Orlando to Siesta Key road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Orlando to Siesta Key drive are Lakeland, Tampa and Bradenton. The distance from Orlando to Siesta Key by car is 138 miles, with a 2h25m driving time.
Planning an Orlando to Siesta Key road trip itinerary
The Orlando to Siesta Key drive takes you from Florida’s theme park capital to a beachy west coast island.
Orlando is known worldwide as the home of Disney World, but there’s far more to it than Mickey and Co. You can get crazy selfies at the Museum of Illusions or WonderWorks, learn how chocolate is made at Chocolate Kingdom and ride the Wheel at ICON Park or Orlando StarFlyer. Alternatively, visit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, play adventure golf at Pirates’ Cove and say hi to the stingrays at Sea Life.
In the evenings, there’s the Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn To Life and the Outta Control magic comedy show.
Other Orlando experiences include glow-in-the-dark kayaking, foodie walking tours and kayaking through Cypress forest.
There are hundreds of hotels to choose from in Orlando. Flexibility is key (precise location is not critical here) – and compare prices online before booking.
Siesta Key is a barrier island, renowned for having some of the most spectacular beaches in Florida. There are plenty of restaurants and shops here, but a visit is likely to be all about the white sand and turquoise waters.
Great Siesta Key activities include sunset e-bike tours, kayak tours and having a go on an e-foil.
If planning to stay, book Siesta Key accommodation well in advance – the whole island can often be sold out.
Orlando to Siesta Key distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Orlando to Siesta Key is 138 miles. That makes for a driving time of around two hours and 25 minutes. The quickest route is largely along the I-4 and I-75.
The best stops to add to an Orlando to Siesta Key road trip itinerary are Lakeland FL, Tampa and Bradenton FL.
For more suggestions, read the guides to the individual legs of the journey:
Orlando to Siesta Key road trip attractions: Lakeland FL
Lakeland is a somewhat overlooked Florida City which is, as the name suggests, based around a series of lakes. Of these, Lake Mirror is the most popular, with a promenade and amphitheatre. It also has Hollis Garden, an impressive botanical garden, at the southern end. For something less sculpted, the Circle B Bar Reserve is a former cattle ranch that is now a great place to see alligators.
The city is also home to Florida Southern University, which has the world’s largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.
Good Lakeland hotel choices include the spacious SpringHill Suites and the affordable, pool-equipped Travelodge.
Best stops between Orlando and Siesta Key: Tampa
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.
Orlando to Siesta Key drive: Bradenton FL
Bradenton lies at the southern end of Tampa Bay, stretching along the Manatee River to a series of beachy barrier islands.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the top cultural attraction, but Bradenton is best experienced outdoors. The 1.5 mile Riverwalk along the Manatee River is a good place to start.
Elsewhere you can go kayaking with clear-bottomed kayaks in the Robinson Preserve and parasailing over Anna Maria Island.
Other fun Bradenton experiences include the TreeUmph Adventure Course and pirate-themed tasting sessions at the Loaded Cannon Distillery.
Good Bradenton accommodation choices include the Silver Surf Beach Resort at Bradenton Beach and the SpringHill Suites on the Riverwalk.
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