Punta Gorda to Tampa drive: Best stops, distance & time
The best road trip stops on the Punta Gorda to Tampa drive are Siesta Key, Sarasota and Bradenton. The distance from Punta Gorda to Tampa by car is 104 miles, with a 1h45m driving time.
Planning a Punta Gorda to Tampa road trip itinerary
The Punta Gorda to Tampa drive heads up the west coast of Florida, offering plenty of interesting stops along the route.
Punta Gorda lies on the Peace River. Art meets nature at the Punta Gorda Botanical and Sculpture Gardens, while the Peace River Wildlife Center lets visitors meet rescued animals undergoing rehabilitation. In the west of the city, Ponce De Leon Park is a massive green space on Charlotte Harbor. The boardwalk through the wetlands comes with educational signs.
Arguably the best thing to do in Punta Gorda, however, is the night sky stargazing experience.
Marvellous Punta Gorda accommodation picks include the Suites at Fishermen’s Village and the stylish Wyvern Hotel.
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.
Punta Gorda to Tampa distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Punta Gorda to Tampa is 104 miles. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 45 minutes. The quickest route is largely up the I-75.
The best stops to add to a Punta Gorda to Tampa road trip itinerary are Siesta Key, Sarasota and Bradenton.
For more suggestions, read the guides to the Punta Gorda to Sarasota drive and Sarasota to Tampa drive.
Punta Gorda to Tampa road trip attractions: Siesta Key
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.
Best stops between Punta Gorda and Tampa: Sarasota
Sarasota is home to the Ringling Museum of Art – arguably the top art museum in Florida, with a good mix of modern and old masters. The estate is also home to a Circus Museum.
More Sarasota attractions, including the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, are linked together on the City Sightseeing trolley tour.
Other potential Sarasota experiences include a downtown food tour, jet ski adventures and kayaking through the mangrove tunnels.
Top Sarasota accommodation options with a pool include the Carlisle Inn and the Lido Beach Resort.
Punta Gorda to Tampa drive: Bradenton
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.
More Punta Gorda road trips
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