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Florida's Suncoast Road Trip

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203.4 miles: 6 hours, 29 minutes
Traveling the barrier islands of Florida’s Suncoast transports visitors to a tropical-colored canvas. You can stop to admire the glittering sand and turquoise waters, search for the perfect seashell and shop for souvenirs. Time is marked here only by the daily ritual of visitors coming to the beach to watch the blazing sun dip into the Gulf.
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1
Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg
49.4 miles: 1 hours, 53 minutes
You'll take in Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage as well as waterfront views along US 19A before a scenic trip over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. Stretch your legs in tranquil Sand Key Park, then continue along resort-lined Gulf Boulevard. The inlet provides an emerald backdrop south of Indian Rocks Beach, before the road gets busier through St. Pete Beach.
Recommended Stops
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd. Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The Frog Pond Restaurant
16909 Gulf Blvd North Redington Beach, FL 33708
AAA Inspector Rating
The Dalí Museum
1 Dalí Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Florida Holocaust Museum
55 Fifth St. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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2
St. Petersburg to Sarasota
60.3 miles: 1 hours, 41 minutes
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge offers a birds-eye view of Tampa Bay en route to Bradenton. This leg connects charming Anna Maria Island—boasting large public beaches and a rustic city pier—to luxurious Longboat Key and its elegant resorts. Just before crossing Sarasota Bay, you’ll pass through the exotic shopping and dining district of St. Armand’s Circle on Lido Key.
Recommended Stops
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
201 10th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
The Circus Museum
5401 Bay Shore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243
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3
Sarasota to Fort Myers
93.7 miles: 2 hours, 54 minutes
Today's itinerary includes Sarasota, home to Casey Key and its historic swing truss bridge; and Manasota Key, whose tropical tree canopy adds a whimsical touch to the beachfront road. Just before Fort Myers, the waterfront lifestyle along the Peace River in Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda comes into view.
Recommended Stops
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
900 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901