Day Trips Worth Taking Near Tampa Bay
Listen to us....fall = self-care season. Think about it, Summer is filled with crazy fun with friends, traveling, and finding the next spot with AC (if you know you know). October-December is a busy holiday season, everyone has a holiday brain and is focusing on family. Springtime is...just simply chaos of getting your stuff together, trying to make your 2024 goals happen, and prepping for summer weather. So, that leaves (please tell me you caught that pun there) fall.
This is where we can relax, and get back on our self-care regimen - whatever that looks like for you! This is also my personal favorite time to be a Florida Local because the weather is still warm, the ocean feels like a bubble bath, nights are chilly, and there are barely any tourists! This is when I like to soak up all my favorite spots while things seem to slow down off their summer high. That means: it's day trips around the area to make the most of it all!
Here are our top recs from Team Savvy for day trips in the Tampa Bay area:
Crystal River
If you haven't had a chance to visit the springs this summer, the fall is your chance! It's still warm enough to jump in the refreshing water and kayak the day away through the springs. Plus, it's definitely less crowded and you can get all the good snorkeling in!
Keel & Curly x Parkesdale Farm Market
This place is like traveling to a different state! Just outside of Tampa, this sweet winery is anything but small! They have plenty of options from food, to wine (duh!), to fun! You can explore their vineyards, join in on one of their many events, eat at their restaurant, or taste their wines with a wine flight. After you're done, it's dessert time! Pop over to Parksdale Farm Market, to get a strawberry shortcake and literally strawberry-flavored anything. Take the scenic route (it's full of cows, so wholesome) and make a whole day out of the country vibes!
Downtown Dunedin
It's fitting that this town is covered in orange-themed murals because it's SO SWEET! It gives a major sweet, small town feels. Grab a coffee from the Dunedin Coffee Co, lunch at The Living Room, and shop + stroll until you hit the pier at the end for a sunset pic!
Hyde Park
You know our love for Hyde Park, always! But this is such a sweet spot to spend the day. Grab your girls and do a full-out shop + stroll day. Don't forget to make brunch reservations at Forbici and an appointment at Candle Pour to create a custom candle to remember the day by.
St. Pete Secret Gardens
As already obsessed over in the beginning of this article, this is the real beach season! If you haven't already found it, you have to make a day trip down to the secret gardens, near Upham Beach. It may not be so secret, but it is a sweet shaded spot to walk through. End with a picnic on the beach and a sunset swim for the perfect end to the day!
Tarpon Springs
Greek life takes a new meaning in this sweet town! Stop at the bakery for a sweet treat, visit the sponge docks, buy some homemade soap in your favorite scent, and grab a happy-hour drink at Rusty Bellies!
Make the most of your fall, Tampa Bay! There's more Tampa fun where this came from, follow us on Instagram!
