Plant City (Strawberry Capital) ★ 4.4
Plant City east of Tampa is Florida's strawberry capital, with Parkesdale Farm stand and a strawberry festival every March that pulls 500,000 visitors yearly.
More food day trips in Tampa
Clearwater Beach (Grouper Sandwich) ★ 4.3
Clearwater Beach runs the Tampa Bay grouper sandwich circuit, with Frenchy's Cafe, Crabby's and the Palm Pavilion serving fresh Gulf grouper.
Ybor City (Cigar Day with Food) ★ 4.5
Ybor City just east of downtown Tampa runs the National Historic Landmark District with working cigar rollers, the Columbia Restaurant since 1905.
Anna Maria Island (Old Florida Seafood) ★ 4.4
Anna Maria Island south of Tampa runs the Old Florida fish-camp seafood circuit, with Sandbar, Beach Bistro and casual grouper sandwiches on the Gulf.
Sarasota (Fine Dining and Beach) ★ 4.4
Sarasota an hour south runs its own Michelin Guide listings with stars at Indigenous, plus the Selva Grill and Owen's Fish Camp on the bayfront.
Lakeland (Publix Original) ★ 4.1
Lakeland east of Tampa houses Publix's founding 1930 store and a revived downtown lakefront with brunch, craft beer and the original Florida Southern campus.