Sarasota may have more visitors this summer, coming by car, van and RV, as the city was ranked highly for road trip stops in Florida. The survey conducted by RV Windshield Replacement found the route from Tampa to Everglades City via Sarasota to be No. 2 in the state.
As the U.S. celebrates America 250, several elements of American life and culture are being emphasized and praised, including the Great American Road Trip. However, increased gas prices are making these trips difficult for many, so shorter, in-state routes are more popular in 2026.
“Road trips have always been one of the most flexible ways for families to travel, but this summer that flexibility is being tested,” a spokesperson for RV Windshield Replacement said in a statement.
“What we’re seeing is not that families have lost their appetite for adventure, but that they are becoming much more strategic about it. Shorter routes, shared costs, fewer overnight stops- these are the new realities for families trying to keep the summer road trip alive without letting fuel prices take the wheel.”
Floridians can find many different driving options within the Sunshine State.
The survey found that Jacksonville to Orlando via St. Augustine is No. 1, Tampa to Everglades City via Sarasota is No. 2 and Pensacola to Apalachicola via Panama City Beach is No. 3 for in-state road trips.
Why Tampa to Everglades City via Sarasota is a desirable trip
The survey found that the variety in experiences among Tampa, Sarasota and Everglades City makes it a dynamic and unique trip for in-state road tripping.
A larger city such as Tampa provides many options for entertainment, such as sporting events, shopping and dining, allowing for an energetic start to the trip.
Sarasota slows things down, allowing for beach days and relaxation in the middle of the journey.
Everglades City allows for the exploration of Florida’s nature in mangroves, wildlife and boardwalk trails. The final stop allows for a different experience from some of the state’s pricier and more touristy areas.
Michaela Galligan is an intern covering a variety of topics for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. She can be reached at MGalligan@usatodayco.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota named a top Florida road trip stop for summer travelers
Reporting by Michaela Galligan, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michaela Galligan, Sarasota Herald-Tribune | USA TODAY Network
