8 days in Central West Florida, Alabama & San Antonio Itinerary

Tampa ranks among the country's most livable cities, attracting newcomers with its growing economy and status as a major port on the Gulf of Mexico.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Sat): find something for the whole family at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Tampa trip itinerary builder tool.

San Antonio to Tampa is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from San Antonio to Tampa. In December, Tampa is somewhat warmer than San Antonio - with highs of 78°F and lows of 61°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can go by car to Treasure Island.

Treasure Island is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. Kick off your visit on the 27th (Sun): glide through the air with Parasailing The Pass, kick back and relax at Treasure Island Beach, then take in nature's colorful creations at Florida Botanical Gardens, and finally stroll around Largo Central Park.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Treasure Island tour planner.

Getting from Tampa to Treasure Island by car takes about an hour. In December in Treasure Island, expect temperatures between 74°F during the day and 63°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Crystal River.

The jewel of Florida's Nature Coast, Crystal River spreads around spring-fed Kings Bay, known for maintaining a constant 22 C (72 F) temperature all year long.

On the 28th (Mon), contemplate the waterfront views at Three Sisters Springs and then take a memorable tour with Tours.

To see reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Crystal River road trip website.

You can drive from Treasure Island to Crystal River in 2 hours. Another option is to do a combination of taxi and bus. Traveling from Treasure Island in December, expect slightly colder with lows of 52°F in Crystal River. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Gulf Shores.

Gulf Shores is a resort city in Baldwin County, Alabama, United States. On the 29th (Tue), revel in the low prices at Tanger Outlets Foley and then admire the majestic nature at Gulf State Park Fishing Pier.

To see ratings and tourist information, you can read our Gulf Shores itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Crystal River to Gulf Shores takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of bus and taxi. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Crystal River to Gulf Shores due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Crystal River in December, you will find days in Gulf Shores are a bit cooler (66°F), and nights are about the same (48°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Tue) early enough to travel to San Antonio.

As the state’s second largest city, San Antonio embodies Texas’ rich cultural heritage while maintaining the Old West charm of an oil town.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Distillery Tours. Explore San Antonio's surroundings by going to Cascade Caverns (in Boerne) and Fredericksburg (Main Street, Pioneer Museum, &more). There's much more to do: shop like a local with The San Antonio River Walk, admire the masterpieces at San Antonio Museum of Art, get engrossed in the history at Battle For Texas: The Experience, and contemplate the long history of The Alamo.

For where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, read our San Antonio driving holiday planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Gulf Shores to San Antonio takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In December in San Antonio, expect temperatures between 66°F during the day and 47°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can travel back home.