Welcome to the sunshine state, where oranges and palm trees abound. Florida is one of America's most popular tourist destination for a reason: from warm weather, to crystal clear natural springs, to beaches, to theme parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
We recently took a week and road tripped through Central Florida. Our vacation started in Treasure Island and ended in Cocoa Beach. From putting our feet in the Gulf of Mexico and enjoying the hustle and bustle of Orlando, to surfing in the Atlantic Ocean a few days later in Cocoa Beach, central Florida is for the fun and adventurous. Based on everything we experienced, we have created the ultimate guide to road tripping from Tampa to Cocoa Beach!
Trip Duration: 8 Days (Including Travel Time)
Best Time to Visit: September - May
What to Do
While Staying in/near Tampa
Treasure Island - Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this charming city is an ideal beach town--complete with souvenir shops, sunsets, and fun! We enjoyed driving through the streets and stopped for brunch and coffee at Sweet Brewnette Cafe.
Fort De Soto State Park - We discovered this park while searching for a place to go kayaking near the Treasure Island/St. Petersburg area, and we are so glad we did! There is a 75 cent toll to cross the bridge heading toward the park, and a $5 entrance fee to get in. Plan to spend a half to full day there. Go kayaking, swim in the gulf, visit the fort, eat at a snack shack, and watch the sunset on the beach. Feel free to bring your own kayak or paddle board, or rent one when you arrive! Topwater Kayak Outpost offers kayak and canoe rental packages ranging from $23 - $70. There are plenty of kayak launches on the bayou side, and beautiful mangrove islands to paddle around.
St. Petersburg Pier - We. Love. St. Petersburg. While we only visited for about 4 hours on a Saturday night, Jairus and I fell in love with the city. The pier is an incredible place to watch the sunset, get dinner, browse pop-up shops, admire art, and so much more. We had a delicious meal at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille, then finished the night with drinks at Pier Teaki while overlooking the ocean.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - About an hour outside of Tampa, this historic and dazzling Florida state park is home to real life mermaids! Watch one of their famous underwater mermaid shows, tour the zoo, or go to their spring-fed, natural water park!
If you're hoping to see (but not touch) manatees up close, bright and colorful fish, and tons of plant and wildlife while gliding through crystal clear springs, rent kayaks and paddle down the Weeki Wachee River! While we brought our own ORU kayaks for the trip, self-guided rentals start at $32 for 2 hours. The 2.8 mile river trail may sound like a long trip, but the current pushes you the whole way! The rental includes a shuttle from the pick up location back to the parking lot, which is great if you're looking for a hassle free experience.
If you bring your own kayak, you can use the private launch for $6/person, and opt in to take the return shuttle for only $4/person. The shuttle stop is at the 2.8 mile mark, so if you choose to go the full length of the stream (which was amazing), you have to paddle the whole 6 miles to Roger's Park and get out at the boat launch. From there, we called an Uber for Jairus to go back to the Weeki Wachee parking lot while I waited with the gear (and got eaten up by gnats), and then he drove back and loaded everything up in our car. Rogers Park is about a 11 minute drive back to Weeki Wachee, so it wasn't a long wait. Note that the Weeki Wachee parking lot closes at 5pm, so plan to be back by then!
The whole paddle took us about 4 hours--and we were going slow to take everything in. While there are some drawbacks to this option, we loved having the freedom to go further in the spring, and see a lot more manatees!
Tampa River Walk - Enjoy the reflection of the city lights shimmering on the river that runs through the city as you shop, dine, and walk!
While Staying in/near Orlando
Winter Garden, Florida - This town looks like it's straight out of a Hallmark movie! Enjoy walking down main street, check out the local restaurants and coffee shops, and do some shopping! Be sure to stop by the Plant Street Market for a unique dining experience.
Kayaking at Shingle Creek - Again, we did a lot of kayaking. With waterways everywhere, it's hard to resist! Bring your own gear and paddle for free from the public kayak launch, or rent kayaks from The Paddling Center starting at $30 for 2 hours. This creek offers a front row seat to nature--you'll most likely see birds, fish, and even alligators! ALWAYS keep your distance from alligators, and never swim in undesignated areas in Florida.
Visit the Parks - Whether you're hoping to visit Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Lego Land, or one of Orlando's MANY lesser known theme parks, there's plenty to explore! While we personally didn't make it to the parks this trip, they are a must do if that's what you're into! Don't forget to visit shopping and entertainment areas like Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk Orlando for a taste of the parks without the ticket price.
Hang out at the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday - Honestly, we loved just hanging out at the campground! The beautiful pool, hot tub, fitness center, and our own fire pit made for some low-key relaxation time.
While Staying in Cocoa Beach
Go to the Beach - Bask in the sun or go for a swim!
Catch a Wave - Check out a board from your hotel, or rent on from Ron John's.
Take a Bike Ride - See if your hotel provides bicycles, and take them for a spin around town.
Go Shopping at Ron John's - Ya just gotta go!
Float in the Lazy River at Beachside Hotel - Grab a drink from the hotel bar and float your worries away!
Visit the Kennedy Space Center - Young or old, we all need some space. We were enthralled by the exhibits and production quality--we couldn't recommend it more! Talk to the concierge at your hotel for discounted tickets. Plan to spend a full day at the center if possible, but we were able to fit in the highlights in just over half a day.
Where to Eat
While Staying in Tampa/St. Petersburg
Sweet Brewnette Café & Coffee Shop (Treasure Island Area)
Dinner at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
Drinks at the roof top bar, Pier Teaki, while overlooking the ocean
While Staying in Orlando
Because our Deluxe Cabin had a fully stocked kitchenette, we were able to cook a most of our meals to save money.
Dinner, drinks, and Macaroons at the Plant Street Market (Winter Garden)
While Staying in Cocoa Beach
Rikki Tiki Tavern on the Cocoa Beach Pier
Where to Stay
While Staying in Tampa
Hotels/Air B&Bs in Tampa/Treasure Island area
St Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday - This KOA is tucked in along the Long Bayou, and offers a ton of amenities such as kayaking, a large pool and spa, mini golf, a fully stocked camp store, and more. The Deluxe Cabins are a fantastic option for those looking to glamp!
While Staying in Orlando
Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday - I grew up going to this KOA whenever we visited Florida. Just minutes from Disney World, Universal Studios, Lego Land, and more, this KOA is perfectly located near all the action. Yet, at the end of the day, you can curl up under the stars by the campfire, take a dip in the hot tub or heated pool, grab some firewood from the camp store, and get a good night's sleep in your Deluxe Cabin.
Check out the full tour of the campground below!
While Staying in Cocoa Beach
Beachside Hotel & Suites - After tons of research, we decided to stay at Beachside Hotel, and we're sure glad we did! Located next door to Ron John's, Shark Pit Bar & Grill, and less than 500 feet from the beach, this hotel is vibrant and exciting! The complimentary breakfast is by far one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever had, the lazy river was pristine and fun, and the hotel had various activities such as live music, game nights, trivia, and more. Our suite was modern in appearance, though slightly dated in function, and we greatly enjoyed it!
Full 8 Day Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Florida
Stop at The Gallery Espresso in Savannah, GA for coffee and walk around
Arrive in Tampa
Day 2
Get Brunch/Lunch and coffee at Sweet Brunette's in Treasure Island
Drive around, shop, or go to the beach in Treasure Island
Go kayaking at Fort de Soto State Park
Chill at the beach and watch the sunset over the gulf
Get dinner at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
Enjoy drinks at Pier Teaki while overlooking the ocean on the St. Petersburg Pier
Day 3
Go kayaking at and explore Weeki Wachee Springs
Explore the Tampa River Walk
Day 4
Drive to Orlando and check into Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday
Visit the parks, Disney Springs, or explore Winter Garden
Get dinner at the restaurant hub
Day 5
Visit the Parks or...
Kayak at Shingle Creek
Go shopping at Universal's CityWalk
Order pizza and chill by the pool & hot tub at the campground
Day 6
Drive to Cocoa Beach, get lunch/dinner at Shark Pit Bar & Grill
Check into Beachside Hotel & Suites
Go shopping at Ron Johns
Visit the beach
Day 7
Watch the sunrise on the beach & go surfing
Go to the Kennedy Space Center
Float in the lazy river at Beachside
Get dinner and watch the sunset at Rikki Tiki Tavern
Day 8
Travel Home
Whether you're looking to relax, adventure, or be amazed, there is something for everyone in central Florida!
Are you planning to road trip through Florida? Tag us on Instagram @wanderingwenzels so we can see your adventures.
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