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Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg sits on the Tampa Bay with access to world-class beaches, Salvador Dali Museum, and the Sunshine City.

Fort De Soto and Caladesi Island offer consistently top-rated beaches.

Popular Interests

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Try: birdwatching, disc golf, covered bridges, antique shopping, hot springs, photography spots

12 destinations near St. Petersburg

Banyan tree, Naples, FL 34102

Banyan tree

Naples, FL 34102

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.9 stars) · 2 hrs 19 min from St. Petersburg · fits $15 - $50 budget

2 hrs 19 min4.9 (10)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Fort Myers, FL 33966

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 4.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 44 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 44 min4.8 (4,475)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota, Sarasota, FL 34236

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota

Sarasota, FL 34236

Why this destination?

Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 6.3k+ visitors) · 52 min from St. Petersburg · fits $10 - $25 budget

52 min4.7 (6,328)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Homosassa Springs State Park Adventures, Homosassa, FL 34446

Homosassa Springs State Park Adventures

Homosassa, FL 34446

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 20 min4.7 (260)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs, FL 34488

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 12.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

2 hrs4.7 (12,881)NatureAdventureFamilyFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center, Crystal River, FL 34429

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center

Crystal River, FL 34429

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 29 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 29 min4.7 (1,912)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, Williston, FL 32696

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens

Williston, FL 32696

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.5k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 13 min from St. Petersburg · fits $15 - $50 budget

2 hrs 13 min4.7 (3,461)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa, FL 34446

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Homosassa, FL 34446

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 9.2k+ visitors) · 1 hr 20 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 20 min4.7 (9,205)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance, Homosassa, FL 34448

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance

Homosassa, FL 34448

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 21 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 21 min4.7 (3,536)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Croom Mystery Spot, Brooksville, FL 34602

Croom Mystery Spot

Brooksville, FL 34602

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.7 stars) · 1 hr 20 min from St. Petersburg · fits $15 - $50 budget

1 hr 20 min4.7 (13)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, FL 34429

Three Sisters Springs

Crystal River, FL 34429

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 4.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 31 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 31 min4.6 (4,457)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Monkey Island, FL 34448, USA

Monkey Island

FL 34448, USA

Why this destination?

Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 26 min from St. Petersburg · fits Free - $20 budget

1 hr 26 min4.6 (732)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best day trips from St. Petersburg, FL?

The best day trips from St. Petersburg include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.

How far should I drive for a day trip from St. Petersburg?

Most great day trips from St. Petersburg are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.

What are cheap things to do near St. Petersburg?

Many of the best day trips near St. Petersburg are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.

What is the best time of year for day trips from St. Petersburg?

Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near St. Petersburg, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.

Are there weekend getaways near St. Petersburg?

Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of St. Petersburg make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.

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