10-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Tampa, Florida

Day 1: Welcome to Tampa

Tampa, Florida

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Brunchery

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at The Brunchery known for its pancakes and fresh omelets.
Head towards your first activity from the restaurant.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Busch Gardens

Enjoy a thrilling day at Busch Gardens, featuring roller coasters, animal encounters, and live shows for all ages.
Located about a 15-minute drive from The Brunchery.
USD109/adult, USD104/child, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ulele

Treat the family to a delicious dinner at Ulele, featuring inventive dishes sourced from Florida's waters and farms.
A 15-minute drive from Busch Gardens.
USD80, 2 hours

7:00PM

Sunset at Tampa Riverwalk

Stroll along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk to conclude your day with beautiful sunset views over the water.
Just a 10-minute drive from Ulele.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Magical Orlando

Orlando, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Fuel up with a delightful breakfast featuring waffles and French toast at Keke's.
A 1-hour drive from Tampa to Orlando.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Walt Disney World

Spend the day immersed in the magic of Walt Disney World, experiencing rides, parades, and character encounters.
Head to the Magic Kingdom entrance.
USD159/adult, USD154/child, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Crystal Palace

Savor a buffet dinner with Winnie the Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace within the park.
Reservation needed, it's inside the Magic Kingdom.
USD120, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Happily Ever After Fireworks

End the night with the spectacular fireworks show at Cinderella Castle.
Find a good spot near the castle.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Beach Day in Naples

Naples, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Watch

Enjoy a bright and fresh breakfast with options like avocado toast and Morning Market Veggie Bowls.
A 3-hour drive from Orlando to Naples.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Naples Beach

Spend a relaxing day at Naples Beach, where the kids can build sandcastles and you can soak up the sun.
The beach is nearby, just a 10-minute drive.
Free, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Fish House

Enjoy freshly caught seafood while overlooking the marina at The Fish House.
A short 10-minute drive from the beach.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Naples Botanical Garden

Explore the vibrant flora and find Disney-themed gardens that the kids will love.
A quick 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD20/adult, USD10/child, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Campiello

Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere at Campiello.
Just 10 minutes from the botanical garden.
USD85, 2 hours
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Day 4: Sanibel Island Adventure

Sanibel Island, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Over Easy Cafe

Start the day with a tasty breakfast at Over Easy Cafe known for its friendly service and delicious omelets.
A 30-minute drive from Naples to Sanibel Island.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shelling on Sanibel Beach

Search for shells at the famous Sanibel Beach; it's a fantastic and fun activity for the whole family.
A short drive to the beach access points.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Island Cow

Enjoy a casual lunch with an extensive menu, known for its fun atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
10 minutes from the beach.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the wildlife refuge by bike or car, and keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife.
A 15-minute drive to the refuge.
USD5 per vehicle, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cielo

Take in waterfront views while dining on fresh seafood at Cielo located in the Sundial Resort.
A 20-minute drive from the refuge.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Sarasota's Relaxation

Sarasota, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Toasted Mango Cafe

Grab a delightful breakfast at Toasted Mango Cafe with tropical fruit specials and hearty breakfast bowls.
A 1-hour drive from Sanibel Island to Sarasota.
USD55, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Ringling

Learn about circus history and enjoy art at The Ringling, featuring a museum and beautiful gardens.
A 15-minute drive from the cafe.
USD25/adult, USD10/child, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Selva Grill

Indulge in fusion Latin cuisine with a family-friendly environment at Selva Grill.
5 minutes from The Ringling.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Lido Key Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming in the clear waters of Lido Key Beach.
A 20-minute drive to Lido Key.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Beach Club

Dine at The Beach Club, a family-friendly restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere right off the beach.
Just a 5-minute drive from the beach.
USD90, 2 hours
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Day 6: Clearwater Adventures

Clearwater, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Station

Start your day with a classic breakfast at The Breakfast Station, known for its homemade biscuits.
A 30-minute drive from Sarasota to Clearwater.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Visit the aquarium to meet rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and learn about marine conservation.
A brief 10-minute drive from the cafe.
USD30/adult, USD20/child, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Crabby’s Dockside

Enjoy lunch overlooking the water at Crabby’s Dockside with a casual but fun vibe.
A 10-minute drive from the aquarium.
USD80, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax at Clearwater Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying the soft sands and waters of Clearwater Beach – perfect for families.
Located conveniently next to Crabby’s.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Palm Pavilion

Finish your day with a casual dinner at The Palm Pavilion, famous for its seafood and sunset views.
A 5-minute walk along the beach.
USD90, 2 hours
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Day 7: St. Petersburg Fun

St. Petersburg, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hangar Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with views of the marina at The Hangar Restaurant.
A short 20-minute drive from Clearwater to St. Petersburg.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts to discover diverse art collections and family-friendly exhibits.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD15/adult, USD10/child, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Red Mesa Cantina

Enjoy a vibrant lunch with twists on traditional Mexican dishes at Red Mesa Cantina.
A 5-minute drive from the museum.
USD70, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Fort De Soto Park

Spend the afternoon exploring Fort De Soto Park with its beautiful beaches and historical forts.
A 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD5 per vehicle, 3 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at The Frog Pond

Conclude your day with a family-friendly meal at The Frog Pond, known for its casual atmosphere and hearty meals.
A 25-minute drive back to St. Petersburg from the park.
USD85, 2 hours
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Day 8: Gainesville Excursion

Gainesville, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Top

Start the day with delicious breakfast bites and a casual ambiance at The Top.
A 2-hour drive from St. Petersburg to Gainesville.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Explore the zoo's connection with education while interacting with various animal species.
A 15-minute drive.
USD8/adult, USD6/child, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Blue Gill

Savor local flavors with a fresh local seafood and Southern cuisine at Blue Gill.
A 15-minute drive from the zoo.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Florida Museum of Natural History

Spend the afternoon at the Florida Museum of Natural History, with interactive exhibits for kids.
Just 10 minutes from the restaurant.
USD10/adult, USD5/child, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Swamp Restaurant

Conclude the day at The Swamp, famed for its casual atmosphere and broad menu options.
15 minutes from the museum.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 9: Beach Bliss at Daytona

Daytona Beach, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jojo's American Diner

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at Jojo’s with hearty portions reliable service.
A 1.5-hour drive from Gainesville to Daytona Beach.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Spend Time at Daytona Beach

Enjoy a day filled with sun, swimming, and sandcastle building at Daytona Beach.
Direct access from the diner.
Free, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Ocean Deck Restaurant

Enjoy beachfront dining at Ocean Deck with fresh seafood options.
A quick walk from the beach.
USD80, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Daytona International Speedway

If time allows, check out the famous raceway and its exhibits including tours of the area.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD25/adult, USD20/child, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Caribbean Jack's

Wind down your day with a tropical meal at Caribbean Jack's, overlooking the water.
10 minutes from the speedway.
USD90, 2 hours
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Day 10: Return to Tampa

Tampa, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Datz Tampa

Enjoy a fun and eclectic breakfast at Datz, famous for its creative dishes and inviting atmosphere.
A 1-hour 15-minute drive back to Tampa.
USD70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Florida Aquarium

Explore the underwater world at the Florida Aquarium, a perfect culmination of your trip for the family.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD30/adult, USD25/child, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sparkman Wharf

Enjoy leisurely lunch at Sparkman Wharf, where various eateries offer something for everyone.
A 10-minute drive from the aquarium.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Spend some time relaxing in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park before concluding your adventure.
A 3-minute drive from the lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Final Dinner at The Columbia Restaurant

Celebrate the end of an amazing trip with a final dinner at The Columbia Restaurant, known for its Cuban cuisine.
A 5-minute drive from the park.
USD100, 2 hours
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