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This large Florida airport was just named the best in America—and it’s got a world-class art collection to boot

It’s a gateway to Gulf Coast beaches, and offers plenty of amenities that make your airport time *actually* enjoyable.

Gerrish Lopez
Written by
Gerrish Lopez
Time Out Contributor, US
Tampa Airport
Photograph: Shutterstock | Tampa Airport
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Spending time at the airport is an inevitable part of modern travel, whether due to delays, cancellations or the need to get there extra early just in case. But some airports can turn these tedious layovers into a highlight of your trip. Nominated by an expert panel and voted on by USA Today readers, the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Large Airports highlight the top aviation hubs in the nation based on destination reach, amenities and concessions. And taking the crown as the number one best large airport is Florida's own Tampa International Airport (TPA).

TPA serves as a quick gateway to Florida’s famous Gulf Coast beaches, winning over visitors with its seamless flow, wide array of terminal dining and shopping and convenient on-site hotel—the Tampa Airport Marriott—located just steps from security.

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TPA also earned top honors as the Best Airport for Art thanks to its impressive public art program, which spans over 50 years of curated works. Travelers moving from the main terminal ticketing level to the long-term parking atrium can take in a rich variety of tapestries, glass art, mosaics and oil paintings by local and national artists.

Rounding out the top three large airports on the list are two dynamic hubs that offer their own unique traveler experiences: Nashville International Airport (BNA), where travelers can catch live music across four terminal stages, and Denver International Airport (DEN), which features striking architecture, light-filled concourses and an extensive art collection. Fellow Floridian hub Orlando International Airport also made the list, clocking in at No. 10. 

Find the full list of winners of the Best Large Airports here.

The 10 best large airports in the U.S., according to USA Today:

  1. Tampa International Airport (TPA)—Tampa, Florida
  2. Nashville International Airport (BNA)—Nashville, Tennessee
  3. Denver International Airport (DEN)—Denver, Colorado
  4. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)—Detroit, Michigan
  5. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)—Salt Lake City, Utah
  6. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)—San Francisco, California
  7. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)—Phoenix, Arizona
  8. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)—St. Paul, Minnesota
  9. Portland International Airport (PDX)—Portland, Oregon
  10. Orlando International Airport (MCO)—Orlando, Florida
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