Tampa Travel Guide
Part of Florida’s west coast, Tampa Bay has some of the best beaches in the world. Those taking a cheap flight to Tampa during the off season can enjoy the ocean breezes by combining trips to the beaches, the lakes and the Hillsborough River, or spend their entire tripin and on the water; snorkeling, diving, sailing, fresh or saltwater fishing, kayaking, or just napping on the beach.
When you step off your flight to Tampa, you get something other than the typical glitz and glam of Florida’s southern cities. Just add a few more golf courses and a laid-back lifestyle and you’ve found yourself in Tampa. Great beaches, sunny skies and lots and lots of golf await travelers on Tampa flights. And there are a lot of activites for the kids, too! Tampa is home to Busch Gardens — a wildlife metropolis where endangered animals and eager humans mingle among the masses. Board the whole family on a trip to Tampa for an unforgettable trip.
It’s not surprising that Tampa Bay also surrounds one of Florida’s largest estuaries and has an abundance of water fowl.Some of the magnificent birds that are seen every day in Tampa are threatened species. The area is also a wildlife haven and has several nature parks and refuges.The well-known Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of Florida’s largest sanctuaries for West Indian Manatees. And, of course, Busch Gardens in Tampa is home to more than35 endangered species and is well-known for its breeding programs. The gardens are a whimsical mix of theme park and zoo. They host different events during the year like special night-time openings for Halloween and big shows for New Year’s Eve. The smaller Lowry Park Zoo is also nearby, but if you’re sticking to the beaches on your trip, you might just spot a manatee or dolphin on the coast instead.
Cuban immigrants originally founded Tampa’s Ybor City cigar industry in the 1880s and put Tampa on the map. People booking Tampa flights in search of the hottest destination points for nightlife and parties head straight to Ybor City. Thanks to the millions of travelers booking trips to Tampa for conventions and business expos, the city continues to thrive on the tourist dollar.
Most vacationers booking Tampa flights are heading westward to Florida’s Gulf Coast. However, it’s worth staying in Tampa a few days before you head out to the coast. Visitors to Tampa enjoy top attractions including Busch Gardens, the Gonzalez y Martinez Cigar Factory, and a night dining and people watching in Ybor City.
Getting to and around the city of Tampa
The main airport in Tampa is Tampa International Airport (TPA) located around 6 miles (9.6 km) from the city. There are several bus services operating between the airport and the city. Car rental and taxis are also available.
There are many ways to get around downtown Tampa and Ybor City. You can walk, but the rest of the city has a network of buses, trolleys and historic electric streetcars to get you around. To get to the airport, Ybor City, Busch Gardens or the Museum of Science and Industry, hop on one of the HART line buses. If you’re traveling at the end or beginning of winter months, you’ll notice extra traffic on the weekends. Many northerners come to Florida to escape the snow, and north-south routes can quickly become clogged.
Tips for your stay in Tampa
- Catch a live performance or a first-run or classic film theTampa Theater. This is a vintage theater, opened in 1926 and decorated with a star-spangled ceiling, mythological statues, and a very large Wurlitzer.
- A free attraction are the manatees at theTampa Electric Company. The water in the Electric Company’s canal is at least 68 degrees, which is just right for a manatee. When the temperature of Tampa Bay drops below 68, there can be upwards of 300 manatees in the canal. You can come see the manatees November 1 to April 15.
- Florida was producing wine before California was discovered. Eden Vineyards and Winery, the southernmost federally licensed winery and vineyards in the U.S., is just over an hour’s drive south of Tampa Bay.Lakeridge Winery and Vineyardsis Florida’s largest winery and also about a hour’s drive south of Tampa.
- For up-to-date listings of what’s going on while you’re in town, the freeWeekly Planethas listings as does the ThursdayTampa Tribune.
- Tampa is the largest city on Florida’s west coast and boasts the attractions, entertainment, culture, and fine arts of a large city. TheTampa Museum of Arthas exhibits of old masters, twentieth-century American art, sculpture, and works by emerging Florida artists. TheTampa Bay Performing Arts Centeris the largest performing arts center in the southeastern U.S. with five separate theaters and a performing arts conservatory. TheMuseum of Science and Industry(MOSI) deals with health, environment, and outer space through hands-on activities and shows. TheChannelsideentertainment complex is the center of the downtown waterfront with shops, art galleries, dining options, a 3D IMAX Theater, nightclubs, and sporting events.
Finding Flights from Tampa
If you’re ready for a change of scenery, Cheapflights is your go-to tool to book trips from Tampa to destinations around the globe. As the travel hub of the Tampa Bay area, Tampa International Airport offers nonstop flights to more than 70 major cities. Take your pick of domestic and international carriers, including American, Southwest, Delta, Silver Airways, Lufthansa, Copa Airlines, British Airways and Spirit Airlines. Start your travel plans with top flight deals from Tampa to popular destinations:
Need reliable transportation to the airport? Tampa is a busy city with plenty of options for on-time arrival. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit system sends buses directly to the airport for easy public transport, or you can connect via a Greyhound. If you prefer a private ride, book a taxi, a rental car or seat in a shared van. The city has several taxi and van vendors available by arrangement, so there’s no reason to miss a flight.
Tampa, FL airport overview
Tampa International (TPA) is a relatively small airport located in Hillsborough County, Florida, just 7 miles (11km) from Tampa’s city center. It’s a friendly and attractively designed airport with a great selection of amenities.
The airport has a unique design featuring one landside terminal where all the ticketing, check-ins, customs and security checks take place and then four airside satellite buildings that are connected to the main terminal via automated people movers. The landside building has a great range of food and drink options and each of the satellite terminals has a couple of shopping and eating options as well. There is also duty free, but only in the satellite terminals that handle international flights.
Tampa International Airport is a hub for Gulfstream International Airways. However, Southwest Airlines offers the most flights to Tampa International. There are also a number of non-stop services to various destinations across the United States as well as the UK, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
With its innovative design and friendly service, Tampa is a great airport to use when flying to Florida. From the air the airport almost resembles a wheel with four spokes, and on the ground it’s an easy airport to navigate.
What’s the weather like in Tampa?
Tampa can get very hot and humid during the summer months. The good news is that Tampa flights and accommodations are usually cheaper during this season and there’s always a deal to be found. Hurricane season falls from early summer through November. December to May is the most pleasant time of year with average temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and much less rain. January is the coolest month, when the temperature range is 50s to low 70s.
When is the best time to fly to Tampa?
Tampa flights and hotels book up fast during the peak travel season, but in the off-season, travelers looking for cheap hotels and airfare deals to Tampa are likely to get lucky.Peak Season:Most visitors prefer October through April. The hotels, bars, discos, restaurants, shops, and attractions are all crowded, and the performance arts are in full season.Off Season:Budget-minded visitors have discovered that along Tampa’s coast, ocean breezes make the summer quite bearable and many west coast hotels lower their prices considerably. Tampa flights may be cheaper at this time.
How long is the flight to Tampa?
As a popular tourist destination, Tampa has a high demand for flights from major airlines. If you’re heading to Tampa International Airport, expect to travel just over two hours from Houston or six hours from San Francisco. Nonstop flights from New York or Chicago only take about three hours.
Which airlines fly to Tampa?
More than a dozen major carriers serve Tampa International Airport, making it easy to book flights any time of year. American, Delta, Southwest, Jet Blue, United and Alaska Airlines are top choices for traveling within the U.S. Look for available flights from British Airways, Air Canada, Lufthansa and Cayman Airways for international trips.
What should you pack for a flight to Tampa?
Sunny, humid weather persists for much of the year, so feel free to bring shorts, sandals, sundresses and sunscreen to stay cool. Short rainstorms are common in the summer, and having a light jacket and hat on hand can help you dry up. During the winter season from November to February, the weather is cooler and drier with temperatures often dropping below 20 degrees at night. Consider packing some longer pants, dresses and sweaters to beat the chill, but the coolest winter days in Tampa may be perfectly comfortable if you’re from a cold clime.
What are some things to do in Tampa?
Tampa caters to families and travelers who crave exploration and excitement. Theme parks, zoos and shopping destinations fill up your daytime hours, while nighttime attractions showcase the college culture and Cuban influences that make the Tampa Bay area special.Budget for a visit to Hyde Park Village, a picturesque outlet mall set against a backdrop of tree-lined walkways and charming fountains. National and local brands have a home at this popular shopping spot, where you can find a year-round calendar of holiday and themed events. Spend the evening in the Ybor historic neighborhood to sample an authentic Cubano sandwich, catch live music at the Orpheum or party at Czar nightclub.If you’re staying for several days, buy a city pass for a discounted admission to top attractions, including the Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry. At Busch Gardens, animal lovers journey through naturalistic habitats for an up-close look at exotic birds and big cats, while thrill-seekers line up to ride the country’s first dive coaster, SheiKra. Crazy about animals? Tour Lowry Park Zoo to feed giraffes, ride an open-air tram and walk through a prehistoric park inhabited by interactive dinosaurs.Tampa is home to a host of historic landmarks, including the famous Tampa Theatre built in 1926. Whether you’re stopping by for a classic, foreign or indie flick, you’re sure to be won over by the live organ shows, glamorous interior and nostalgic staff. Take advantage of this coastal location with boat tours or a scenic trip down Bayshore Boulevard, a great vantage point for vacationers who enjoy snapping photos of the bay.Every stay in Tampa brings new adventures, so it’s easy to plan a dynamic trip that accommodates everyone in your party.
What does TPA mean?
This is just an IATA (International Air Transport Association) code. IATA codes are used in aviation to identify and differentiate airports. That’s why a Tampa Airport flight would often be abbreviated as a TPA flight.
What airport do you fly into for flights to Tampa?
Booking a flight to Tampa (TPA) is your only option if you intend on flying to Tampa. It is only a 4.9 mi journey from Tampa to Tampa’s city center. Booking flights from New York to Tampa should be relatively easy as there are 69 daily flights from 10 different airlines.
Can I find cheaper flights to Tampa if I am willing to have layovers?
Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Tampa on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.
What is the best airline to fly to Tampa?
Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Spirit Airlines is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Tampa.
What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Tampa?
Tampa is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Tampa. One-way flights to Tampa typically cost $18, while round-trip flights cost around $35.
How much is a round-trip flight to Tampa?
A round-trip flight to Tampa will typically cost around $119, however they can be found for as little as $35.
Where does the fastest flight to Tampa depart from?
For those looking to save time traveling to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale offers the quickest one-way flight (1 hour 2 minutes).
Which airport is closest to Museum of Science and Industry?
If being close to Museum of Science and Industry is important to you, you’ll want to land at Orlando Airport.
Does Tampa have rental cars?
Yes. Those touching down at Tampa can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.
Are there hotels close to Tampa?
Yes. Tampa has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. beautiful private acre in Crystal River, within areasonable distance from Tampa. is the closest property to Tampa (0.0 mi away from Tampa).
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