Tampa to Boca Raton road trip: A guide to Florida's best attractions
Cruise coast-to-coast on a route that takes you from the bright lights of Tampa to the beach city of Boca Raton.
By Joanna Tweedy | December 20, 2021 (Updated November 13, 2025)
Can’t decide which Florida coast to enjoy? See them both by taking a leisurely 250-mile (402-kilometer) road trip that starts in the West Coast city of Tampa and ends in the east in Atlantic-lapped Boca Raton. And there’s plenty of fun, including alligator-spotting and airboat rides, to be found inland while you travel. So, hop in your car and get ready to create lasting memories on the road.
Best places to visit on your Florida road trip
Tampa
Spend a few days exploring Florida’s third-largest city before heading out on your road trip. Tampa’s blend of skyscrapers, cobalt blue waters (it sits on an inlet), and swaying palms make it a delightful blend of urban meets nature.
Learn about a kaleidoscope of varied species at The Florida Aquarium (701 Channelside Dr.), ZooTampa (1101 W Sligh Ave.) and Manatee Viewing Center (6990 Dickman Rd.); the Manatee Viewing Center is open Nov. 1 through April 15.
If history is more your vibe, plan to check out the Henry B Plant Museum (401 W. Kennedy Blvd.). It's a National Historic Landmark that pays tribute to the opulent life of the Florida transport mogul.
In the evening, head to Ybor City, the city’s former Latin Quarter and heart of Tampa’s cigar-making industry. It's home to fine dining, bars, and LGBTQ-friendly nightclubs.
Clearwater
If you have the time to spend another day on this coast, consider a short detour to Clearwater. It’s located about a 35-minute drive west of Tampa and is home to some of the finest powder sand and crystalline water on the Gulf Coast.
For a truly relaxing day, rent a cabana and let your only exertion be a dip in Clearwater’s calm waters. If adventure is what you seek, Parasail City (25 Causeway Blvd. Slip 8) can launch you high over this coast. Don a pair of flippers as you dive into the water on a scuba trip; 2 Shea Charters (190 Seminole St.) is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
When you’re ready to continue your trip, loop south on state Road 699 (locally known as Gulf Boulevard). You'll drive by some of the area’s most stunning stretches of sand, including Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Pass-a-Grille Beach.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Travel inland on U.S. Highway 60 to swap beach life for a taste of the state’s cowboy heritage. Lake Kissimmee State Park is home to a mid-19th century cow camp that now offers historical reenactments of how life once was in rural central Florida.
Visitors might feel the centuries rolling back as the Florida of yesteryear is showcased around Lake Kissimmee, Lake Tiger, and Lake Rosalie. There’s plenty of Osceola County wildlife to spot, including bobcats, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and, yes, those famous Florida alligators.
Plan to experience Lake Kissimmee, be it in a canoe, fishing vessel, or via an airboat ride. Kissimmee Swamp Tours (4500 Joe Overstreet Rd.) have smaller boats that fit up to six people, along with headsets so you can hear the guide as you travel through the headwaters of the Everglades.
Palm Beach County
When you’re ready for the beach, head south about 150 miles (241 kilometers) to Palm Beach County.
Stretch your legs at Carlin Park in Jupiter and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. The former has walking trails galore plus beachside courts for volleyball and racquet sports. John D. MacArthur Beach is a serene spot to try your hand at paddleboarding, snorkeling (schools of tarpon and snook are a regular sight), or kayaking.
Travel about 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of Boca Raton, and you'll find Delray Beach — a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of oceanfront fun, with gorgeous golden sands backed by enticing restaurants, bars, and boutiques on pedestrian-friendly Atlantic Avenue. Cap off your trip with a turn (or three) on the classic games at the SilverBall Retro Arcade.
Boca Raton
Known simply as Boca, this smart southeast Atlantic coast enclave has fantastic vacation credentials; think posh boutiques, impressive golf courses, and wonderful museums. The city’s beaches — the pick being Red Reef Park and Spanish River Park — are pristine, with clear azure waters that will tempt you in for an afternoon dip.
South Beach Park’s 24.5 acres (9.9 hectares) has three different areas for swimming and is also a great place to go if you enjoy birdwatching. Look out for herons, spoonbills, and egrets.
For some retail therapy, spend hours — and many dollars — in the 220 stores at upscale shopping destination Town Center at Boca Raton.
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
Explore more in Florida
Miami to Fort Lauderdale day trips: Exploring Florida's Gold Coast
Take a trip outside the city to go island hopping and gator spotting.
Plan a lavish East Coast road trip from Orlando to Key West
Indulge in a sophisticated East Coast road trip by exploring Florida’s most enchanting experiences in style, starting in Orlando and ending in Key West.
Where to go for a lavish beach getaway
Check out these unforgettable beaches in the Maldives, Cabo San Lucas or Bora Bora where you can expect top notch service and relax in sunny style.
Opulent Orlando: A sophisticated Florida getaway
Discover the elevated offerings of one of Florida’s most popular and electrifying destinations.
Read more:
Find travel inspiration