Tampa to Key West in 5 days

Tampa is easily the best airport in Florida for international visitors. Flying into Tampa and driving down to Key West offers an opportunity to sample some of Florida's best beaches and towns along the way, this guide gives you the best places to stop if you're short of time to get to Key West

With only 3 stops in between you can comfortably drive from TPA to Key West

Day 1: St Petersburg & St Pete Beach or Sarasota region

St Pete / St Pete Beach highlights

Sarasota - stay in Lido Key or Siesta Key

Tips for Day 1:

• Start early to avoid Tampa traffic.

• Pack swimwear and sunscreen for Siesta Key Beach.

• Try local seafood at Sarasota’s downtown restaurants.

Day 2-3: From Sarasota to Naples, FMB or Marco Island

Leave Sarasota and head toward Everglades City, about a 2.5-hour drive. This area is your gateway to the Everglades National Park, a vast wetland ecosystem home to alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.

Book an airboat tour to explore the marshes and spot wildlife up close. The tours usually last 1-2 hours and provide fascinating insights into the ecosystem. After the tour, visit the small town of Everglades City for fresh seafood, especially stone crab if in season.

Tips for Day 2:

• Wear comfortable shoes and insect repellent.

• Bring a camera with a zoom lens for wildlife photography.

• Check airboat tour schedules and book in advance.

  
  
  
  

Day 4-5: Key Largo or Islamorada

From Everglades City, drive about 2.5 hours to Key Largo, the first of the Florida Keys. Known as the diving capital of the world, Key Largo offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.

Spend the day at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S. You can snorkel over coral reefs, kayak through mangroves, or take a glass-bottom boat tour. For lunch, try one of the waterfront restaurants serving fresh fish and tropical cocktails.

Tips for Day 3:

• Reserve snorkeling or diving trips ahead of time.

• Bring water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen.

• Explore local shops for unique souvenirs.

  
  
  
  

Key West

Continue your drive about 50 miles south to Marathon, a laid-back town in the middle of the Keys. Marathon is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and marine conservation efforts.

Visit the Turtle Hospital, a rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles. Guided tours explain the rescue and recovery process and offer a chance to see turtles up close. After the visit, relax at Sombrero Beach or rent a kayak to explore nearby mangroves.

Tips for Day 4:

• Book Turtle Hospital tours in advance.

• Pack a picnic for the beach.

• Check kayak rental availability and weather conditions.

  
  

The last leg of your trip is a 50-mile drive to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Key West has a unique charm with its colorful architecture, lively streets, and rich history.

Start at Mallory Square to experience the famous sunset celebration with street performers and local vendors. Visit Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum to learn about the author’s life on the island. Walk along Duval Street for shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife.

Tips for Day 5:

• Arrive early at Mallory Square for the sunset.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

• Try Key Lime Pie, a local specialty.