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Every day that goes by is another day closer to the frigid winter temperatures in many parts of the U.S., so there is no better time to start making plans for a sunny escape.
Fall is a wonderful time of year where many top destinations have cooler weather, cheaper prices and less crowds.
Of course, many seek out the colorful fall foliage too. But winter is generally when it’s time to get back to the beach.
One of the most visited states in the U.S. should be on your radar. Florida is home to some of the top beaches in North America.
Travelers love heading to Orlando for the best theme park in the world, Miami for its luxury and culture, but what about another Florida city that is often overshadowed?
Tampa Should Be Your Next Winter Escape
Florida is such a popular state for tourism, it’s easy to see how even a large city like Tampa can be overlooked.
Located on the western coast of the state, this underrated city is the perfect U.S. getaway this winter. It’s just as accessible as the state’s other top destinations and you will be surprised by how much you love it.
Miami may be the mecca for Cuban culture in the U.S., but Tampa may be a close second with delicious cuisine inspired by one of our closest Caribbean neighbors, along with fresh, locally sourced seafood.
There is plenty to do in the city as it is home to 3 professional sports teams, the Busch Gardens amusement park, the world class Florida Aquarium and the scenic Tampa Riverwalk.
Always Summery
No matter what time of year it is, you can count on warm weather in Tampa. In fact, summer may be the worst time to go to avoid the humidity.
Since now is the perfect time to plan your winter travels, Tampa should rank high on your list to escape the bitter cold.
There are always sunny days ahead in Tampa, so make sure to pack your tank tops, shorts and swimwear.
Many tourists love taking a bike along downtown’s bayfront promenades. The enjoyable weather tends to be consistently in the 70s throughout the day, rarely dipping below that mark even in the heart of winter.
A Gateway To Florida’s Top Beaches
You have may heard Tampa be referred to as “Tampa Bay” as well. The city is set along a picturesque bay, but the best beaches are outside the city.
The skyline is a beautiful sight nonetheless as a backdrop along the city’s waterfront. Tampa has Uber and Lyft should you choose to get around that way, but most commonly tourists opt for a rental car at the conveniently located airport just minutes from top attractions.
Tampa is simply a great place to be outside. You definitely won’t be lacking Vitamin D here. What better place to enjoy the weather than the ‘best beach in America’?
Many beachgoers claim Clearwater as ‘America’s best beach’ and is only about 20 miles from downtown Tampa.
Although, Siesta Keys, roughly an hour away from Tampa, has something to say about that. Clearwater is very popular amongst locals with its postcard-worthy white sand, calm crystal blue waters and overall relaxing vibes.
Others may prefer to stay closer to the city. There is Ben T. Davis beach just a short drive from the airport to get your vacay started right away.
Lastly, there is Honeymoon Island Beach which looks as exotic and pristine as it sounds. Set on an unspoiled strip of beaches stretching 4 miles, this is the place for pure serenity to enjoy a relaxing beach day and finish it off with a beautiful sunset.
More Affordable In Winter
Winter tends to see lower prices in Tampa for tourists, especially at hotels. Whether you choose to stay at a new boujee resort, Airbnb or many of the city’s recognizable chains, prices tend to be on the lower end.
December is the best winter month to save. January and February tend to see slightly higher rates, but should still be more affordable than the busy summer season.
Between now to January offers travelers the best bang for their buck across the board, including flights.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com