ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A new study ranked two destinations in the Tampa Bay region as the top spots for U.S. travelers escaping the winter chill, also known as "snowbirds."
Englewood and Wauchula were both ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in HomeToGo's 2025 Snowbird Escapes Report. Both locations earned the honors for their average high Fahrenheit temperatures in the winter (75 degrees, 77 degrees) and their median vacation home nightly price per person ($64, $76).
"When winter bites, Englewood offers a sun-soaked escape with temperatures that can reach the low 70s," analysts stated in the report. "The Gulf Coast’s calm, clear waters and soft beaches make it a perfect retreat from the cold."
Officials also noted Englewood's Lemon Bay, where snowbirds can paddle through mangroves to spot dolphins, take a walk along the shore and search for seashells.
Meanwhile, the study described Wauchula as a "sunlit haven where the beauty of Florida's heartland takes center stage."
"Nestled in central Florida, just a short drive from Tampa and Sarasota, Wauchula offers a peaceful retreat from winter days," analysts said. "Wander landscapes characterized by oak trees and orange groves, or hunt for fossils along the Peace River."
The two Florida locations managed to beat out third-place finisher Corpus Christi, Texas, along with Silver Sands Beach, Florida and Honokaa, Hawaii.
While snowbird season is underway, some looking to escape the chill may need to be aware of some areas, as many communities across the Sunshine State are still recovering after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Click here to learn more about those areas.
