Road Trip with RVshare Orlando to Sarasota

On this Orlando to Sarasota road trip, it will only take a few hours to travel between the two cities. However, you can pack in a tremendous amount of fun into this time. Orlando is well-known for its family-friendly activities and theme park attractions. As you head south, you can experience the world-class museums and upscale dining in Tampa. Finally, your journey will stop off in Sarasota, and you should not miss your chance to relax on the sandy beaches available in the area. With this road trip itinerary from Orlando to Sarasota, you won't miss a moment of fun in the Sunshine State. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

You'll pass through several towns on your road trip from Orlando to Sarasota. You can travel from Central Florida to the Gulf Coast. Along the route, you'll find several relaxing campgrounds and clean dump stations to keep you happy on the road. 

Kissimmee

When you're in Central Florida, you can stay in the nearby city of Kissimmee. This city is close to all the major attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando, and Walt Disney World. If you want to escape from the crowds, Lake Tohopekaliga is located in Kissimmee. This is a great spot to enjoy water activities such as fishing and boating. You might want to take a relaxing stroll along the paths in the Kissimmee Waterfront Park. Kissimmee is home to plenty of campgrounds to park your rig for the night. 

Lakeland

Lakeland is another great city in the middle of all the action. This city is between Tampa and Orlando, and it offers some relaxing spots for its residents and visitors. You'll want to check out the local parks. The downtown district is filled with architecture dating back to the 19th century. Whether you're spending one day or a couple of weeks, you can reserve a spot for your RV at one of the local campgrounds.

Tampa

Tampa is a major business center in the state, and it's home to theme parks, historic neighborhoods, and museums. If you want to see Tampa's theme parks, make sure to visit Busch Gardens, which has plenty of attractions and thrill rides to entertain the whole family. Like the other cities, there are several campground options for your vehicle, and you can also find a few dump stations to keep your RV nice and sanitary. 

National Parks

As you start your Orlando to Sarasota road trip, you'll definitely want to add some stops at national parks along the route. Florida is home to three of them, and they're the perfect way to explore more of the state's natural side. 

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is home to over 172,000 acres of land and water. It's also the best place to enjoy colorful coral reefs, crystal-blue waters, and brilliant sunshine. If you want to see the park's best features, you'll need to rent a boat. Since the water is shallow, many SCUBA divers and snorkelers head to this park to check out the Maritime Heritage Trail shipwrecks. Animal lovers should be sure to visit the Biscayne Bay Lagoon. Dolphins, pelicans, and turtles can often be found around that area. 

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park might be the most famous national park in the country. This protected space covers over 1.5 million acres of mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods in southern Florida. Everglades National Park is part of the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, and many people come to this park to see the abundant wildlife. You might catch a glimpse of the endangered Florida panther, leatherback turtle, or West Indian manatee. Bird-watching, camping, and boating are some of the other popular activities in the park. 

Dry Tortugas National Park

When you're in the Sarasota area, you might want to travel down to Dry Tortugas National Park. If you want to visit, you'll have to drive to Key West and take a ferry to the park. This national park encompasses seven islands and a large collection of coral reefs. Make sure to visit Fort Jefferson to learn about the history of the island. Dry Tortugas National Park is an excellent place for water sports as you can swim, paddleboard, boat, or fish in the waters. For those divers and snorkelers, the Windjammer Wreck area is the perfect spot to check out the sunken ships off the coast. 

Nearby State Parks

In addition to the national parks, there are plenty of spectacular state parks throughout Florida, and you can make them part of your road trip itinerary. You'll want to take a day to explore these relaxing retreats. 

Bahia Honda State Park

If you want to visit a tropical paradise, then stop by Bahia Honda State Park. It's a great place to kick back and relax on the sandy shores. Along with the beaches, you should check out the historic bridge that connected this area to Spanish Harbor Key. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including picnicking, swimming, hiking, and boating. Bahia Honda is an excellent spot to see local wildlife. Wading birds, giant rays, dolphins, and sea turtles are the park's most famous residents. 

Blue Spring State Park

Along with sunshine and beaches, Florida is known for its large population of manatees. If you want to see these sea creatures up close, you need to head to the Blue Spring State Park. During the wintertime, these manatees will migrate to the warm waters of the springs. In some years, there have been over 300 manatees relaxing in the waters. You can take the boardwalk trail to get a closer look at these mammals. There are other types of wildlife in the park, including turtles, alligators, and herons. Blue Spring State Park is a great place to hit the water since you can snorkel, paddleboard, or swim in the clear spring waters. 

Silver Springs State Park

Before Florida was known for its theme parks, it welcomed visitors to Silver Springs State Park. This state park was the location of the first tourist attraction. In the 1870s, visitors traveled to this state park by steamship. You can still see some remnants of the historic buildings from that period. For a better look at the springs, the glass-bottom boats will take visitors on a guided tour. 

Along the Way

There are plenty of exciting attractions on this Orlando to Sarasota RV road trip. Don't forget to add these fascinating spots to your travel plans. 

Magic Kingdom Park

When you're in Orlando, you may want to visit the most famous attraction in the area. Magic Kingdom has been delighting visitors since 1971, and it was the first theme park built in the Walt Disney World complex. You can meet Mickey Mouse, ride an array of attractions, or enjoy the live entertainment. Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Main Street USA are the park's six themed lands. 

Gatorland

If you want to see the wild side of Florida, you should stop by Gatorland. With thousands of alligators and crocodiles, this park calls itself the Alligator Capital of the World. There are other activities to enjoy at this location, including swamp tours and zipline adventures. 

The Florida Aquarium

Located in Tampa's Channel District, this aquarium focuses on conservation efforts throughout the area. During the year, the aquarium presents educational programs for adults and children. The Florida Aquarium is a great place to learn about the native animals of the Sunshine State. 

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art dates back to the 1920s and is located in Sarasota. You can see over 10,000 objects in the collection, and some of the pieces are from the Cypriot period. This museum is known for its paintings dating from the 16th to the 20th century. It also has the most extensive collection of art from Peter Paul Rubens, making it a must-see destination for fans of his art. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Orlando to Sarasota, you'll enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Orlando or Sarasota.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Orlando to Sarasota?

To plan an RV road trip from Orlando to Sarasota, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Orlando to Sarasota without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Orlando to Sarasota. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!