This Florida City Is Transforming Into One Of America's Most Affordable Fall Vacation Spots In 2025

If you love the sun but hate the crowds, you might want to consider skipping a Florida vacation during Spring Break time or peak summer, and visiting during the fall shoulder season instead. That's when crowds start to dissipate, and the weather is still very warm. Better yet, there's another reason to visit Florida in fall that might be the most convincing: lower prices. While the sweet southern town of Bartow might have one of the lowest costs of living in the state, there are plenty of other Florida cities that can feel just as affordable. 

In fact, several of the lowest-average airfares during autumn are in Florida cities, according to a study from Kayak. However, out of the top most affordable destinations, Tampa ranked the most inexpensive across the country. Analyzing the average price of economy-class airfare to the city during shoulder season — the period between Labor Day and late fall — Kayak found that the average cost of flying to Tampa in the fall is $210 for a round-trip.

Fall rates for hotels in Tampa are cheaper, too. After summer vacationers have returned home and the city enters its low season, hotels become much more affordable. According to data from Budget Your Trip, the average cost of a hotel drops from up to $243 per night during high season to $130 per night. Even compared to the overall average hotel price in Florida, which is $221 per night or $412 per night in peak season, it's clear that prices are much cheaper. The city also has tons of affordable things to do in the fall, with many free outdoor attractions to enjoy. As for accessibility, the city has its own major airport, Tampa International Airport, which is just a 10-minute drive from downtown.

In the fall, daytime temperatures in Tampa reach the mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit, making the climate milder than sweltering summer, but still perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Just note that hurricane season continues into the fall, so it's smart to stay on top of the forecast. 

As for where to go, try visiting one of Tampa's many state parks or four public beaches around the bay. One of Tampa's best-kept natural secrets is the historic Hillsborough River State Park, located less than a 30-minute drive from downtown. For just $6 per vehicle, you can comfortably explore the park's trails and see a vast array of migrating birds heading south as the cold kicks in. Birds aren't the only wildlife that migrate here in the fall, though. Manatees also move into the waters around Tampa in the fall, especially in November. One of the best free manatee-viewing spots in Florida is at Tampa's Big Bend Power Station, so a visit there is also a must.

There are tons of special events and festivals unique to fall in Tampa. September brings the Mega Market Mid Autumn Asian Festival, where, for a small fee, you can sample Asian cuisine and crafts from over 100 vendors at the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Every weekend in October, Keel Farms hosts its Harvest Days. With free admission (just pay for parking), you can navigate its corn maze, pick through the pumpkin patch, and partake in a pumpkin pie eating contest. Tampa also celebrates Oktoberfest in mid-October at Curtis Hixon Park, complete with German beer and music. In mid-November, come for Tampa's singular Bloody Mary Fest at Water Works Park. A single $35 ticket lets you sample an unlimited selection of Bloody Marys, paired with music and food.