What to Do on a Road Trip from St. Pete/Clearwater to Sarasota and Siesta Key

It’s no wonder the Sunshine State gets so many visitors year after year! Since so many of Florida’s most popular destinations are so close together, it’s easy to plan a fun road trip to make the most of your time here. Or, if you’re a Florida native, you can quickly see other locations right near your hometown!

Florida is the Sunshine State, with many fascinating towns and gorgeous beach destinations.

St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater are lively towns with plenty to see and do, and they just so happen to be a short drive away from some of the best Siesta Key beach house rentals! When planning on taking a Florida road trip to Siesta Key, we suggest starting in St. Pete/Clearwater for an incredible experience!

Drive from St. Pete to Sarasota

Getting from St. Pete to the Sarasota area just couldn’t be easier. It actually takes less than an hour to complete the drive! This short distance means that you and your family can take this road trip at your own pace, giving you plenty of time to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the sites along the way. 

If you’re leaving from St. Petersburg, the first thing you’ll want to do is make your way to I-175 W. You’ll then merge onto I-275 S toward Bradenton (be aware that this is a toll road!), and after almost 17 miles, take Exit 5 for US-19 S toward Palmetto/Bradenton. After that, you’ll continue onto US-19 S, which will eventually become US-19 S/US-41 S/S Tamiami Trail. Keep right to continue on US-41 BUS S/Bayshore Road for the next 3.4 miles. This will bring you into the city of Bradenton, giving you a perfect chance to stop and see some sites during your drive!

When you’re ready to complete your drive, all you have to do is take 6th Avenue W to 1st Street W/S Tamiami Trail. Follow US-301 S for 12 miles, bringing you to Main Street here in Sarasota!

Things to Do in St. Pete/Clearwater

One of the biggest reasons why Florida road trips from St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida, are so popular is because there’s so much to do here before you even hit the road! St. Petersburg is sometimes referred to as “Sunshine City,” and it’s not hard to understand why! Hit up incredible beaches like those at Fort De Soto Park to soak up the sun and enjoy the water with your family. You can also stroll down St. Petersburg. Pier, enjoy the stunning plant life at Sunken Gardens, or see some incredible artwork at The Dali. 

Clearwater is right next door, and this town offers even more to see and do. Head into the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn more about the most fascinating marine life of the area, or head down to Pier 60 to cast your line and try to catch a fish! Clearwater also has tons of great restaurants, like Ryan’s Island Café or Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, so you can grab something delicious to eat before you begin your road trip.

Florida road trip to Siesta Key

Once you’ve actually set off, you don’t have to just drive nonstop to Sarasota and Siesta Key. You should take the time to stop and experience all the fun to be had along the way! Just slightly more than halfway through your trip, you’ll come to the towns of Palmetto and Bradenton. Palmetto is a bit smaller, but Bradenton has tons of amazing attractions for kids and adults alike who are sure to enjoy it!

If you’re searching for outdoor activities, you will enjoy nature and history at DeSoto National Memorial Park. You can also bike through the Robinson Preserve, one of the most incredible local nature preserves in the area! Lake Manatee State Park is excellent for fishing, and Mixon Fruit Farms has some delicious treats and a fun playground for your little ones. Want something inside? Head to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for some absolutely fascinating hands-on exhibits! You could also get in touch with your creative side at the Village of the Arts.

If you want to take a little bit of a detour, Bradenton is just moments away from Anna Maria Island. This quaint, family-friendly destination has managed to maintain that “Old Florida” feel that so many other places have forgotten. Splash around in the waters at Manatee Public Beach, go shopping down Pine Avenue or Bridge Street, or learn about the Anna Maria Historical Society area. This fun little destination is sure to impress!

Things to Do in Sarasota

Once you’ve arrived in Sarasota, the fun has truly only just begun! There are tons of fun activities here, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy them all! Starting outside, you’ll want to explore the beauty of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Visiting Sarasota on the weekends, you’ll definitely want to make your way downtown to experience the Downtown Sarasota Farmers’ Market! 

Arguably the most incredible indoor activity in Sarasota is the Ringling. This vast estate was the work of circus mogul John Ringling and his wife, Mable. You can explore the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, see incredible circus memorabilia at the Circus Museum, or stroll through their residence, Ca’ d’Zan. Aside from the Ringling properties, other fun attractions include the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, Art Center Sarasota, and the Sarasota Opera House. 

Explore Siesta Key

Finally, after spending your day enjoying all the excitement you’ve found on your way from St. Pete, you’ll want a place where you can grab a relaxing dinner and enjoy your evening. Make your way down to Siesta Key! Here, you’ll find the stunning Siesta Key Beach, offering breathtaking sunsets perfect for snapping a picture for Instagram! If you get here before sunset, you’ll have the chance to experience the fantastic Siesta Key Drum Circle. This lively event brings together locals and visitors alike.

Siesta Key also offers some incredible dining experiences. The Cottage has delicious American and Japanese-inspired dishes, while Summer House is excellent for an upscale steakhouse experience. Island House Tap and Grill have delicious Latin street food, Café Gabbiano serves Italian favorites, and the Village Café offers classic American breakfast and lunch offerings. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s all right here!

Siesta Key Condo Rentals

At the end of a long day of road tripping, you’ll want a comfortable and luxurious place to crash. That’s where our Siesta Key vacation rentals come in! We are proud to offer upscale accommodations to guests worldwide, perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families vacationing together. We get to know every guest by name and spare no expense to ensure your trip is one you’ll never forget! If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for in a vacation rental, our staff will be more than happy to speak with you and help you find your perfect accommodation!

Travel Insurance

One last thing before we go! Many people headed out on a road trip don’t think about purchasing travel insurance, but it can be a great help if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. We highly recommend that our clients purchase travel insurance through Generali. Generali offers comprehensive yet affordable travel insurance plans specifically for road trips, giving you some added peace of mind before you hit the road.