Tampa to St. Augustine Loop Historic Florida Road Trip
Trip Snapshot
- Distance/Drive Time: ~460 miles round-trip (≈8 hours total driving, best as 2–3 days)
- Best Time: Spring or fall (warm days, low rain; ideal for walking tours and springs swimming). Winter is mild too; summer is hot/humid with afternoon storms.
- Ideal For: History buffs, families, nature lovers (springs & wildlife), travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path towns
- Route Outline: Tampa → Ocala (I-75/US-301) → St. Augustine (I-95) → Cedar Key (US-17/Alt-27 west, then FL-24) → Tampa (US-19 south)
- Top 3 Highlights: Strolling the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city (founded 1565); swimming or tubing in Weeki Wachee or Ichetucknee Springs’ crystal-clear waters; a sunset seafood feast in the quaint Gulf island town of Cedar Key.
Route Overview
From Tampa, head north toward Ocala, leaving the city via I-75 into Florida’s “horse country” rolling pastures and stately live oaks. Just east of Ocala lies Silver Springs State Park, home to famous glass-bottom boats that have showcased the spring’s aquatic wonders for over a century. This could be an early stop to glimpse fish, turtles, and even artifacts on the spring floor through the boat’s clear viewing panels. Continuing northeast, you’ll arrive at St. Augustine, which proudly calls itself the Nation’s Oldest City (established by Spain in 1565). History greets you at every turn in St. Augustine’s compact Old Town: explore the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress on the waterfront, whose cannons still overlook Matanzas Bay. Wander St. George Street, a pedestrian lane of restored colonial buildings now housing shops and cafés, and don’t miss the city’s beautiful Spanish Renaissance architecture like Flagler College (once an opulent Gilded Age hotel). St. Augustine’s blend of 450+ years of history, from Spanish colonization to pirates and the British period, makes it a living museum by the sea.
After soaking up St. Augustine’s history (and perhaps taking a ghost tour at night along its old brick streets), set out westward toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. For a change of scenery, travel through the Ocala National Forest or along country roads via Gainesville. On the way, you can cool off at Ichetucknee Springs State Park (northwest of Gainesville) a beloved spot where you can tube downriver through lush forest in gin-clear spring water. Alternatively, if heading toward the Gulf directly, you’ll reach Cedar Key by following FL-24, a two-lane road that literally dead-ends at the Gulf of Mexico. Cedar Key is a tiny island town that feels frozen in time a throwback to Old Florida’s days of lazy fishing villages. Once you cross the last bridge, you’ll find a few salt-weathered streets with art galleries, seafood shacks, and an old hotel or two. Life moves slowly here: fishermen unload the day’s catch, pelicans perch on docks, and golf carts outnumber cars. Cedar Key is famed for its farm-raised clams (it’s now the top producer of clams in Florida), so be sure to sample the local clam chowder or a plate of steamed clams at dinner. Catch the sunset over the Gulf from the town beach or marina it’s small-town magic.
From Cedar Key, begin your return south towards Tampa via US-19, tracing the Gulf Coast. If you didn’t get your fill of springs yet, stop at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on the way back. Here you can actually see live “mermaids” women performing underwater ballet in a clear spring basin (a classic roadside attraction since 1947) and even take a paddle up the Weeki Wachee River yourself. As you drive the final leg back to Tampa Bay, reflect on the loop you’ve completed: from the Atlantic surf and centuries-old fort in St. Augustine to the tranquil Gulf islands and sparkling springs of the west, you’ve experienced a grand slice of Florida’s diverse treasures, all in a few memorable days.
Top Stops & Experiences
St. Augustine Historic District & Castillo: Immerse yourself in St. Augustine’s 16th-century roots. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument the old fortress’s coquina stone walls and cannons bring colonial history to life. Then explore historic Aviles and St. George Streets, lined with centuries-old buildings, shops, and cafes. Info: NPS Castillo de San Marcos
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: A uniquely Floridian attraction where live “mermaids” perform underwater shows in the spring! After the show, rent a kayak or take a dip in Buccaneer Bay water park (fed by the spring). Family-friendly and kitschy fun set amid beautiful springs.
- Cedar Key: Discover Old Florida charm on this quiet Gulf island. Stroll down Dock Street for seafood eateries on stilts over the water. Visit the Cedar Key Museum State Park to learn about the town’s past (from seafood to pencil manufacturing). Birdwatchers love Cedar Key for its nearby national wildlife refuges you might spot roseate spoonbills or ospreys.
- Ichetucknee Springs (optional): If time permits, experience the crystal springs by tubing or snorkeling at Ichetucknee Springs State Park (north of Gainesville). Drift down the spring run under a canopy of cypress trees refreshing 72°F water and possible wildlife sightings like turtles and otters.
Where to Eat & Stay
- St. Augustine: Stay in the heart of the historic district for easy sightseeing. The Casa Monica Resort & Spa, originally opened in 1888, offers luxurious accommodations in a grand Moorish Revival building (it’s a historic hotel that makes you feel part of St. Augustine’s story). For dinner, try the iconic Columbia Restaurant on St. George Street a Florida institution serving Spanish-Cuban cuisine in an atmosphere filled with hand-painted tiles (their paella and “1905 Salad” are famous
- Cedar Key: Accommodations here are rustic and homey. You might check into a B&B like Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast (a cozy inn in a Victorian home) or the historic Island Hotel (a circa-1859 establishment with quaint rooms and a lively on-site tavern). Seafood is a must in Cedar Key grab lunch at Tony’s Seafood Restaurant, a hole-in-the-wall cafe whose clam chowder is a three-time world champion winner. In the evening, head to Dock Street: sip a sunset drink at Steamers or 83 West while enjoying Gulf views and dine on fresh Cedar Key clams, oysters, or Gulf shrimp straight from the local waters.
Practical Tips
- St. Augustine Parking: The historic downtown has narrow streets and limited parking. Utilize the city parking garage near the Visitor Information Center for all-day parking and explore on foot or by the hop-on trolley tours. Many attractions (the fort, basilica, museums) are within a compact area.
- Plan for Springs: If you’re visiting popular springs (Weeki Wachee or Ichetucknee) in summer, arrive early. Parks often reach capacity on hot days. Bring water shoes, towels, and a dry change of clothes spring water is refreshing but a bit chilly. At Weeki Wachee, check the mermaid show times upon arrival to schedule your day.
- Mosquitoes & Sunscreen: In wooded or swampy areas (Ocala National Forest, springs, Cedar Key at dusk), mosquitoes can be active pack bug spray. Likewise, the Florida sun is strong even outside summer; wear sunscreen, hats, and stay hydrated, especially when walking St. Augustine’s streets or kayaking a spring.
- Small Town Hours: Note that Cedar Key is delightfully sleepy many shops close by early evening, and some restaurants may have limited hours on weekdays. Fuel up your car in a larger town (like Chiefland on US-19) before heading to Cedar Key, as gas stations on the island are limited. Enjoy the unplugged atmosphere and don’t expect fast-paced nightlife the star show here is the sunset and the stars.
- Loop Variations: There are multiple ways to tailor this loop. You can go up via the inland route (Ocala/Gainesville) and return via the coast, or vice versa. Another variant is detouring from St. Augustine down A1A along the Atlantic for a bit (scenic route via Flagler Beach) before cutting back west. No matter which, allow time to discover unplanned stops quirky antique stores, produce stands, or a fresh-squeezed orange juice stall that pop up along Florida’s backroads.
Rentals & Logistics
This loop brings together interstate driving, small-town roads, and everything in between but none of it is difficult to navigate. A standard sedan or SUV will do comfortably. If you plan to transport river gear (like inflatable tubes) or lots of souvenirs, an SUV might give extra space, but otherwise save on gas with a fuel-efficient car. Starting and ending in Tampa means no one-way rental worries; you can pick up and drop off at the same location. Try to reserve the perfect vehicle early, especially during spring break or holiday periods when rental cars in Tampa Bay can be in high demand. Finally, as you’ll be covering a lot of diverse areas, it’s a good idea to have a paper map or downloaded offline map of North Florida cell service can drop in rural forest or coastal zones. With your car loaded up and this itinerary in hand, you’re ready to experience a true cross-section of Florida from its oldest Spanish colony to its hidden Gulf Coast gems all in one epic road trip loop. Safe travels!
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