Tampa to Venice FL drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Tampa to Venice FL drive are Apollo Beach, Bradenton and Sarasota. The distance from Tampa to Venice FL by car is 74 miles, with a 1h10m driving time.
Finding the best things to do between Tampa and Venice FL
The Tampa to Venice FL 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.
Venice FL is largely seen as a beach town, but it also has a fabulous network of canals. The best way to explore them is on a two hour guided kayaking tour.
Otherwise, there’s 14 miles of beaches to choose from, with Venice Beach the most popular. There’s a reef a quarter mile offshore, which is popular with divers.
You can also enjoy a wander around the heritage buildings downtown, many of which mimic Venice’s Italian counterpart city.
Top Venice accommodation options include the Inn at the Beach and the more budget-friendly Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites.
Tampa to Venice FL distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Tampa to Venice FL is 74 miles. You can expect a driving time of around one hour and ten minutes. The quickest route is via the I-75.
The best stops to add to a Tampa to Venice FL road trip itinerary are Apollo Beach, Bradenton and Sarasota.
Tampa to Venice FL 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.
Best stops between Tampa and Venice FL: 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.
Tampa to Venice FL drive: 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.
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