Best area to stay between Tampa and Orlando

[EdwardsJE]

So we fly into Tampa and fly home from Miami. The second part of our holiday in Miami is booked, but we are struggling to figure out the best place to stay for the first week.

We want to go to Busch Gardens and Universal, and was thinking somewhere between the two. Anyone recommend anywhere?? We'd ideally like somewhere where it's easy access to other things to do when we're not visiting a park, eg shopping and restaurants.

We did Orlando a couple of years ago and have told my kids that it's NOT another theme park holiday. It's my 40th so refuse to spend my holiday following them around parks, holding bags and being a snack b*ch 🤣

Sarasota is where my friend loves to spend time. She normally does Orlando first for universal then moves on to a villa in Sarasota. Then they head to Miami to fly home.

Personally, I wouldn't spend any time staying between the two theme parks - I'd probably stay a night or two near Universal, a night or two near Busch Gardens (depending how long you will be at each theme park), then drive down the west coast and choose somewhere to stay for the remaining part of the week before heading to Miami. I know it's bit of hotel hopping, but it would mean that you make the most of the week.

You're spoiled for choice down that coast. We stayed near Naples, and that was very nice. Friends have stayed on Anna Maria island and Marco Island, and say that both of those are lovely.

Thank you! By the sounds of it the west coast is popular x

You can easily get to Busch Gardens for the day from Orlando. I’d do 3 nights near Universal with two park days. Then drive to Busch Gardens for the day and stay local that night. Then drive down the West coast and stay maybe three nights in one place and see the Western side of the Everglades before driving to Miami.

I live in Sarasota for half of the year and it's a really lovely small city. Pretty, clean, safe, great restaurants and close to a few gorgeous beaches. You can walk everywhere. A world away from "theme park" Florida and not overly "touristy".

Another vote for Sarasota. Beaches are regularly voted no 1 in the USA. Lots to see and do. Very safe. The keys are fabulous. Armand circle has amazing restaurants and shopping .

Thanks all! We’ve booked a lovely villa near Clearwater, then will spend a night in Orlando before driving to Miami.

Turns out I will be spending my 40th getting up at the crack of dawn to drive to Orlando to spend the day in a theme park…. Grrreeeaatt! 🙄 The joys of parenting LOL. Maybe I can start planning a week away on my own for my next big birthday 🤣

I've booked a night in Clearwater beach but wondering now if Sarasota would be nicer? Also planning to stop off at Venice just for a few hours.

Venice and Sarasota are very close; less than 30 minutes apart. I don't love Venice, tbh. It's very "touristy" and all the stores sell beach tat. Sarasota is a small city with a lot to see and do.

Probably depends on how much time you have to spend and what you're looking to do while you're there?

Thank you, @CulturalNomad its really just a stop off (Venice) on a drive from Miami to Tampa.