7-Day RV Adventure from Houston to Tampa: Exploring Gulf Coast Highlights

Day 1: Houston to Baton Rouge

Houston, TX to Baton Rouge, LA on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Common Bond Bistro & Bakery

Start your journey with artisanal pastries and coffee at this popular Houston bakery, perfect for fueling up before your drive.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive from Houston to Baton Rouge

Begin your approximately 5.5-hour drive east along I-10, enjoying Gulf Coast scenery en route.
USD40 (fuel estimated), 5h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at Baton Rouge State Park RV Campground

Settle into your RV site at this well-equipped campground offering lake views and hiking trails.
USD30/night, 0h30m

4:00pm

Visit Louisiana's Old State Capitol

Explore this striking Gothic Revival building and learn about Louisiana's political history.
USD8, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Parrain’s Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood specialties in a casual setting nearby.
USD25, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Baton Rouge to New Orleans

Baton Rouge, LA to New Orleans, LA on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Magpie Cafe

Grab a delicious breakfast with fresh ingredients and excellent coffee before hitting the road.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to New Orleans

A 1.5-hour drive east on I-10 toward the vibrant city of New Orleans.
USD12 (fuel estimated), 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in at French Quarter RV Resort

Park your RV in the heart of New Orleans with easy access to major attractions.
USD60/night, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Central Grocery & Deli

Enjoy the famous muffuletta sandwich at this iconic New Orleans eatery.
USD12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore French Quarter

Stroll through historic streets, visit Jackson Square, and admire iconic architecture.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit the National WWII Museum

Discover comprehensive exhibits about World War II; museum closes at 5:00pm, so plan accordingly if you want to enter.
USD30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Coop’s Place

Enjoy traditional Cajun and Creole dishes in a lively atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: New Orleans to Tampa

New Orleans, LA to Tampa, FL on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ruby Slipper Cafe

Enjoy Southern-style breakfast with specialties like eggs Benedict and pancakes.
USD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Long drive to Tampa

Prepare for an approximately 9-hour drive covering around 650 miles, passing through Mississippi, Alabama, and into Florida.
USD70 (fuel estimated), 9h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Tampa East RV Resort

Settle in at this convenient RV park with full hookups near Tampa’s attractions.
USD50/night, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ulele

Dine on native-inspired foods and enjoy waterfront views along the Hillsborough River.
USD35, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Tampa Exploration

Tampa, FL on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Oxford Exchange

Start your day with coffee and gourmet breakfast options in a stylish setting.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tampa Riverwalk

Enjoy a scenic walk along the Hillsborough River with parks, public art, and street performances.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Tampa Museum of Art

Explore contemporary and classical art collections; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Armature Works

Sample food from multiple vendors in this lively market space by the river.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ybor City

Walk through this historic Cuban neighborhood with unique shops, cigar factories, and vibrant culture.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at your RV Park

Unwind and prepare for the evening.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Columbia Restaurant

Experience traditional Spanish and Cuban dishes at Florida’s oldest restaurant.
USD30, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Day – Clearwater

Clearwater, FL on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Clear Sky Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh ingredients just a short drive from Tampa.
USD18, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Clearwater Beach

Head west about 30 minutes to a world-renowned beach with white sand and clear waters.
USD5 (parking), 0h30m

9:30am

Clearwater Beach Activities

Relax on the beach, swim, or take part in water sports; beach is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Free, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

Fresh seafood right on the beach with casual, vibrant atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Meet rescued marine animals and learn about conservation; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Tampa

Drive back to your RV resort to relax.
USD5 (fuel estimated), 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Columbia Cafe at Bayboro Harbor

Enjoy waterfront dining with Spanish-inspired cuisine and sunset views.
USD35, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature & History

Tampa, FL on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Segunda Central Bakery

Start with Cuban pastries and coffee at this Tampa institution.
USD10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Spend the day at this thrilling theme park known for rides, animal exhibits, and shows; park opens at 10:00am.
USD110, 6h0m

4:00pm

Return to RV Resort and Relax

After an exciting day, unwind at your camp.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Goody Goody

Classic American diner serving hearty meals in a nostalgic atmosphere.
USD20, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Leisure & Departure

Tampa, FL on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ybor City Saturday Market

If visiting on Saturday, enjoy breakfast from local vendors and shop crafts; market runs 9:00am to 2:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tampa Bay History Center

Learn about Tampa Bay’s past through engaging exhibits; open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD14, 1h30m

11:30am

Early Lunch at Datz

Savor creative comfort food in a lively neighborhood eatery before departure.
USD25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Prepare for RV departure or further travels

Pack up and plan your next destination or begin the return trip.
Free, Until departure
View Hotel Availability