Drive from Tampa to Marco Island: The Perfect Road Trip (Stops + Routes)
Looking to drive from Tampa to Marco Island? These are the best stops & tips along the way!
Are you ready to head down Florida’s Gulf Coast? From Tampa to Marco Island, there are plenty of stops to explore along the way that make this route one of the most interesting road trips in the Sunshine State. It’s also great for a weekend getaway trip!
One of my favorite things to do while living in Florida was road tripping to different towns or places along the way. It’s a great way to see multiple places all in the span of one trip.
So let’s get moving! From scenic beaches to beautiful wildlife preserves, here are some must see destinations and helpful tips for making your drive from Tampa to Marco Island.
Best Way to Get from Tampa to Marco Island
The best way to get from Tampa to Marco Island is driving. Driving is not only the more scenic option, but also the cheapest (generally) – making it great for anyone not looking to spend a fortune!
I’ll mainly cover options that involve driving here but just know you can definitely fly if you’d prefer that to driving. I will say though that sometimes I think you end up spending longer waiting in security lines than if you just drove!
Best Route Marco Island from Tampa
The best route depends on whether you’re looking for speed or even more stops or scenery along the way.
Fastest Route: The most direct route is to take I-75 S down to Marco Island. This will take a little under 3 hours and cover ~180 miles.
Alternate Route: If you’re looking to make a stop in St. Petersburg on your way to Marco Island, taking a combination of both I-275 S and I-75 S is also an option.
Distance from Tampa to Marco Island
So how far is Marco Island from Tampa? It’ll depend on which route you take but it’ll end up being somewhere around 3 hours, or ~180 miles.
If you take I-75 S by itself down to Marco Island it’ll be slightly under 3 hours. If you take a mixture of 275 with 75 then it’ll be about 3 hours. This doesn’t factor in traffic though so check before you head out!
Best Stops Driving Tampa Bay to Marco Island
So what are the best stops or towns along the way to Marco Island? Here are some of the top places you should add to your list.
1. St. Petersburg
If you end up taking I-275 S from Tampa, you’re probably going to want to stop in St. Petersburg. And rightfully so as this gem is about 30 minutes from Tampa.
St. Petersburg (“St. Pete”) is a city known for its parks and gardens, thriving art scene, lively waterfront restaurants and bars, and the world-famous Salvador Dali Museum. This museum houses more than 2,000 works from the world-renowned surrealist artist!
For outdoor enthusiasts, St. Pete also boasts top notch parks like Weedon Island Preserve or Fort De Soto Park (although this is a bit further out but a great place to snorkel).
When you leave St. Pete, you’ll also get to cross over the really pretty and scenic Sunshine Skyway Bridge! Definitely don’t miss that if you have the opportunity (you’ll thank me later).
2. Sarasota
Sarasota is located about an hour south of Tampa, making it a great spot to explore as you make your way to Marco Island.
Besides the beautiful coastline nearby, Sarasota is known for its vibrant arts scene, with the Ringling Estate and its captivating art museum and the fascinating history of the circus. The charming St. Armand’s Circle nearby also beckons with its boutiques, eateries, and a European-inspired ambiance, perfect for strolling and enjoying some retail therapy.
If you’re looking for some beach time, Lido Key Beach is home to stunning white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The beautiful Myakka River State Park is also about half an hour away. This park has over 50,000 acres of wetlands, forests and prairies great for wildlife spotting, hiking, camping or fishing.
3. Siesta Key
On your drive you should also stop in nearby Siesta Key- an absolute must for this captivating island. Siesta Key is best known for its world-famous beach (Siesta Key Beach), where you can sink your toes into the softest, coolest sand imaginable and soak up the sun in the company of breathtaking turquoise waters.
You can also choose to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and explore the charming Siesta Key Village, filled with shops, galleries, and mouthwatering seafood restaurants.
4. Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located in southwest Florida and is a great stop off point for road trippers. Located on the Gulf Coast, it is only about an hour’s drive away from both destinations, making it a convenient midpoint for travelers.
Punta Gorda’s charming historic downtown is a major highlight. With its waterfront location and preserved historic buildings, it offers a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, waterfront restaurants, and scenic views.
Fisherman’s Village is another popular spot in Punta Gorda, known for its vibrant marina and waterfront shopping complex. You’ll find lots of shops, waterfront restaurants, live music, and even the chance to take a boat tour or fishing charter.
Check out TT’s Tiki Bar, one of my favorite spots to grab a drink and enjoy live music on the waterfront. It’s super laid-back with great views, food, and drinks! And it’s the perfect place for a sunset if you happen to be there at that time.
5. Fort Myers
You might not be thinking of Fort Myers as a stop off on your road trip from Tampa to Marco Island, but it’s a great area to check out! There’s lots to do and see in and around this area which makes it the perfect spot to explore.
If you’re a history and innovation enthusiast, you might want to check out the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where you can explore the homes, gardens, and museum dedicated to these iconic inventors.
For beach lovers, Fort Myers offers gorgeous stretches of sand along the Gulf of Mexico, including the popular Fort Myers Beach and the shell-filled shores of Sanibel Island. Manatee Park nearby is a great spot for anyone interested in catching sight of some manatees or other wildlife while they’re here.
Finally, the vibrant River District in downtown Fort Myers is a great spot with its lively mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and regular events that create an exciting and engaging atmosphere.
6. Bonita Springs
Located just off I-75 in Southwest Florida, Bonita Springs is a perfect stop for those driving from Tampa to Marco Island. This beautiful coastal town offers plenty of unique attractions and outdoor activities that make it worth a visit.
There are stunning beaches (Barefoot Beach Preserve is a great spot with lots of coastline!), lush mangrove forests, and peaceful backwater trails waiting to be explored.
If you’re looking for some culture or entertainment while visiting Bonita Springs, there are art galleries as well as lots of interesting events taking place throughout the year. Grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants serving up fresh seafood dishes or the famous Key Lime Pie.
7. Naples
In the sun-drenched paradise of Southwest Florida, Naples is a great stop on a road trip to Marco Island. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico close to Marco Island, this coastal city offers stunning scenery, world-class beaches and plenty of great spots to explore.
The historic downtown district is home to many historical sites such as the Naples Pier and Tin City. Nature lovers can explore the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park for some wildlife spotting.
Take a stroll down Fifth Avenue South or Third Street South – two of Naples’ most popular streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and plenty of restaurants.
Flights to Marco Island from Tampa
If you just don’t want to spend hours on the road, flying is another option. The airport near Marco Island that you’ll want to fly into is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Search for flights on websites like Expedia or Kayak to find the best deals.
This flight typically takes about an hour and the cost of tickets start around $120, depending on availability. There are several airlines that offer flights here from Tampa, such as JetBlue, American Airlines, and United.
FAQs About Tampa Florida to Marco Island
How far is it from Tampa to Marco Island?
It’s around 180 miles or about 3 hours by car (the most efficient route). It’s a nice drive near the coast but the views aren’t anything stellar minus a few locations. You can stop at plenty of beaches, parks and other attractions along the way though!
What is halfway between Tampa and Marco Island?
Halfway between Tampa and Marco Island (closest halfway point) is Port Charlotte. This area is about 1.5 hours from Tampa or Marco Island.
What is the fastest way to get from Tampa to Marco Island?
The fastest way to get from Tampa to Marco Island is by car and I-275 S to I-75 S. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to cover the distance of 180 miles.
Can I drive from Tampa to Marco Island?
Yes, you definitely can drive from Tampa to Marco Island! It’s a relatively quick drive and maybe even a great day trip if you’re looking for a new spot to visit.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tampa to Marco Island?
The cheapest way to get from Tampa to Marco Island is by car (generally). Flights can be expensive depending on how many people are in your group. However, note that if you have a long vacation planned and are renting a car, the daily rental car rates might add up.
Are there tolls on the route to Marco Island from Tampa?
Yes, there are tolls on the route from the Tampa area to Marco Island. Tolls range in cost depending on where you start and what type of car you’re driving.
Can you get from Tampa to Marco Island by boat?
No, it is not possible to get from Tampa to Marco Island by ferry. The only option available is by boat – either your own or one you can rent.
Final Thoughts: Tampa to Marco Island
Getting from Tampa to Marco Island FL is a great way to explore the beautiful Gulf Coast. If you choose to drive, there are plenty of spots that you should absolutely stop at along the way that make this a great trip!
You’ll see anything from some of the best beaches in the state (or even the country?!), amazing state parks and so much more!
The journey is the destination in most cases, but I will say that no matter how you get there, Marco Island is sure to be worth the trip.
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