Florida Road Trip
Welcome to the Sunshine State! This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Florida who want to experience the best of both worlds: the stunning Gulf Coast beaches and the magical world of Disney. We'll start with 4 days exploring Tampa and its surroundings before heading to Orlando for 3 days of theme park fun. Quick Tip: If you have more time, I'd recommend adding days for Universal Studios and the Everglades to see alligators. Also, Florida is warm and humid year-round. Even in December (the coolest month), temperatures range from 15-22°C (59-72°F), and always carry an umbrella—rain showers are common! ☔ 🗓️ Day 1: Arrival & Clearwater Beach Bliss ✈️ Flight: Syracuse (SYR) → Clearwater (PIE) I flew from Ithaca, and the closest direct flight was from Syracuse to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). If you're flying from elsewhere, you'll likely land at Tampa International Airport (TPA). 🚗 Clearwater Car Rental Booking: Reserve your car online in advance. Major companies like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget have counters at the airport. ⚠️ Crucial Tip: Strongly recommend renting an E-ZPass or SunPass transponder! Florida has an overwhelming number of toll roads, and having the pass saves you from fines and hassle. 🐬 Little Toot Dolphin Adventure Booking: You MUST book this in advance! I waited too long and missed out. 😥 Logistics: Head to the island early! Parking is notoriously difficult, and traffic can be heavy. Public lots fill up fast, so consider a parking garage like "Pier House 60" which offers $20 beach parking. 🌅 Clearwater Beach The Beach: Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. The sand is incredibly white and fine, almost like walking on snow. ❄️ Dining: There are many great beachfront restaurants, but make reservations for the popular ones. Activity: If you have time, try parasailing! You can book it on the beach behind the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. 🏨 Accommodation: Clearwater/Tampa There are plenty of options right on the beach. The best part? Prices are significantly cheaper than California! 🗓️ Day 2: Tampa Brunch & Riverwalk Stroll 🍽️ Brunch at Oxford Exchange 👍 Reservations: A must! This is a beautiful, historic restaurant perfect for a sophisticated brunch. The Food: I loved the Affogato (a shot of hot espresso poured over vanilla ice cream). It seems to be a very popular dessert/drink in Florida! 🚶 Tampa Riverwalk Location: A lovely waterfront park not far from Oxford Exchange. Sights: You can see the University of Tampa across the river, with its distinctive Russian-style onion-domed buildings that make for a unique skyline. 🚗 Afternoon: Drive to Weeki Wachee (1 hour) Mission: We drove to Weeki Wachee primarily to go kayaking and hopefully see manatees. There are other locations to see them, but they are often further away. #US #Florida #Orlando
