When to fly
Peak season:
Most visitors prefer to book their flights to Tampa from October to April. The hotels, bars, discos, restaurants, shops, and attractions are all crowded, and the performance arts are in full season. Book flights to Tampa in October to experience Tampa’s Oktoberfest which sees Tampa’s waterfront city transform into a buzzing, lively and bustling German beer garden filled with authentic and traditional food, music and games. The festival has plenty of German Beer, schnitzels and pretzels on offer and is a great event to enjoy with your friends and family. Every February the annual two-week state fair arrives in Tampa, providing arts and crafts displays and a taste of Florida’s agricultural life through its livestock expositions. There are also activities such as rides, concerts and food to keep attendees entertained throughout the two-weeks.
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. Those hoping to find cheap flights to Tampa will find it easier to do so during this time.
City overview
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 trip in and on the water; snorkelling, diving, sailing, fresh or saltwater fishing, kayaking, or just napping on the beach.
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 than 35 endangered species and is well-known for its breeding programmes. 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.
At night, head to the historic multicultural district of Ybor City. It is a National Historic Landmark District with cobblestone streets and old cigar factories that dates back to 1886. The area has been fully restored to the age when the cigar industry ruled this Latin Quarter. The old factories no longer make cigars; they now house shops, clubs, art galleries and restaurants, but there are still demonstrations showing the art of hand-rolling cigars. You can also enjoy Spanish flamenco dancing at night.