Recs requested for 5-7 day itinerary (including Tampa)

Question

Hi! My husband and I (mid-50's) are planning a 5-7 day trip in FL at the end of Feb., starting in Orlando (by car). What would be a good, interesting road trip for that timeframe? Staying in or near a beach area would be nice but we're not into sitting on the beach all day. Looking for an interesting general itinerary with historic/cultural/nature things to see and do (museums, castles, wildlife viewing, scenic drives, boat trips, charming towns to walk around, etc.) and good food/seafood. Shopping, bars and lots of nightlife aren't really important. We have already seen St. Augustine, Cocoa and Melbourne, Jacksonville and Miami, and some of the Clearwater/St. Pete area. The Keys seem to be out of our budget (max $200-$250/night, if at all possible).

We would like to stay in different areas for 2-3 nights each or just do day trips from Tampa, if certain sights are close enough. How about a loop around the Tampa/Bradenton/

Sarasota/Naples area, or exploring the Panhandle, or someplace else? What are some "must-see" sights? How many nights/day in each place? We want to stay in decent areas but not luxury 4 or 5-star hotels. Thanks so much for your input and ideas!! We don't know where to start.

Answer

Hi!

Since you’re planning a 5–7 day trip in Florida starting from Orlando and want a mix of cultural, historic, nature, and scenic experiences, a loop around the Tampa/Sarasota/Bradenton/Naples area makes a lot of sense. This route keeps driving distances manageable, offers beautiful Gulf Coast scenery, historic towns, nature and wildlife opportunities, and excellent food without relying on the typical theme parks or beach lounging all day. Here’s a detailed suggested itinerary:

Day 1–2: Tampa Area

Drive from Orlando to Tampa (about 1.5–2 hours). Spend 2 nights here, giving you time to explore the city and nearby nature.

Historic/Cultural: Visit Ybor City for a taste of Tampa’s Cuban heritage and colorful historic streets. Check out the Tampa Museum of Art and Henry B. Plant Museum for a look into the Gilded Age and local history.
Nature/Wildlife: Take a stroll or kayak at Lettuce Lake Park or explore Hillsborough River State Park for short hikes and wildlife viewing (alligators, birds, turtles).
Food: Try local seafood at Ulele (Native American-inspired Gulf Coast cuisine) or Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City for classic Spanish/Cuban dishes.
Optional: Quick boat tour of Tampa Bay or Tampa Riverwalk for scenic views without requiring a full day.

Day 3–4: Sarasota / Bradenton

Drive about 1–1.5 hours south to Sarasota/Bradenton. Staying 2 nights gives you time to explore cultural sites and nearby natural attractions.

Historic/Cultural: Visit the Ringling Museum of Art and Ca’ d’Zan mansion for a mix of art and historic architecture. Check out the Sarasota Opera House and charming downtown Sarasota.
Nature/Wildlife: Explore Myakka River State Park (airboat tours, hiking trails, wildlife viewing). Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is excellent for a relaxing stroll surrounded by exotic plants.
Beaches/Relaxing: Siesta Key Beach has soft sand and calm areas for short walks, even if you’re not spending the whole day sunbathing.
Food: Sarasota and Bradenton have excellent seafood restaurants such as Marina Jack or Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.

Day 5–6: Naples / Everglades Area

Drive about 2–2.5 hours southwest to Naples. Staying 2 nights allows for some nature exploration and charming town experiences.

Historic/Cultural: Explore the historic downtown Naples for its art galleries, waterfront parks, and boutique shops.
Nature/Wildlife: Take an airboat tour in the Everglades for alligator and bird sightings, or visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for walking trails through cypress forests and wading birds.
Beaches: Naples Beach or Vanderbilt Beach offer scenic views and short walks without the need to spend all day.
Food: Naples has great casual seafood options, including The Dock at Crayton Cove or small local seafood shacks.

Optional Loop Back / Alternate Stops:

On the return to Orlando, you could stop in Fort Myers or Sanibel Island for a few hours to explore charming small towns, lighthouse parks, or wildlife refuges.
If you want a slightly different route, consider including Anna Maria Island (near Bradenton) or Venice for more quaint Gulf Coast towns and quieter beaches.

Tips for Your Trip:

Book accommodations in advance for February, as this is peak season. Look for mid-range hotels, motels, or Airbnb rentals. Prices in your range ($200–250/night) are reasonable in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Naples if booked early.
Plan for about 1–2 hours of driving between each main stop, which makes it easier to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
Mix cultural/museum mornings with nature and light walks in the afternoons, which keeps the trip balanced and relaxing.
Carry sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes for walking trails, historic districts, and botanical gardens.

This itinerary gives you a good mix of cultural exploration, scenic drives, wildlife experiences, and charming towns along the Gulf Coast while keeping driving distances reasonable and providing the option to spend some time at the beach without overdoing it.

Recs requested for 5-7 day itinerary (including Tampa)

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