Tampa, a vibrant city on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is not only known for its bustling urban life but also for its surrounding scenic beauty. From stunning waterfronts to serene countryside roads, the Tampa area offers a variety of drives that are perfect for manual driving enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for coastal views, winding paths through nature reserves, or historic routes, the greater Tampa area has plenty to offer. For car lovers who enjoy the feel of shifting gears while taking in breathtaking scenery, here are seven scenic drives in and around Tampa that will satisfy your need for adventure.
1. Bayshore Boulevard
One of Tampa’s most iconic drives, Bayshore Boulevard offers stunning views of the Tampa skyline and Hillsborough Bay. Stretching for about 4.5 miles, it boasts the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, making it a popular spot for drivers and pedestrians alike. The route’s straight stretches and scenic waterfront views make for a relaxing yet enjoyable manual driving experience. Don’t miss the historic mansions along the boulevard, giving you a mix of natural beauty and architectural charm.
2. Courtney Campbell Causeway
For those who love water views, the Courtney Campbell Causeway is a must-drive. This 10-mile-long road connects Tampa to Clearwater and offers spectacular views of Tampa Bay. The open road and expansive views of the water on both sides create a serene driving atmosphere, especially during sunrise or sunset. The route is mostly straight, but manual drivers will appreciate the breezy, relaxing drive, which makes it a perfect escape from the city.
3. Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is not only a marvel of engineering but also one of the most scenic drives in the Tampa area. Spanning Tampa Bay, this bridge offers panoramic views of the Gulf and the surrounding waterways. The steep incline and sweeping curves of the bridge add an extra element of excitement for manual drivers, while the view from the top is simply breathtaking. Make sure to drive this route on a clear day to fully appreciate the stunning vistas.
4. Fort De Soto Park
If you’re looking to combine a scenic drive with some outdoor adventure, head to Fort De Soto Park. Located just south of St. Petersburg, this route takes you along picturesque coastline roads, with views of both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The winding roads, palm trees, and beaches make for a relaxing yet scenic drive. Once inside the park, you can enjoy the various biking and hiking trails or relax by the water. The roads here are ideal for manual driving, with enough curves and open stretches to keep things engaging.
5. Alafia River State Park
For nature lovers, the roads surrounding Alafia River State Park provide a scenic escape from the city. Located just east of Tampa, this area offers quiet country roads lined with lush forests, lakes, and wetlands. The roads are generally less crowded, allowing manual drivers to enjoy shifting through gears on peaceful, winding roads. The natural beauty of the park’s landscape makes this drive especially appealing for those looking for a more rustic and immersive driving experience.
6. State Road 60 to Clearwater Beach
The drive along State Road 60 from Tampa to Clearwater Beach offers a mix of city and coastal views. As you leave the urban center, the road opens up to wide, scenic vistas of Tampa Bay before crossing over to Clearwater Beach, one of Florida’s most famous destinations. The bridge views, combined with the palm-lined streets leading to the beach, make this drive enjoyable, particularly for manual drivers who like to combine smooth cruising with waterfront scenery.
7. Hillsborough River State Park
For those who prefer to get off the beaten path, a drive to Hillsborough River State Park offers a more secluded experience. Located northeast of Tampa, the roads leading to the park take you through peaceful rural landscapes with open spaces and gentle curves. The park itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring rapids, hammocks, and cypress swamps. The winding roads through the park are perfect for manual driving, allowing you to truly enjoy the control and connection with the road while surrounded by nature.
Conclusion
Tampa’s diverse landscape offers car enthusiasts the chance to experience a wide variety of scenic drives, from tranquil waterfront roads to challenging country routes. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or navigating through tree-lined parkways, these drives offer both stunning views and a rewarding manual driving experience.
If you’re looking to improve your manual driving skills or want to fully enjoy these scenic routes, consider booking a lesson with Manual Driving Academy in Tampa. Our expert instructors will teach you how to handle your manual transmission with confidence, allowing you to tackle Tampa’s scenic drives with ease. Ready to hit the road? Book your lesson here today!
