The Brandon center point is approximately the area of Brandon Regional Hospital and 2 miles east of Westfield Mall.
The best time to visit Brandon is from September to December after the tourist season ends. Vacant hotels offer rock-bottom rates during the off-season, helping you save big on your seaside getaway. The weather is also pleasant enough to enjoy the area's outdoor attractions, including Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Oktoberfest Tampa.
Given Brandon's proximity to Tampa, it's no surprise that hotel rates increase during the winter months as snowbirds make their way south for a wintertime getaway. You can help offset increased costs by booking your room and flight well in advance and researching nearby communities for more budget-friendly accommodations. Key events occurring during the winter include Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Tampa Pride.
Summers in Brandon are hot and humid, so expect sticky temperatures in the high 80s if you're visiting from May through August. Thanks to summer break, you'll also see a lot of families with school-aged children at area attractions and theme parks. If you want to brave the crowds, you'll enjoy a variety of events throughout the Tampa area, including the Big Guava Music Festival, Sunset Music Festival, and WaZoo Craft Beer Festival.
If you qualify for a special rate, you can save even more money on your trip to Brandon and Tampa Bay.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tampa Brandon Regency Park is a solid choice offering spacious rooms, a free breakfast, fitness facilities, and an outdoor pool. Best of all, seniors can save an average of 10 percent off regular room rates! Guest rooms include mini refrigerators, microwaves, hairdryers, complimentary toiletries, and flat-screen TVs with cable programming.
Military families and government employees can save at area hotels like Home2 Suites by Hilton Brandon Tampa FL. This impressively modern hotel features a colorful lobby, an outdoor pool, poolside sun loungers, a 24-hour fitness facility, and a complimentary breakfast. All guest suites feature kitchens with full-sized refrigerators and cooking appliances, free Wi-Fi, ample workspaces, and 40-inch LED TVs. You'll also love the separate sitting areas.
AAA members can enjoy reduced rates at accommodations like Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Sabal Park/Brandon. The newly renovated, extended-stay property features a heated outdoor pool, an outdoor sports court, a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, and a free breakfast buffet. Guest suites include kitchenettes with refrigerators and stovetops, satellite TV, safes, and separate sitting areas.
Brandon also has many mid-range hotels designed to give you extra value for your dollar.
Extended Stay America Tampa Brandon features guest suites with flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, sitting areas, ample drawer space, and comfortable mattresses. The property offers a free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, a picnic area with barbecue grills, and laundry facilities.
Holiday Inn Express Tampa Brandon features an outdoor pool, a fitness center, laundry facilities, and a free breakfast. Guest rooms are spacious and modern with ergonomic work areas, flat-screen TVs, armchairs, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Another mid-range option is Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Brandon. This highly rated highway hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool, poolside loungers, an on-site bar, a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and a free evening reception. The well-appointed guest rooms feature flat-screen LCD TVs, dark wood furnishings, wired and wireless internet access, hairdryers, free toiletries, in-room safes, and work desks.
With so much to experience in the Tampa area, you may wonder what attractions to visit in and around Brandon. Dinosaur World is a kid-friendly favorite that houses over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures in a natural setting. Bring a cooler filled with your own snacks and drinks, and enjoy a fun-filled day learning about dinosaurs. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome, and there's a large gift shop where your family can score some prehistoric-themed keepsakes.
If you've always wanted to visit a Buddhist Thai temple, check out Wat Mongkolratanram on the bank of the Palm River. Dedicated in 1981, the temple serves the local Buddhist Thai community and provides an environment of sanctuary and calm to all who seek peace. Visitors can also find delicious Thai food at the temple's well-known Sunday food market.
Feel like gambling during your vacation? Head to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa to play your favorite slots, poker, and table games. The venue features an array of fine and casual dining options, a state-of-the-art spa, and exciting lounges where you can kick back and enjoy a signature cocktail with friends. Be sure to check out the casino's event calendar for live performances scheduled during your vacation.
Exploring everything Brandon and the Tampa Bay area have to offer is no easy feat, but no matter your itinerary includes, you'll find a diverse, lively city brimming with incredible food, scenic views, beautiful green spaces, and fun entertainment. Whether you want to stay close to Tampa or in the heart of Brandon, you can find the perfect hotel that meets both your travel needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Brandon, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
The hotel is located in an area that has a mall and several dining options, local and chain. Target, Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods are all within a half mile of the hotel.
We enjoyed the Mexican food and the Manatee Observatory.
Brandon is beautiful! The downtown area and the food hall are amazing!
The city was great.
Lots of restaurants to choose from. It was a convenience to have a mall right across the street and a movie theater within walking distance from the hotel. Awesome!
Shopping and amenities were great in the area.
The breakfast was over the top with great service. The staff we're exceptionally friendly and helpful. It's short distance from here to there and everywhere.
We visited the Aquarium in Tampa, not far away.
Casino! Movie theater! Shopping!
Nice people in Brandon.
Great craft beer shops and restaurants to choose from.
There is a placed called Yogurtology for frozen yogurt lovers. Shopping at the mall is great and there were a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.