Roadtrip with RVshare Tampa to Key West

On your Tampa to Key West road trip, you can have an adventure throughout the state of Florida. Tampa is filled with world-class museums and exciting attractions. Along the way, you will pass by the relaxing beachside towns of Naples and Fort Myers. While you are there, take a break and visit the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. Finally, Key West is known for its laid-back attitude and thrilling nightlife. With this Tampa to Key West road trip itinerary, you will not miss a moment of fun in the Sunshine State. 

Nearby National Parks

As you plan your Tampa to Key West road trip, you might want to take a break from the road and head off to a national park. Florida is home to three national parks. If you would like to learn more about these locations, please visit the RVshare national parks guide.

Biscayne National Park

If you are looking to drive to the Miami area, then you should visit Biscayne National Park. Within the park, you can see the coral reefs that lie just below the water's surface. Biscayne National Park encompasses over 172,000 acres of land and water. From the Miami area, it is only an hour's drive from downtown. Many visitors head to this location to check out the shallow-water shipwrecks. If you are a scuba diver or snorkeler, then this park is a must-see location. However, you don't have to travel under the waves for some beautiful views. You can rent a boat and tour the small islands that are part of the landscape. As you gaze across the water, keep your eyes open for the turtles and dolphins that break the surface. 

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is one of the most famous places in the state. If you want to travel to the country's largest tropical wilderness, you are in the right spot. You can explore over 1.5 million acres at this park. In addition to its large size, the park is also known for its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The native wildlife is abundant in the Everglades. You might even see an alligator lurking under the water. If you are looking for some outdoor activities, this park is a great place for bird-watching, boating, or camping.

Dry Tortugas National Park

When you have reached Key West, you should hop on a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. This national park can only be accessed by plane or boat, and it takes a few hours to reach the destination. However, you are in for a treat with a visit to this unique national park. Several coral reefs and islands make up the majority of the park. At this spot, make sure to visit the 19th-century fortress known as Fort Jefferson. If you want to see sea turtles in the wild, you will have plenty of opportunities at this park.

Nearby State Parks

During your Tampa to Key West RV road trip, make time to visit Florida's beautiful state parks. You can see native animals or enjoy the sandy beaches of the Sunshine State. Make sure to visit RVshare's state park guide to get a detailed description of these areas.

Silver Springs State Park

Before Mickey Mouse arrived in Florida, the top tourist attraction was Silver Springs State Park. This location in Silver Springs includes the largest artesian springs in the United States. For that unique view, you should take one of the glass-bottom boat tours. You can see the fish and plants in the crystal-clear waters. If you want to explore on your own, there are kayaks and canoes available for you to rent. You can also travel down the hiking trail to get a closer look at the park's landscape.

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is located in the central part of Florida. However, it is worth a visit to observe the manatees in their natural habitat. If you travel during the winter, you might see hundreds of manatees warming up in the spring waters. Along with the manatees, there are other types of animals roaming throughout the park, including herons and turtles. For those kayakers and paddleboarders, you can travel down the waterways to see some hidden gems of the park. 

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park near Marathon is a great spot to experience those "Old Florida" landscapes. This state park covers over 524 acres, and it is one of the best beach spots in the state. Many visitors head to this place to hit the water or relax on the sandy beaches. Adventurers will want to check out the historic bridge that connects this park with Spanish Harbor Key. Boating and hiking are other popular recreational activities. If you love to experience a little wildlife viewing, Bahia Honda is known for the sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and giant rays that swim in the waters.

Along the Way

There are plenty of fantastic attractions and interesting cities that you should visit on your road trip from Tampa to Key West. By following this itinerary, you will not miss any of these fun points of interest. 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This African-themed park is located outside the city of Tampa. If you are a thrill-seeker, then you will want to make a stop at Busch Gardens, which has many notable roller coasters, including the tallest free-standing drop tower in North America. In addition to the rides, make sure to visit the Serengeti Plain exhibit's reptiles and animals. There are also several water rides, a cable car ride that features stunning views of the park, and even several kid-friendly rides that are fun for all ages.

Naples Pier

This historic pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to get a spectacular view of the blue waves hitting the white sand beach, then you need to stop at this attraction. The Naples Pier provides several amenities, including showers, restrooms, a concession stand, and a beach store. 

Ernest Hemingway House

Ernest Hemingway was a famous author and resident of Key West. Today, you can tour his former residence near the historic Key West Lighthouse. While touring the grounds, you will also see some other unique native residents—the famous six-toed cats that love to roam throughout the estate. 

Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S. 

The southernmost point in the United States is marked with a concrete buoy. In 1983, this buoy was established as a tourist destination, and it is one of the most photographed spots in Key West.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

These Florida towns and cities have campgrounds that allow you to kick back and relax for the night. If you need to keep your rig sanitary, you can also find a few dump stations along the route. 

Sarasota

Sarasota was once the winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. Today, you can visit a few fascinating museums with ties to the old circus, including the Ringling Museum of Art. Along with the museums, you will want to see the beautiful beaches, such as Siesta Key Beach or Lido Beach. If you want to spend the night, you can find a couple of campgrounds in the Sarasota area.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is a popular spot for tourists throughout the year. If you travel in the spring, Fort Myers is home to the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers baseball training camps. After an exciting day of exploring this area, there are several options to camp out for the night.

Miami

Miami is the cultural and financial center of Florida. This city is filled with world-class museums, upscale restaurants, and exciting nightclubs. There are plenty of family-friendly spots to visit, including the Bayside Marketplace and Miami Seaquarium. After your exciting day in Miami, make sure to check out these convenient campgrounds.

Find Adventure from Tampa to Key West

Find your One-Way Rental

On your trip from Tampa to Key West, you will pass by plenty of scenic locations. For a unique spin on your vacation, you should rent an RV from RVshare. There are several vehicle options available for your upcoming trip. You can pick up your RV rental in Tampa or Key West. When you book with RVshare, you are protected on the road with nationwide insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance. With this road trip itinerary from Tampa to Key West, you will see the Sunshine State's best attractions and sights.