Travel season has arrived.
No matter what line of work you’re in, it seems we all agree that summer is the best time to cash in your PTO and tell your boss you’re outta here.
While cashing in PTO is never a bad idea, overpaying for trips is one of our worst nightmares. We at Travel Off Path are 24/7 night owls scouring the internet at all hours for the best deals.
This time, Kayak made it easy on us by releasing their ‘Summer Travel Check-In’ that revealed Florida’s most affordable beach destinations this summer.
While Orlando made the cut for one of Florida’s cheapest cities, if you consider it a beach getaway, you might end up being gator food, so let’s stick with the coast with these 3 sunny vacation spots, all with round-trip airfare averaging under $300.
3) Fort Lauderdale
Say goodbye to South Beach and make your way to Miami’s vibrant neighbor, Fort Lauderdale.
If we’re being honest, Miami’s airport is pretty “meh”, while Fort Lauderdale (FLL) connects multiple budget carriers, potentially saving you boatloads of money on airfare.
Beaches here are gorgeous and tend to be a little less packed away from Miami’s glitz. But that’s not to say Fort Lauderdale is lacking luxury — it is called the “Venice of America” after all.
You’ll surely see yachts bigger than my ex’s ego and towering high-rise hotels overlooking the bright Atlantic waters.
Las Olas Boulevard is a must-visit to indulge in a variety of popular restaurants or shop-til-you-drop boutiques.
Kayak reports the average airfare to FLL this summer is $293, a steal of a deal for one of Florida’s most popular regions to enjoy a sun-drenched vacay.
2) Fort Myers
Some may be surprised to see anyone visiting Fort Myers, as it was one of many in a long stretch of beach towns on the wrong end of a hurricane.
But Fort Myers is on the rise again, open enough to welcome visitors. Just heed caution as there’s still noticeable damage speckled around town.
That being said, places like Fort Myers need visitors for an economic boost, which makes the cheap airfare even more enticing, knowing the impact you’ll make.
So, what’s open in Fort Myers this summer?
As of May 1, 2025, Visit Fort Myers’ official website states, “We’re happy to report that despite the impacts of Hurricane Milton, most of the public beach park facilities throughout the Fort Myers area are open”.
Newton Park Beach is the only beach listed that will be closed for the foreseeable future.
There are still some hotels and restaurants making their way back, but there’s enough to get you by for a nice summer getaway, including Pinchers for phenomenal seafood with a view and the luxe Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection for a nice waterfront stay.
Make sure to check out nearby Sanibel Island too, crowned by Southern Living as ‘Florida’s Top 2025 Beach Destination‘.
Kayak reports airfare is averaging just $289 this summer.
1) Tampa
Tampa itself may not be thought of as a proper beach destination, but it’s certainly one of the best gateways to Florida’s best beaches.
Year after year, Siesta Key consistently ranks among America’s top paradisal escapes, followed closely by Clearwater, both of which are easily accessible from Tampa International Airport (TPA).
The Gulf tends to be known for less-than-stellar water conditions from Texas to Alabama, but once you reach Florida, things change, and no, we don’t just mean the crazy mugshots posted online that inspire a new ‘It’s Florida, Man’ episode.
Beaches surrounding Tampa and St. Pete are truly pristine, with many offering soft, white sand and vivid waters.
Despite Siesta Key’s claim to fame, there are many alternatives to avoid the crowds, including the hidden gem of Redington Beach for a laid-back, family-friendly hideaway.
Kayak reports Tampa is Florida’s most affordable destination in terms of airfare this summer, averaging just $262.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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