Day Trips to Tampa and Orlando Attractions

Looking to extend your trip with a day excursion? Check out these top attractions near St. Pete-Clearwater.


There's no shortage of fun and exciting things to see and do in St. Pete-Clearwater. But, if you’re up for a little drive, you can add a whole new universe of entertainment and adventure to your vacation. From family-friendly adventures to cultural experiences, these day trip ideas will give you endless opportunities to make the most of your time in the sunshine state. 

Tampa Area Attractions

Tampa is a vibrant city known for its lively downtown, beautiful waterfront and diverse cultural attractions. Located just across Tampa Bay from St. Pete-Clearwater, it's an easy place to travel to for the day.

MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)

Exterior view of blue dome at MOSI featuring a round dome with blue windows and grassy area surrounding the dome.

MOSI's iconic blue dome has transformed into the second-largest digital dome theater and planetarium in America. Photo courtesy of MOSI.

Beyond the beach you’ll find a myriad of fascinating attractions nearby, like Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI). The museum’s new digital dome planetarium is the second largest in America – featuring an eight-story-tall screen, 10 cutting-edge digital Christie projectors and new 8K technology. You can also enjoy rotating exhibits, like the latest Dinosaur Discoveries and Nikon Small World (featuring microphotography) as well as permanent amusements like the Flight Club Drone Zone, mini golf course, ropes course and a virtual reality simulator.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

photo rendering of rainforest-inspired wild oasis realm at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay featuring bright green entrance sign, tropical trees and vegetation and new drop tower ride lofted high above a waterfall

A sneak peek of the new Wild Oasis realm at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Pair relaxed days on America’s Favorite Beaches with some excitement at nearby Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, famous for its thrilling rides. Daredevils kids can join their parents on Phoenix Rising (minimum rider height is only 42”), a new, suspended roller coaster that reaches speeds of up to 44 miles per hour. Extreme thrill seekers can take to the skies on the Serengeti Flyer – not a coaster, but a “flyer,” this attraction is rated “Extreme” by Busch Gardens because riders can experience negative G-force moments. There are no fewer than nine roller coasters here – Iron Gwazi, Tigris, Cheetah Hunt, Cobra’s Curse, Sheikra, Montu, Kumba, Air Grover and the aforementioned Phoenix Rising.

No worries if you don’t have a need for speed because this Tampa Bay attraction offers plenty of other experiences, including a train ride safari, where guests can catch a glimpse of some of 16,000 animals at one of the best AZA accredited zoos in the country. And new this spring is Wild Oasis, a rainforest-themed experience that includes a new drop tower and water-play area with a multi-level climbing canopy.

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Adventure Island

the colorful outdoor water play area with water slides, water shooting up out of the ground and stairs leading to more levels of interactive water fun.

Castaway Falls is the newest water play area at Adventure Island in Tampa Bay. Photo courtesy of Adventure Island.

If your group is craving more excitement than the calm Gulf waters provide, then check out Adventure Island, Tampa Bay’s premier water park. It features 10 exhilarating waterslides, a 17,000 square-foot wave pool, children’s play zones and relaxing pools. Family-friendly Castaway Falls is a new interactive water play area complete with three giant tipping buckets dumping over 1,300 gallons of water over multiple levels. Adults and kids alike can race down four waterslides or have some good old-fashioned family competition as you try to drench each other with water soakers and spray jets. 

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ZooTampa At Lowry Park

grey koala bear sitting on tree branch at zootampa at lowry park.

Meet animals from around the world at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Photo courtesy of ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

ZooTampa is a favorite among the locals and features animals from around the globe. Animal lovers will appreciate the natural habitats and unique animal encounters, like the newest interactive exhibit, Stingray Shores, where can touch, feed and even get in the water with stingrays. The newly renovated Australia realm features the Aussie Trek, a family-friendly safari ride where you can learn about the unique wildlife of the Outback. Signature animal encounters are available and require an additional ticket, but it’s definitely worth it if you want to get up close with animals like penguins, elephants, rhinos, giraffes and koalas.

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Orlando Area Attractions

Orlando is located in Central Florida and famous for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions. It's home to iconic spots like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, making it a top destination for visitors from around the globe. Plan for a 1.5- to 2-hour drive from St.Pete-Clearwater.

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, Universal Epic Universe

inside ministry of magic from Harry Potter film series features a dark tunnel- like room with large archways and green magical fireplaces as people line up for the newest ride in a queue line.

A look into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – one of five worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in May 2025. (Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort).

Universal Orlando Resort is home to four unique park experiences (including one water park). Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure bring iconic movies and TV characters to life through themed lands inspired by franchises like Marvel, Jurassic Park, Minions and Harry Potter. Volcano Bay water park features thrilling slides – including a 70-degree slide that plunges you 125 feet down through a drop door – and relaxing areas surrounding a towering 200-foot Volcano. 

Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe, opens in late May and will introduce five new worlds. Celestial Park is the heart of the new attraction and your jumping off point to visit the other four realms. If you have any “Potterheads” in your circle, you’ll want to explore the magic at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic (Universal’s third installment of its Harry Potter-themed lands). 

Super Nintendo World puts gamers inside classic video games, complete with four new attractions including, Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi’s Adventure, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is a rocky village where you can journey on an exciting roller coaster or train to be a champion dragon racer. Those with a darker sense of wonder can stroll the shadows at the Dark Universe where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments come to life. Hop aboard the spinning roller coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, or morph into a monster with the ultimate makeup experience. Whatever world you end up in, it’s going to be one epic day trip (or maybe two!).
 

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Walt Disney World

The most magical place on earth surely has something for everyone – especially with four iconic theme parks to choose from. Magic Kingdom is home to Cinderella’s castle and a variety of rides, restaurants and enchanting experiences inspired by Disney’s movies and beloved characters. The nostalgic Splash Mountain has recently transformed into Tiana's Bayou Adventure (based on “The Princess and the Frog”) where you can float along winding waterways until you reach the 50-foot drop (prepared to get wet!). If you’re looking for speed and one of the most thrilling rides at the park, don’t miss TRON Lightcycle / Run – one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world. 

Hollywood Studios is home to movie magic and features Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. Visit Epcot, where adrenaline junkies can get their fix of fun on The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride or explore the cultures of 11 different countries in the World Showcase, where you can stroll the streets of different regions while enjoying authentic food, drinks and entertainment. You’ll also find kid-friendly rides like Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure here. Animal Kingdom includes wild attractions like the Tree of Life, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Kilimanjaro Safari and live performances of “Finding Nemo” and “The Lion King”.
 

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SeaWorld

seaworld orlando's new roller coaster penguin trek on a white roller coaster track as guests ride high in teh sky over trees below.

SeaWorld Orlando's Penguin Trek roller coaster. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando.

This marine-themed park combines exciting rides, animal exhibits and educational experiences for all ages. Thrill-seekers can enjoy seven roller coasters including the Manta (rated Extreme by SeaWorld), where you’ll nose dive head first and face down to feel what it’s like to travel like a giant ray. Family-friendly rides are plentiful too, like the new Penguin Trek coaster (minimum rider height is only 42”) that takes you on an adventure through Antarctica on a snow mobile, racing up to 43 miles per hour and ending at a real penguin exhibit.

When you need a break from the rides, you can see a variety of animals like dolphins, sharks, sea lions and orcas. New this spring is the family-friendly Immersive Experience where you can take a journey to the Arctic, all while in the comfort of an experiential indoor theater. 

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Discovery Cove

woman standing in clear water and resting hand on back of a dolphin with lush greenery and palm trees in the background at Discovery Cove in Orlando

Swim with dolphins and other marine life at Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive luxury day resort. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and intimate experience, try Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive day resort where you can swim with dolphins, feed exotic birds and snorkel with tropical fish. You won’t have to worry about crowds or packing up for the day because everything is included – from food and drinks to snorkeling equipment and wetsuits. Add the new Ultimate Animal Experience to your day and get a guided, half-day adventure that includes a private snorkel session, animal meet-and-greets, private tours and a second dolphin encounter with a private photo session. 

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Aquatica

blue water slide declining down into a large bowl into blue waters of pool below surrounding by green palm trees at Aquatic water park in Orlando.

Tassie's Underwater Twist waterslide at Aquatica. Photo courtesy of Aquatica Orlando.

As part of the SeaWorld family of attractions, Aquatica waterpark offers 16 exciting water rides for guests of all ages. Get your adrenaline going on high-speed slides like Reef Plunge, a 330-foot tunnel with underwater views of dolphins and leopard sharks, or find more relaxation on laid-back experiences like Loggerhead Lane, a slow-moving lazy river ride.

The all-new Tassie’s Underwater Twist immerses riders in Australia's Shark Bay which features a slide that plunges into an enclosed bowl with digital displays of sea grass meadows brimming with marine life. You can purchase a two-day, two-park pass that is valid at any combination of SeaWorld theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. This may be the best bang for your buck if you plan to spend time between Tampa and Orlando attractions.

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Legoland Florida & Peppa Pig Theme Park

three kids racing small toy cars down ramp at Ferrari build and race at Legoland Florida.

Test your building and racing skills at the Ferrari Build & Race Experience at Legoland. Photo courtesy of Legoland Florida. 

Geared towards families with younger kids (and of course Lego enthusiasts), Legoland's interactive theme park has over 55 rides and attractions. New to the scene is the Ferrari Build & Race Experience where you can see the incredible life-size Lego Ferrari and then test your skills as you build your own Lego creation. Located just steps from Legoland is the Peppa Pig Theme Park, that gives the littles the chance to play in the land of Peppa. The rides are designed especially for preschoolers, along with lots of play spaces, shows, splash pads and character meet and greets.

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Natural Attractions North of St.Pete-Clearwater

Head north along the coastline, and you’ll discover incredible natural wonders. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is just 1.5 hours away, while Crystal River is about 2 hours.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

A mermaid strikes a pose in the Weeki Wachee River near St. Pete/Clearwater

Watch the world-famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park perform live shows in a submerged 400-seat auditorium.

Florida is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes, and at this Old Florida attraction, you can experience a true natural wonder – the deepest freshwater cave system in the country. Watch as the Weeki Wachee’s famous mermaids perform in the pure aquamarine water that flows straight from the first-magnitude spring, or take a dip yourself at Buccaneer Bay (open seasonally), that includes a beach, swim area, two water slides and water play area for ages 6 and under. On-the-water adventures are also available with a guided Wilderness River Cruise and kayak and paddleboard rentals available.

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Crystal River

several manatees swiming in clear water in Crystal River with kayakers and a boat in the distance.

Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. Photo Courtesy of Discover Crystal River.

If you’re longing to swim alongside a manatee, Crystal River is one of the few places in the world where you can. The warm, crystal-clear waters of the spring-fed river attract hundreds of manatees in the cooler months (mid-November through end of March) and a variety of local tour guides can take you where these gentle giants are. The area is teeming with other wildlife, too, making it a great place for boating, swimming, fishing and hiking.

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