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Road trip from Houston to Tampa
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Outdoor Activities
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Museums
Nightlife
Food & Drink
Water & Amusement ParksShow more (5+)
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Outdoor ActivitiesShoppingNature & ParksMuseumsNightlifeFood & DrinkWater & Amusement Parks
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Sights & Landmarks
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ITINERARY
17h 54m981 miles25 stops
1
The Menil Collection
Houston philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection’s main museum building opened to the public. Today, the Menil Collection consists of a group of five art buildings and green spaces located within a residential neighborhood. The Menil remains committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience and fosters direct personal encounters with works of art. The museum welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.
2
Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden
3
Reliant Park
4
Space Center Houston
Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center. – Tripadvisor
5
Urns of Justice
6
Lafayette Science Museum
Step into the vibrant world of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Science Museum, where curiosity knows no bounds!
7
Vermilionville
Get a taste of life for the 18th-century Acadian settlers in this 23-acre village with meticulously recreated period homes, costumed staff demonstrating arts and crafts and a restaurant serving Cajun and Creole food.
8
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
9
The Presbytere
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
10
Palm Court Jazz Cafe
A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.
11
Magnolia Grove Golf Course
12
Spanish Plaza Park
13
The Haunted Book Shop
14
Government Street
15
Cobra Adventure Park
16
Rick Seltzer Park
17
Apalachicola National Forest
Gorgeous forest full of trails.
18
Bradley's Country Store
Since 1927, Bradley's has made the best, old fashioned, country smoked and fresh sausage that money can buy. Using a secret family recipe, our sausage is made weekly and does not contain gluten, sugar, artificial ingredients or preservatives. It is also compliant with a variety of diet programs, such as Whole 30, Keto and Paleo! Sausage isn't all we have to offer! Take a drive out into the country on the beautiful canopy roads where you'll feel as if time has slowed down. Spend hours out on the picnic tables listening to birds sing and the wind blow through the canopy of Oak Trees and Spanish moss. Some may even get the chance to witness how we make our grits the old fashioned way, using an old Ford tractor and a Grist Mill dating back to the early 1930's. Join us for lunch where you can sit in a rocking chair on the front porch and savor a Bradley's sausage dog, RC Cola and a Moon Pie!
19
Rockin N Stables
We offer trail rides, riding lessons, birthday parties and summer camps. If you love horseback riding, you wont find a better place to enjoy horses and the best summer camps. At Rockin N Stables we strive to give you, your family and your guests the best horse back riding experince. All of our horses are laid back and friendly.
20
WestShore Plaza
21
Bayshore Boulevard
Home of the world's longest sidewalk.
22
University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa
23
Regal Cinemas Governor's Square 12
24
Rabbit Creek Market
25
Chens Massage Clinic
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure from the bustling metropolis of Houston to the sun-kissed beaches of Tampa? Embark on a journey that will transport you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and captivating attractions. As you traverse this vast expanse, you'll witness the tapestry of America unfold before your eyes. Prepare to be awed by towering skyscrapers, meander through charming towns, and marvel at breathtaking natural wonders.
Along the way, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in rich history, explore diverse cultures, and savor delectable culinary delights. From the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the serene shores of the Gulf Coast, each destination promises a unique and enriching experience. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, this epic journey has something to offer every traveler.
So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a road trip that will create memories to last a lifetime. As you embark on this grand adventure, embrace the unexpected, revel in the moments of discovery, and cherish the connections you'll make along the way.
1
Start:The Menil Collection
Houston, Texas·
4.5
(970) review
Houston philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection’s main museum building opened to the public. Today, the Menil Collection consists of a group of five art buildings and green spaces located within a residential neighborhood. The Menil remains committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience and fosters direct personal encounters with works of art. The museum welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.
2
Start:Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden
Houston, Texas·
4.5
(96) review
900 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
3
Start:Reliant Park
Houston, Texas·
4.0
(99) review
1 Nrg Park, Houston, TX 77054-1574
4
Start:Space Center Houston
Houston, Texas·
4.5
(9889) review
Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center. – Tripadvisor
5
Start:Urns of Justice
Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana·
3.5
(9) review
800 Lafayette St in front of John M. Shaw US Courthouse, Lafayette, LA 70501-6800
6
Start:Lafayette Science Museum
Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana·
4.5
(96) review
Step into the vibrant world of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Science Museum, where curiosity knows no bounds!
7
Start:Vermilionville
Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana·
4.5
(880) review
Get a taste of life for the 18th-century Acadian settlers in this 23-acre village with meticulously recreated period homes, costumed staff demonstrating arts and crafts and a restaurant serving Cajun and Creole food.
8
Start:Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(999) review
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
9
Start:The Presbytere
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(999) review
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
10
Start:Palm Court Jazz Cafe
New Orleans, Louisiana·
4.5
(99) review
A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.
11
Start:Magnolia Grove Golf Course
Mobile, Alabama·
4.5
(80) review
7001 Magnolia Grove Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36618-4824
12
Start:Spanish Plaza Park
Mobile, Alabama·
4.0
(9) review
401 Government St, Mobile, AL
13
Start:The Haunted Book Shop
Mobile, Alabama·
5.0
(9) review
9 S Joachim St across from Cafe 219 and The Saenger Theater, Mobile, AL 36602-2707
14
Start:Government Street
Mobile, Alabama·
4.0
(9) review
Government Street Highways 90/98, Mobile, AL 36604
15
Start:Cobra Adventure Park
Panama City Beach, Florida·
3.0
(98) review
9323 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407-4034
16
Start:Rick Seltzer Park
Panama City Beach, Florida·
4.5
(98) review
7419 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408-7585
17
Start:Apalachicola National Forest
Tallahassee, Florida·
4.5
(47) review
Gorgeous forest full of trails.
18
Start:Bradley's Country Store
Tallahassee, Florida·
4.5
(75) review
Since 1927, Bradley's has made the best, old fashioned, country smoked and fresh sausage that money can buy. Using a secret family recipe, our sausage is made weekly and does not contain gluten, sugar, artificial ingredients or preservatives. It is also compliant with a variety of diet programs, such as Whole 30, Keto and Paleo! Sausage isn't all we have to offer! Take a drive out into the country on the beautiful canopy roads where you'll feel as if time has slowed down. Spend hours out on the picnic tables listening to birds sing and the wind blow through the canopy of Oak Trees and Spanish moss. Some may even get the chance to witness how we make our grits the old fashioned way, using an old Ford tractor and a Grist Mill dating back to the early 1930's. Join us for lunch where you can sit in a rocking chair on the front porch and savor a Bradley's sausage dog, RC Cola and a Moon Pie!
19
Start:Rockin N Stables
Tallahassee, Florida·
4.5
(5) review
We offer trail rides, riding lessons, birthday parties and summer camps. If you love horseback riding, you wont find a better place to enjoy horses and the best summer camps. At Rockin N Stables we strive to give you, your family and your guests the best horse back riding experince. All of our horses are laid back and friendly.
20
Start:WestShore Plaza
Tampa, Florida·
4.0
(99) review
250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609-1918
21
Start:Bayshore Boulevard
Tampa, Florida·
4.5
(972) review
Home of the world's longest sidewalk.
22
Start:University of South Florida Botanical Gardens, Tampa
Tampa, Florida·
3.5
(98) review
4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620-5150
23
Start:Regal Cinemas Governor's Square 12
Tallahassee, Florida·
3.5
(8) review
1501 Governors Square Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32301-3020
24
Start:Rabbit Creek Market
Tallahassee, Florida·
5.0
(8) review
2811 Capital Cir NE Ste 2, Tallahassee, FL 32308-3878
25
Start:Chens Massage Clinic
Tallahassee, Florida·
4.0
(8) review
3111 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308-5548
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Houston and Tampa?
The distance is 981 miles
What's the travel time between Houston and Tampa?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 17h 54m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Houston and Tampa?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Tampa?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Tampa
What’s the weather like in Tampa?
The weather in Tampa is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Tampa in January
Weather in Tampa in February
Weather in Tampa in March
Weather in Tampa in April
Weather in Tampa in May
Weather in Tampa in June
Weather in Tampa in July
Weather in Tampa in August
Weather in Tampa in September
Weather in Tampa in October
Weather in Tampa in November
Weather in Tampa in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Tampa?
Plan your dream Tampa trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Houston?
We have a lot of great trip options for Houston! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you
