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“Spring Break” means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but if there’s one common denominator, it’s certainly Florida.
The Sunshine State offers visitors some of the country’s most renowned cities and coastlines, casting a large shadow over what many vacationers miss out on.
One of those cities is Tampa, a city falling in the “underrated” category along with such places as Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale.
As most Florida tourists set their sights for that one amusement park in Orlando and live the highfalutin lifestyle in Miami, one could argue that Tampa deserves a seat at the table too.
Offering an unexpected array of cultural delights, easy access to some of the most pristine beaches in America, and cheap airfare to get here, it’s time to give Tampa its due as one of Florida’s top cities to visit.
Tampa: A Vibrant City With Surprising Cultural
Tampa is one of those cities where, if you haven’t been here, it’s easy to mislabel. Having been, yes, I can attest to the, let’s say, patriotic displays, hanging high and unashamed on at least 1 out of every 4 boats whizzing by along Tampa’s seemingly never-ending waterways.
But the old adage of “never judge a book by its cover” applies perfectly here. If you were to judge Tampa solely on cheesy Bald Eagle-emblazoned hats and cut-off sleeve attire, then you’re going to miss out on everything this underrated city has to offer, starting with the unexpected culture, arts, and flavors of Ybor City.
You might think Miami’s Little Havana is the sole destination for a fascinating glimpse into Cuban culture, but Tampa’s Ybor City has something to say about that.
You’ll find ample Cuban cafes to fuel up for the day with sensational coffee selections. Conversely, after sundown, you’ll find lively nightlife with numerous bars and clubs to choose from, but make sure to grab a famous Cubano sandwich sometime in between.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Cuban neighborhood without cigar bars to light up a stogie or two.
While not as cultural per se, downtown Tampa is a must-visit for a nice strolls and bike rides, especially along the scenic Riverwalk District, which houses some of the city’s top-rated attractions such as:
- Tampa Museum of Art
- Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
- Tampa Bay History Center
Speaking of history, you gotta check out West Tampa too — the oldest district in the city, dating back to 1800’s and still maintaining strong Latin influence. Needless to say, it’s best to arrive hungry!
Sugary Sand & Clear Water: A Gateway To America’s Best Beaches
If you sit idly at the turn of the calendar waiting to see which beach is crowned the best to visit, you’re wasting your time.
I can tell you with certainty which beaches are best because every year it seems to come down to a pair of Southwest Florida towns duking it out for the title of “America’s Best Beach”.
Those would be Clearwater and Siesta Key, each claiming to be the best year-to-year. The trophy went to the ladder this time, at least according to TripAdvisor.
So that means in 2026 it’s sure to be Clearwater. Any way you slice it, you can’t go wrong with either.
Both offer pristine white sand, bright turquoise waters, and grand hotels. However, Clearwater is much closer to Tampa, as Siesta Key is around an hour away without traffic.
As Spring Break draws all sorts of crowds throughout Florida, there’s one hidden gem that easily became my favorite in the region that’s a sure bet to avoid rowdy college crowds and unsightly retiree ensembles.
Don’t skip Nokomis, another white-sand beach town, but one that flies well under the radar.
5 more hidden gem beaches to check out:
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Redington Beach
- Madeira Beach
- Fort De Soto
- Coquina Beach
Score Cheap Flights To One Of America’s Top-Rate Airports
Oftentimes it seems you have to fork over your whole paycheck to reach paradise, but not here.
According to a new report, average airfare to Tampa is only $217 round-trip, making it almost impossible to ignore as a top spring getaway.
Better yet, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been named one of the top 10 airports in the nation by USA Today.
That’s not your only option, either. You can fly into neighboring St. Pete or a few other coastal towns nearby,y such as Sarasota, Punta Gorda, and Fort Myers.
If you do fly into St. Pete, don’t make the mistake of overpaying for an Uber or taxi. The airport’s new shuttle will take you straight to Clearwater for just $8!
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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