luxurious resorts, fantastic eating eating places, golf programs, and high-end retailers that create a sublime and enjoyable environment.
From the sandy seashores like Tigertail Seashore, to the enjoyable water sports activities and wildlife, Marco Island is a beautiful spot to go to on any Tampa to Miami street journey.
Gulf Coast Customer Heart and Everglades Nationwide Park
From Marco Island, it’s about 40 minutes all the way down to the Gulf Coast Customer Heart, situated in Everglades Metropolis, Florida. The customer heart serves as a gateway to exploring the huge and distinctive ecosystems of Everglades Nationwide Park.
Positioned on the western fringe of the Everglades Nationwide Park, this heart is a vital start line for guests eager to expertise the “River of Grass” up shut. The customer heart gives important data, maps, and academic reveals concerning the park’s various wildlife, in addition to the historical past and tradition of the area.
From right here, guests can embark on numerous guided excursions, lease kayaks or canoes, and acquire perception into the most effective methods to navigate and recognize the encompassing wilderness. It’s a essential launch level for quite a few out of doors adventures in Everglades Nationwide Park.
Standard actions embody paddling by way of the intricate community of mangrove tunnels and waterways, the place explorers can spot wildlife comparable to manatees, alligators, and a wide range of chook species.
Everglades Metropolis itself is among the greatest locations to guide boat excursions into Everglades Nationwide Park. Whereas crossing southern Florida on a street journey, you actually don’t need to miss the possibility to discover Everglades Nationwide Park.
You too can go to Everglades Nationwide Park on day journeys from Miami, nevertheless it is sensible to guide excursions from the Gulf Coast Customer Heart on this street journey because you’re driving proper previous it.
Miami Seashore
After spending a while in Everglades Nationwide Park, it’s only a 1.5-hour drive to Miami! You’ve completed your street journey and have arrived within the fabulous, sunny, vibrant metropolis of Miami.
It’s price spending at the least 3 days in Miami to take in all of the tradition, leisure, and pure magnificence right here.
Town’s iconic neighborhoods, comparable to South Seashore, with its artwork deco structure and energetic nightlife, and Little Havana, which celebrates Cuban heritage with its music, delicacies, and vibrant avenue life, showcase the multicultural cloth of Miami.
Stroll down Ocean Drive and take a look at the cool structure, swim within the ocean on the Atlantic facet of Florida, hit the nightclubs in South Seashore, flick through a avenue market, calm down in a beachfront park, or browse the native museums and points of interest.
There’s a lot to do in Miami! And the Tampa to Miami drive showcases some superb components of Southern Florida, so hopefully you had a blast making your technique to Miami.
The place to Keep in Miami
The perfect place to remain in Miami is true on Miami Seashore! You’ll need to be inside strolling distance of the gorgeous coast together with the bustling South Seashore. Listed here are a few of the prime lodging in Miami Seashore.
Funds – Collins Lodge
You may truly discover decently low-cost lodging proper in Miami Seashore at Collins Lodge! This 3-star lodge simply steps away from Miami Seashore has a pool, modest rooms, and nice critiques.
Mid-Vary – Kimpton Angler’s Lodge South Seashore
This lodge from IHG Group places vacationers proper within the coronary heart of South Seashore Miami. Full with a number of eating places, a health heart, a spa, a wellness heart, and a pool on-site, you’ve all the things you want right here!
Luxurious – The Setai Miami Seashore
The Setai Miami Seashore is a 5-star lodge in South Seashore that provides world-class service in a tremendous location. The unbelievable rooms and facilities will blow you away. Miami Seashore is understood for its choices of luxurious, and the Setai is among the greatest resorts you may select.
Various Tampa to Miami Drive – East Coast Route
For a unique sort of surroundings and a shorter street journey, right here is an alternate Tampa to Miami drive. The primary street journey took you south from Tampa alongside the Florida Gulf Coast, then turned inland on the southern a part of Everglades Nationwide Park in the direction of Miami.
One other technique to full the street journey is heading east from Tampa after which heading down the East Coast of Florida. You’ll go by way of locations like Alligator, Alley, West Palm Seashore, Delray Seashore, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale. This street journey route is round 280 miles and has fewer stops than the Gulf Coast route.
There are lots of methods you may drive from Tampa to Miami, however the Gulf Coast route we outlined on this article has essentially the most gorgeous surroundings.
However be at liberty to switch the Tampa to Miami drive nevertheless you need. Florida is an excellent place that’s certain to impress regardless of the way you get round. You may even proceed your travels by heading south from Miami to Key West, or finishing a extra bold 2-week Florida street journey. The choices are limitless!
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