Escape the rainy midwest and enjoy a relaxing spring break on the white sand beaches of Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, thanks to direct flights from Chicago Rockford International Airport.
There’s still time to escape the chilly weather and enjoy a spring break escape on the white, sandy beaches of the The Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater region of Florida. It’s an easy trip, thanks to direct flights from Chicago Rockford International Airport.
This gulf region of southwest Florida is comprised of many diverse communities connected around Tampa Bay with a network of crisscrossing highways. It offers a wide variety of activities for family vacations, intimate retreats and much more.
Fliers get a taste of this waterside escape before they’ve even touched down, as they approach the bayside St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
Spend a day at some of the nation’s top-rated beaches, found along the coastline at the Gulf of Mexico, and along the bay. White sands and sparkling blue waters are in ample supply here. Choose from dozens of public beaches, many inside state parks, and follow the Suncoast Beach Trolley to explore all of the beaches along the Gulf Coast.
Beachside resorts such as Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites, on Sand Key, offer a prime view of the white-sand coast. Further inland, check out the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, just five minutes from the airport and a member of Florida’s Green Lodging program, which encourages environmentally-friendly hoteliers.
The water is also a popular place to see marine wildlife, or to take a chartered boat and spend a day fishing. Take the family and see the wildlife up close at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Visit The Florida Aquarium, considered by Parents Magazine to be one of the most kid-friendly aquariums in the United States. Visit your own Jurassic Park at Dinosaur World, where life-size models roam.
Explore the area’s rich art and cultural influences at six major museums, including the Salvador Dali Museum. The metal and concrete building is just as eclectic as the Spanish artist whose works are inside.
The Tampa/St. Pete area is also a hotspot for fine shopping. Tour various malls, or go off the beaten path and visit quaint antique stores and art markets, such as the year-round, weekly Suntan Saturday Fine Art Market.
Explore the region’s Latin influence in Ybor City, a traditional Latino neighborhood where you’ll find hand-rolled cigars, authentic Latino cuisine and a vibrant nightlife. Of course, that’s not the only popular night spot in town. Downtown Tampa comes alive at night, with sophisticated nightclubs and eateries.
During spring and summer months, baseball is a big attraction, as the Tampa Bay Rays resume a new season. The Tampa/St. Pete area is also home to Honda Grand Prix racing, where IndyCars zoom around a waterside track. Spring and summer are also the seasons when street markets and art festivals thrive.
The fun’s not limited just to the Bay Area. While there’s plenty to keep you busy in town, there’s also much to explore in the larger region. Within about two hours’ drive, you can reach Orlando and Fort Myers, where you’ll find popular theme parks, quiet beaches and swampy wildlife preserves. And just three hours south of the Bay Area, you’ll find the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.
A spring break retreat is just a quick flight and a free parking space away. Visit www.flyrfd.com to learn about this and other exciting getaways made possible by Chicago Rockford International Airport. ❚