Tampa to Sarasota drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Tampa to Sarasota drive are Apollo Beach, Ruskin and Bradenton. The distance from Tampa to Sarasota by car is 60 miles, with a 1h7m driving time.
Finding the best things to do between Tampa and Sarasota
The Tampa to Sarasota drive connects two of the top destinations on Florida’s west coast.
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.
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.
Tampa to Sarasota distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Tampa to Sarasota is 60 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and seven minutes. The quickest route is via the I-75.
The best stops to add to a Tampa to Sarasota road trip itinerary are Apollo Beach, Ruskin FL and Bradenton FL.
Tampa to Sarasota road trip attractions: Apollo Beach
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 to Sarasota drive: Ruskin FL
Ruskin FL is a quiet spot on Tampa Bay, with the highlight being the EG Simmons Conservation Park. This 258-acre conservation area is home to extensive native mangrove swamp, where birds such as the bald eagle and roseate spoonbill can be sighted. You can also enjoy two playgrounds, kayak hire and a 700-foot beach.
For walking trails, you’re better off in the nearby Little Manatee River State Park.
Best stops between Tampa and Sarasota: 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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