Apollo Beach FL to Tampa drive: Distance, time & best stops

Finding the best things to do between Apollo Beach FL and Tampa FL

The Apollo Beach FL to Tampa drive takes you round the eastern edge of Tampa Bay in Florida.

Apollo Beach lies on Tampa Bay amongst a maze of waterways. The marina makes it a popular spot for yachts, but the main attractions in Apollo Beach are natural. First up is the Apollo Beach Preserve, which has a sandy beach, nature trail and 37-foot observation tower.

More curious is the Manatee Viewing Area by the Tampa Electric power station. During the winter months, manatees come here in their dozens to bathe in the warmer waters released by the power station.

Find Apollo Beach accommodation deals here.

Tampa is justifiably one of the most popular holiday destinations in Florida. It’s home to top attractions such as the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, the Adventure Island water park and Busch Gardens theme park.

Other great Tampa experiences include historic Ybor City food walking tours,  seeing the highlights in a street legal golf cart and a Haunted Tampa tour that combines ghosts and pubs.

Also on offer are Segway tours, history cruises, dolphin-watching and celebrity homes tours.

Tampa accommodation is best booked in advance – look for deals here.

Apollo Beach to Tampa distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Apollo Beach to Tampa is 18 miles. With favourable traffic, that makes for a driving time of around 25 minutes. Most of the drive is along the US-41.

The best stops to add to an Apollo Beach to Tampa road trip itinerary are the Fred and Ida Schultz Nature Preserve, the Showmen’s Museum and Wat Mongkolratanaram.

Apollo Beach FL to Tampa drive: Fred and Ida Schultz Nature Preserve

The Fred and Ida Schultz Nature Preserve is 134-acre area set aside for conservation in Adamsville FL. It was used for depositing dredged material, but now hosts thriving mangroves, marsh and coastal dunes. Two short hiking trails loop through the preserve, should you wish to stretch the legs.

Best things to do between Apollo Beach and Tampa: The Showmen’s Museum

The Showmen’s Museum in Riverview FL celebrates the travelling shows that once crossed America. This museum covers 54,000 square feet, with exhibits including circus wagons, one of the oldest Ferris wheels in existence and several colorful costumes.

Apollo Beach to Tampa road trip attractions: Wat Mongkolratanaram

Wat Mongkolratanaram – also known as Wat Tampa – is a Buddhist temple with distinctive Thai-style architecture. On Sundays it operates a charity market, selling fruit, vegetable and street food-style meals. On other days, the grounds of the temple are open to the public.

Downtown Tampa, Florida.
Downtown Tampa, Florida. Photo by Jesse Adair/ Unsplash.

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