15 Best Weekend Getaways from Tampa
The best weekend getaways from Tampa include top Florida spots like Sarasota, Naples, and St. Augustine, plus out-of-state favorites like Savannah and Asheville.
As a Tampa local who loves quick escapes, I’ve explored dozens of weekend trips from Tampa—from beach towns to nature retreats and charming cities.
This guide highlights my top picks for relaxing, adventurous, and easily accessible destinations perfect for a two- or three-day break.
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Best Florida Weekend Getaways from Tampa
Located in central Florida, Tampa offers easy access to many top destinations across the Sunshine State within just a few hours.
Here are some of the best Florida weekend trips from Tampa.
Key West & The Florida Keys
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 7.5 hours
🛥️ Ferry from Fort Myers: 3.5 hours
🌴 Why go: Laid-back island vibes, water activities, and quirky historic charm
🏨 Where to Stay: Perry Hotel or Courtyard Key West Waterfront
The ultimate weekend getaway from Tampa is a road trip to the Florida Keys! This is easily the most scenic road trip in Florida, as you’ll spend over 2 hours driving across turquoise blue waters.
The most popular place in the Florida Keys is Key West, which has a laid back, colorful island vibe. Some of the highlights of Key West include visiting Ernest Hemingway’s home, taking a Conch Train Tour around the island, snapping a selfie in front of the Southernmost Point, and exploring the lively Duval Street.
Of course, no trip to Key West is complete without getting out on the water so make sure to hop on a sunset cruise or snorkeling boat tour.
At minimum, I’d suggest taking a long weekend to explore so that you have time to make stops along the drive in the Keys and have time to spend at Key West.
Also, if you don’t want to drive to the Florida Keys you can either hop on the Key West Express Ferry from Fort Myers or fly to Key West from Tampa!
Saint Augustine
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 3 hours
🏛️ Why go: Oldest city in the US, charming old town, family-friendly
🏨 Where to Stay: Historic Hilton Bayfront or Casa Monica
Saint Augustine is Florida’s oldest city, dating back to 1565, when Spanish explorers first laid foot in Florida. Its also the oldest continuously inhabited city in the entire US.
Today, the town of Saint Augustine retains much of its colonial history, especially along the pedestrian-only St. George Street in Old Town.
St. Augustine is pretty compact, meaning you can see most of it in 1-2 days, making it the perfect weekend trip from Tampa. If you do plan to visit, make sure to check out my 1 day St. Augustine Itinerary – that covers in depth the best things to do in a short visit!
Orlando
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 1.5 hours
🎢 Why go: Theme parks (Disney & Universal), Very kid-friendly
🏨 Where to Stay: JW Marriott or Gaylord Palms Resort
Orlando is probably the most popular weekend getaway from Tampa as its home to the famous Disney World & Universal Studios. Plus, there are a variety of waterparks and other family-friendly things to do in Orlando!
We’ve visited Orlando so many times as a weekend trip to visit Disney. I personally love staying by Disney Springs, which has a variety of shops & restaurants. Plus its super close to the theme parks!
Not only is there so much to do in Orlando, but its also so close to Tampa being only around an hour and a half drive (depending on traffic).
Anna Maria Island
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 1 hour 15 minutes
🏖️ Why go: Beautiful white sand beach, relaxing coastal vibe
🏨 Where to Stay: Anna Maria Island Beach Resort
If you are looking for a relaxing weekend with beautiful beaches and not too much driving than you have to visit Anna Maria Island!
Anna Maria Island has some of the most stunning beach in all of Florida, with its soft white sand, blue waters, and gorgeous sunset views.
While Anna Maria Island is popular, it isn’t overtaken by tourism. Instead, it offers a more relaxed, beach town vibe which is what makes it great.
Anna Maria Island is a great weekend trip, but can also be done as a day trip from Tampa if you are short on time.
Fort Myers
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 1 hour 45 minutes
⛵ Why go: Gulf beaches, downtown nightlife, historic estates
🏨 Where to Stay: Pink Shell Beach Resort (Beach) or Luminary Hotel (Downtown)
Located about 2.5 hours south of Tampa, Fort Myers is the perfect place for a weekend visit.
One thing I love about Fort Myers is the mix of things to do, from spending the day at Fort Myers Beach to enjoying the bar scene of the downtown Fort Myers River District. You can also visit the historic Ford & Edison Winter Estates.
We’ve been to Fort Myers a few times, and while it has a similar vibe to Tampa in some ways it offers a lot of unique things to do!
Mount Dora
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 1 hour 45 minutes
🛶 Why go: Quaint but charming town, antiques, scenic lake views
🏨 Where to Stay: Lakeside Inn on Lake Dora
Mount Dora is a charming historic town located just north of Orlando. This cute town is a hidden gem and is the perfect place for a relaxing weekend.
Mount Dora is on the shores of Lake Dora, and is also the highest point in Florida (although it most certainly is not a mountain).
The town itself is very walkable, with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. On the waterfront you’ll find a cute lighthouse surrounded by nature walking paths.
Some of the most popular things to do here include shopping at Renninger’s Flea Market, taking a boat tour, and shopping at the boutique stores. I also recommend having dinner at sunset at Pisces Rising.
Mount Dora also holds several weekend festivals throughout the year, including a huge holiday light festival, arts & craft festivals, Irish fest, and more.
Miami
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 4.5 hours
🌆 Why go: Nightlife, beaches, art deco vibes, & Cuban culture
🏨 Where to Stay: AC Hotel Miami Beach
Miami is one of Florida’s most popular cities, and for good reason! Miami is full of culture, from the famous Miami Beach to the vibrant Little Havana district.
Miami is best known for its beaches and high-end nightlife, but there is also so much more to the city. Some of the best things to do include exploring Wynwood’s art, eating Cuban food in Little Havana, and relaxing on South Beach.
While you could easily spend a week or more exploring, a weekend in Miami is a good way to get a feel for the city.
Naples
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 3 hours
🌅 Why go: Luxury beaches, fine dining, art galleries & shopping
🏨 Where to Stay: AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue, Courtyard Naples
Naples is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway from Tampa. Downtown Naples you’ll find 5th Avenue, which is home to boutique shops, art galleries, cocktail bars, and lots of classy Italian restaurants.
During the day there is also plenty to do around Naples, such as visiting the Naples Botanical Garden or heading to Vanderbuilt Beach to enjoy the soft white stand and stunning Gulf views.
Rosemary Beach
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 6 hours
🚲 Why go: Charming architecture, white-sand beaches, bike-friendly paths
🏨 Where to Stay: The Pearl Hotel or a Condo with Beach Access
You’ve probably heard of beach towns like Panama City Beach or Destin, but have you heard of Rosemary Beach?!
Located along the famous 30A in Florida’s panhandle this adorable beach town looks like a charming European village more than a Floridian town.
The area is known for its charming cobblestone streets, outdoor dining, boutique shops, and white sandy beach on the gulf.
This is the perfect place for a relaxing beach vacation, family weekend getaway, or a cutesy girl’s trip.
Sarasota
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 1 hour 15 minutes
🎨 Why go: Art, Siesta Key Beach, botanical gardens, & historic sites
🏨 Where to Stay: Captiva Beach Resort
Sarasota is ideal for a weekend trip without having to drive far. While Sarasota is only an hour south of Tampa, there is plenty to do here. From spending the day at Siesta Key Beach or exploring the famous Ringling Museum, Sarasota is a great option for a short weekend trip.
Crystal River
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 1.5 hours
🛶 Why go: See Manatees, kayak in natural springs
🏨 Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Crystal River
Crystal River is just north of Tampa, and is the perfect place to see one of the most adorable Floridian animals – the Manatees!
Every year from November to mid-March, the Manatees migrate to the various Florida Springs to keep warm during the winter months. Crystal River (which feeds into Three Sisters Springs) is one of the Manatee hot spots during this time of year.
One of the coolest ways to experience the Manatees is by kayaking in Crystal River. Just please be careful to respect the water as this is the Manatee’s home. You’ll also need to rent a wetsuit if you plan on swimming in the springs to protect the water.
Best Out-of-State Weekend Getaways from Tampa
Since Tampa is in central Florida, getting to other states can take a long time if driving. However, there are a few locations in Georgia and South Carolina that make for easy weekend trips from Tampa.
Of course, you can always hop on a short flight from Tampa International Airport if you don’t feel like driving.
Savannah, Georgia
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 5.5 hours
✈️ Airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
🏛️ Why go: Historic charm, ghost tours, riverfront strolls, romantic atmosphere
🏨 Where to Stay: The Drayton Hotel Savannah
If you’re looking for historic charm mixed with Southern influence, Savannah Georgia is the perfect place for a weekend trip.
Savannah is best known for its well-preserved historic district, cobblestone streets, and beautiful squares lined with moss-draped oak trees. It boasts stunning architecture, haunted history, and vibrant arts and culture.
Of course, it was also a filming location for the famous Forest Gump movie.
Some of the best things to do include taking a haunted pub crawl tour, visiting Forsyth Park & River Street, and trying some southern cuisine.
I also highly recommend brunch at Collins Quarter (we went to the Forsyths location). I know it sounds crazy but get the Spiced Lavender Mocha – it’s amazing!
Helen, Georgia
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 8 hours
✈️ Airport: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ℹ️ Direct flights from Tampa International through Delta
🏔️ Why go: Bavarian-style village, mountain scenery, hiking, romantic vibe
🏨 Where to Stay: Cabin Rental or Valhalla Resort
Another place that is driving distance from Tampa is the Blue Ridge Mountain area of northern Georgia.
Let me tell you – I did not expect this part of Georgia to be so beautiful! From rolling hills with vineyards to waterfall hikes – northern Georgia is a hidden gem.
One of the cutest little towns in this part of Georgia is Helen, which is a German themed town. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a (somewhat touristy) version of Germany’s Bavaria region.
The town of Helen is super adorable with plenty of activities, shops, and restaurants for a weekend getaway. I recommend also heading to the nearby Anna Ruby Falls for an easy hike to a waterfall.
This is the perfect fall destination as Helen holds an Oktoberfest event over several weekends in September.
While Helen is a family-friendly vacation destination, its also a perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway from Tampa.
I mean – what is more romantic than cozying up in a mountain cabin with days spent hiking around or sipping wine at one of the many local wineries?!
Charleston, South Carolina
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 7 hours
✈️ Airport: Charleston International Airport
ℹ️ Direct flights from Tampa International (TPA) available through Breeze
🌸 Why go: Southern charm, historic homes, romantic atmosphere
🏨 Where to Stay: The Loutrel
Similar to Savannah, Charleston is another historic town that offers a mix of southern charm, delicious food, and coastal beauty.
One of the best things to do in Charleston is to explore the historic district. There are definitely some instagram worthy sites here, like the pastel colored Rainbow Row houses or the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park.
There are also lots of different walking tours, horse carriage tours, pub crawls, and more in Charleston’s historic district.
Outside of the historic district, other places to visit include Folly Beach and Fort Sumter.
Last but not least, make sure to try some of the famous lowcountry cuisine at top restaurants like Husk, Poogan’s Porch, or Magnolias.
Asheville, North Carolina
🚗 Driving distance from Tampa: 9 Hours, 40 Minutes
✈️ Airport: Asheville Regional Airport
ℹ️ Direct flights from St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE) available through Allegiant
🏞️ Why go: Mountain views, craft breweries, the Biltmore Estate
🏨 Where to Stay: Aloft Asheville Downtown
If you are looking for a weekend somewhere totally different than Tampa – head to the mountains of North Carolina to visit the beautiful Asheville area!
Asheville is such a unique city – filled with art galleries, bars & eateries, and of course lots of nearby hiking trails! You can also drive the famous Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic views or visit the historic Biltmore Estate.
The drive from Tampa to Asheville is long (trust me – I’ve done this drive in a day). However, the direct flights with Allegiant from St. Pete/Clearwater Airport make it an easy option for a weekend getaway!
Important Note: While Asheville was devastated in October 2024 by Hurricane Helene – it has reopened to tourism. Please see more info at the Asheville tourism website here.
Weekend Getaways from Tampa for Families
A few of the best weekend getaways from Tampa for families are Orlando, Crystal River, and Saint Augustine.
Orlando is the ultimate family destination, just 90 minutes from Tampa. Home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando guarantees magical memories for kids of all ages. Beyond the parks, explore interactive museums, splash in water parks, or enjoy family-friendly shows.
If your family loves nature and wildlife, Crystal River is a fantastic weekend getaway. Known for its clear springs and gentle manatees, Crystal River offers unforgettable opportunities to kayak with these majestic creatures.
For a mix of history and fun activities, St. Augustine invites families to explore the oldest city in the U.S. Kids will enjoy visiting Castillo de San Marcos, wandering cobblestone streets, and stopping by the interactive Pirate & Treasure Museum. Plus, nearby beaches provide a perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
Romantic Weekend Trips from Tampa
For couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway from Tampa, these are the perfect destinations.
Savannah, Georgia is perfect for a couples weekend getaway, with its historic squares, oak-lined streets, and elegant architecture. Enjoy leisurely strolls through beautiful parks, candlelit dinners in quaint restaurants, and scenic riverfront walks.
Helen, Georgia brings a unique Alpine village vibe nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is nothing more romantic than cozying up with a glass of wine and some mountain views!
For a more luxurious, beach getaway head to Naples, Florida. Here you’ll find pristine beaches, fine dining, and serene sunsets. Walk hand-in-hand along the historic Naples Pier, visit the lush botanical gardens, or unwind with a couples’ spa day at a beachfront resort.
For a more adventurous yet romantic vibe, Key West, Florida provides island charm with colorful streets, lively nightlife, and peaceful beaches. Enjoy a sunset sail, explore quirky shops and art galleries, or cozy up in a charming bed-and-breakfast in this laid-back tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys.
🧭 FAQs About Weekend Getaways from Tampa
For a beach weekend near Tampa, try heading over to Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key. These Sarasota County beaches are only an hour away from Tampa and have soft white sand and beautiful blue water. Another option is to head to the nearby Clearwater Beach, which is home to a stunning beach plus lots of restaurants and family-friendly activities.
To plan a budget-friendly weekend trip from Tampa, choose destinations within two hours to save on fuel. Some good options for a low budget weekend getaway include Crystal River, Mount Dora, and Sarasota. For cheap or free things to do, try visiting some of the beaches, natural springs, or state parks. Lastly, if you visit off-season or on weekdays you can usually get a better deal on hotels.
Anna Maria Island is one of the most romantic weekend getaways from Tampa, with its quiet beach town charm and beautiful sunset views. Another popular weekend spot near Tampa is the famous Don CeSar resort in St. Pete Beach, which offers luxury and oceanfront dining. Last but not least, Mount Dora is a great choice for its historic inns, lakeside views, and wine bars — perfect for a peaceful, romantic weekend away.
Final Thoughts: Best Weekend Getaways from Tampa
Whether you’re in the mood for a beach weekend, a quiet nature escape, or a fun city break, these weekend getaways from Tampa offer something for everyone. Some are just a short drive away in Florida, while others (like Savannah or Charleston) are worth the short flight out of stat. Either way, they’re perfect for a quick, easy weekend away.
