Florida never seems to lose any steam as one of the most visited states in America. It goes without saying travelers are always seeking sun-soaked getaways, especially when incredible beaches are involved.

As far as beaches go, Florida is among the best in the country for beach vacations, whether it’s a day trip or your main stay.

Of course, the shining star of Florida is Orlando where the most world-renowned theme park calls home.

But not every Florida traveler is seeking to make up for lost time and feel like a child again through the wonders of Disney, so there are many other places to enjoy in the Sunshine State.

Heck, even Jacksonville is breaking tourism records. This spring, however, one of the best places to visit is the sunny city of Tampa.

Here are 5 reasons why:

New Cheap Flights

Plane near Tampa skyline

As winter winds down, there is no better time to plan for your spring trip. Tampa may be your best bet for a cheap flight as one of the nation’s most popular low-cost airlines is launching a plethora of new flights to Tampa between March and April.

It’s no coincidence all 4 cities with new flights have cold winters to get travelers in the mood for some fun in the sun.

Spirit Airlines will fly to TPA from the following 5 cities beginning in early March:

  • Milwaukee (March 6)
  • Kansas City (March 7)
  • Memphis (March 7)
  • Nashville (March 8)
Parked Spirit planes

These routes are nonstop, but travelers from other cities will be able to connect on one of America’s cheapest airlines.

Anticipating A Record-Setting Spring Break

Why all the new flights? Well, spring breakers have to get to Tampa somehow, right? Since a majority of college students are ballin’ on a budget on the ramen noodle diet, these new flights will be one of the best options for a much-needed spring break.

There are so many awesome places to enjoy spring break in the coming months, but Tampa is expecting a new record of tourists to pour into their airport and nearby beaches.

DJ at spring break beach party

Florida is one of the best destinations for a quintessential spring break, and Tampa is forging its own path to lure in more tourists to consider their beaches.

Yes, Tampa Is A Beach Destination

Tampa proper isn’t known for stunning beaches like many other Florida cities. However, Tampa makes for an excellent gateway to some of the best beaches in the U.S.

In fact, nearby Siesta Key has been consistently ranked as one of the top U.S. beaches for years, and it’s only an hour away.

Colorful beach chairs on Anna Maria Island

Other small towns south of the city are absolutely delightful, but perhaps no more than the picture-perfect “island” of Anna Maria slightly closer than Siesta Key.

The city of Tampa sits on the waterfront, offering scenic views, but the most worthwhile beaches are still in close reach.

You can’t go wrong choosing between Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, or a handful of incredible beaches in Clearwater, such as the paradisal Honeymoon Island.

Affordable Luxury Hotels

Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida

We all get it – the urge to splurge. That’s how expensive beach destinations, such as Los Cabos, maintain their popularity.

But, sometimes, we have to be reasonable, and Tampa is one of those places to experience luxury hotels without breaking the bank.

Excluding the JW Marriott, which is about $500 per night, many other luxury hotels are much closer to the $100-200 range.

Not all are beach resorts per se, but downtown Tampa is worth a visit too.

Springtime Is Perfect To Enjoy The Outdoors

Tampa, Florida skyline

Tampa may not be world-renowned like Orlando and Miami, but it’s fun destination with great weather year-round.

Besides being on the lookout for Florida’s infamous alligators, Tampa is perfect to spend your days outdoors in the springtime.

Beyond the beaches are fun activities like bike rentals through the city’s boardwalks, tiki boats, zip-lining, dolphin tours and the expansive state parks in the region, spring is an excellent time to take advantage of Tampa’s attractions.

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