Tampa to Marco Island
 

Husband has a convention to attend in Tampa. Would I be able to drive to Marco Island and back in the same day to visit a friend? I have never been to Florida, I am clueless. I looked at a map but can't gauge the driving time.

Is Tampa worth my effort to go? Because I have the option of staying behind in Wash DC (which I LOVE) by myself for a few days!

I haven't stayed in Tampa so can't say whether it's worth it, but we flew into Tampa once and were staying on Marco Island. It was about a 3-hour drive.

You wouldn't have much of a visit. The drive can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hrs taking I-75 (the only way). As this interstate is the only coastal route south, it is always congested but especially so until May.

How about having your friend meet you in Sarasota? A little further for her than you but the most interesting place between Tampa and Marco.

LMF

where is the convention?...and what hotel...meet them half way as LMF says or spend the night..why stay home when you could have a nice trip and sit at the pool..unless you don't like driving the interstate you could go to Marco alone ..

Sarasota is very nice. You could meet your friend at St. Armand's Circle where there are alot of great restaurants and shops.

Good idea, thanks for the halfway tip!