From the crook ofNorthwest Floridato theDry Tortugas, the calm west coast seas attract everyone from sunbathers to shell hunters to spring breakers to scuba divers and everything in between. Islamorada is located between Miami and Key West. Subscribe to get notified about new guides, inspiration, deals, and much more! Florida Keys "Variety in paradise" is the best way to describe boating in The Keys. St. Augustine Clearwater Beach Orlando Naples Key West Marco Island Key Largo Amelia Island Destin Everglades National Park Miami Beach Tampa St. Petersburg, FL Sarasota Cocoa Beach Fort Walton. The palm-fringed pathways lead to fascinating destinations, from 100-year-old Lighthouse Beach to hidden sidewalks, much-trodden bike paths, and many other hidden gems on Sanibel Island. It is spread over five islands: Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key, and Plantation Key. Tim Lanthier/Getty Images. Ultra-modern facilities are ideal for family trips which are complimented by state-of-the-art shopping experiences. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. The comfortable water temperatures attract manatees. Crystal Cove & Inglis Island are some of the easiest trails in the area, but both offer an amazing forest experience. Sure Orlando has enough to offer to stay a month, St. Augustine has its history, and Amelia Island is a perfect blend of Florida with southern hospitality. Gulf County is designed by nature. It marks the end of the road for those traveling down through Florida (although it doesn't need to be the end of the journey - consider taking the ferry to visit Dry Tortugas National Park). Indian Shores, found along the Gulf of Mexico just west of St. Petersburg and Tampa, is home to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, a non-profit agency dedicated to the care and release of injured birds native to the Gulf Coast. Visitors can explore historic buildings and landmarks throughout this coastal city. Located on Floridas Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach is an idyllic Gulf Coast destination with 24 miles of picturesque shoreline. Where to stay in Siesta Key: Find a vacation rental on vrbo. One of the most beautiful towns in Florida, Sanibel Island offers visitors a combination of outdoor adventures and natural attractions. This itinerary for Floridas Gulf Coast is broken up day by day with details for each day of your trip! Orlando 3. Tarpon Springs, just 26 minutes outside of Clearwater is another fun stop to consider along your road trip route. Panama City is a hidden gem in Florida, situated on the coast of St. Andrews Bay. SarasotaCounty is home to beaches that include award-winningSiesta Key, renowned for its soft white sands,Venice Beach, perfect for finding sharks teeth, andManasota Key, where you can escape to find some quiet time. It's a spot for hipsters to hang out, ogling at the Art Deco buildings. But Im still a sucker for Florida Gulf Coast vacations with those white sand beaches and calm gulf waters. It has unique restaurants and bars that tempt tourists to overspend. 599. 10 Gulf Shores, Alabama Sarasota is more expensive, pandering to the luxury market. This town has been named the "shark tooth capital of the world.". Panama City Beach, Florida, view of Front Beach Road. Also, the island's famous Duval Street is where lots of retail therapy can be enjoyed. Combined, the islands have 15 miles of beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, andzero traffic lights. And the white sand beaches youll find along this stretch will be the dream youve been waiting for. Florida s Southwest Gulf Coast contains a constellation of enticing coastal gems. It was the site of a Spanish settlement even predating that of St. Augustine by six years (in 1559) - although the settlement was abandoned and not inhabited again until 1698. Southwest Gulf Coast Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. Here is about getting outside to play in the waters, on the shores, and in the dirt. Meganstarr.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort is an amazing place to stay right on the beach in Clearwater! Many beaches and attractions around Saint George, Florida, are pet-friendly. Dig your toes in this picturesque stretch of beach and soak up the sunshine, or kick your vacation up a notch with an adventurous day of parasailing and kayaking. Why Come Here: The abundance of golf courses, the luxurious but still tranquil vibe, and activities for the whole family. Is the Florida Gulf Coast a Good Destination to Visit with Kids? Tourists will never want to leave with so much to see and do in the Sunshine State. So put on your finest pair of flip flops, grab a margarita (virgin so you dont get in trouble), and head to Buffett Beach and Buffett Bridge. Florida's beach towns offer the most attractive, rewarding, and calm atmosphere for tourists to rejuvenate as well as have fun. The island is abundant with sandy beaches and an ideal shell-picking destination and crowned as the best shelling beach in Florida. For more interesting outdoor activities, head to the famous open-air center with shopping, dining, and entertainment options galore, and as a bonus, get panoramic sea views all year round. Renting a car through Discover Cars offers you the most flexibility, as you can plan out your trip easily. Soak up the Florida rays on the beach and enjoy the warm and calm Gulf Coast waters. Then take a dip and enjoy some snorkeling or wander the parks Gulf Pier. The Gulf Coast is a coast where there is so much fun to be had in the sun that youre sure to leave here with a sunburn. Ladies of the Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach communities are invited to attend a membership drive from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 at The Pointe at Tiger Point Golf Course, 1255 Country Club . !function(d,l,h,w,id){var a = d.getElementById(id);var ifr = d.createElement("iframe");ifr.src = l;ifr.height = h;ifr.width = w; ifr.scrolling = "no"; a.parentNode.insertBefore(ifr, a);a.parentNode.removeChild(a);}(document,"https://maps.roadtrippers.com/embedded/trips/41400362",400,600,"embed-41400362"); For road trips, I use a map app calledRoadtrippers. Pensacolas Gulf Islands National Seashore is an understated treasure, beloved by those looking to get away from the crowds and see some fascinating historic forts and preserved wetlands. Known as the hilliest city in Florida, the rolling red hills of Tallahassee will leave an impression on travelers passing through. Home to the famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Saint George is known for its peacefulness and less-crowded beaches. Its not hot off the press that the Gulf Coast is a hot spot, but what is hot are the secret spots you havent read about 1000 times. After taking in the highlights of Tampa, make the short 34-minute drive to Clearwater for the next days adventures! Exploring restaurants, hotels, antique stores, and religious sites may be a nice way to catch up with Greek culture. Clearwater Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Sunshine State, and for a good reason. All in all, Destin is a wonderful spot to take in the gorgeous and unique Florida landscape. People coming to Venice Beach will spot fossilized shark teeth on the shores of Venice Beach, known as the "shark tooth capital of the world." The Gulf Coast covers quite a bit of land: the shorelines of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. It also has a boardwalk and a swimming area dedicated to providing visitors with natural baths and extraordinary relaxed encounters. You can hike along much of the seashore, but do keep in mind that a lot of this strip of land is actually submerged, so make sure to check your maps for where trails start and end. Captiva Island is within a short drive from Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, which may be a fun excuse to skip over to the next town for a dual-beach day. Gainesville 10. This hidden gem in Florida had 26 miles of gorgeous public beaches. One bonus here is that places around town are pet friendly. We leave enough time on each day that you can tailor the itinerary the way youd like! Clearwater Beach is famous for its powder-soft, sandy, white beach and is an essential stop on any gulf coast road trip! The island offers the quintessential beach life, with lazy shell-picking and walking the beach while warming the toes under the sultry sun. And sitting on the edge of the Everglades,Marco Islandhas an Old Florida feel with its colorful, pretty resorts, laid back vibe and palm tree-dotted coastline. In addition, it has beautiful condos with a sweeping view of the Gulf of Mexico. This sub-section of gorgeous Gulf Islands National Seashore includes parking, beach access and a picnic area. Sanibel Island is a more secluded, quiet beach town in Florida. Since this is merely a suggested itinerary, feel free to include whatever else your heart desires along the way! You will find no shortage of things to do in Gulf County on your visit. Many tourists consider Venice, Florida, to be a bit of Italy, so that could be fun for those wanting to soak in Italian-inspired cuisine, culture, shopping, etc. Seaside is off Highway 30 in South Walton. After being founded in 1849, the hurricane wiped it away less than a century later. All opinions are my own. If you want to sign up and create your own, you cansave $5 by clicking hereand using my promo codeBTR5QTP. It is a city of only 54,000 and is renowned for its stunning beaches. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [emailprotected]. Plenty of restaurants, some of America's huge shopping malls, bars, and events allow travelers to rejoin the world after rejuvenating their minds. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is akin to a breezy sojourn that offers endless relaxation and rejuvenation with some of the best beaches in Florida with the clearest water. Hurricane Ian has left at least five people dead and 2.5 million trapped at home without electricity, after battering Florida with . For travelers that would opt to stay in Crystal River for the night, Holiday Inn Express Crystal River is an excellent hotel choice. High temperatures on Florida's. Tallahassee may not be directly on the Gulf Coast, but it's just 30 minutes from the coast and the capital of Florida, so any Gulf Coast Road Trip should include a visit. Destinations to Visit. 2023 Coastal Mississippi. Florida tops the list as a vacation destination for many families, but there are so many fun places to choose from how can you pick? Due to its uncrowded nature and warm sandy beaches, Captiva Island is ideal for a family setting that, if lucky, will spot sea life, observe birds, and dance with dolphins. While each of the hundreds of beaches around the state carries its own beauty and intrigue, there's just something special about those along the Gulf of Mexico. Crime rate: 2.08 (per 1,000 residents) Median home value: $349,691. The sugar sand beaches are so appreciated, they created a whole festival to celebrate it. 9 Quaint Beach Towns In Florida Elizabeth Lavis Oct.1.2019 John Bibens / Shutterstock Activities and Interests Beaches Destinations Family Vacations Fishing Florida National Parks Outdoor Activities Types of Travel United States United States National Parks Weekend Getaway Wildlife Try AllTrails+ For Free Click Here Tyler Wildeck is crazily curious about the planet. Tallahassee is Floridas state capital and the landscape here is unlike anything on display on the gulf coast. Take part in a historic walking tour, which explores the top 10 spots, including Historic . The sponge capital of the world, Tarpon Springs was built by the Greek immigrant community during the late 1800s. People worldwide are curious to discover the nature of a town where no cars are allowed. He finds writing for TheTravel quite fulfilling. Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, what you need to know before visiting Siesta Key beach. Corkscrew . The beach offers everything that a visitor looks for. Part of Bonita Springs lies on Hickory Island, separating Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Here are our favorite Florida gulf coast vacations, with everything from the best Gulf Coast beaches to the nicest resorts and most family-friendly towns. Home to a nature preserve, it is also easy to spot dolphins and manatees, especially when kayaking through the mangroves. Along the Mississippi shoreline, Gulfport, the second-largest city in the state, is a tourist hub, and why not! One of the island's most popular attractions is the Key West Lighthouse, which people can climb. The perennial warm sun entices the tourists to leave their cozy hotel rooms and get out on the sandy shores and try the umpteen beach activities. The island is four miles long and one mile long and is the southernmost end of US Route 1. Plus, Panama City is one of the many cities in Florida with the best downtowns, so travelers can get their fix of seaside adventure as well as urban fun. The rooms also feature a microwave and refrigerator for guest convenience. Aside from the stunningly gorgeous sunsets, the best Gulf Coast beaches are said to have the softest sand, the clearest waters, the most fun nature trails and the best fishing. Known for its luxury shopping, world-class golf courses, and family-friendly beaches, Naples is a great place to go dolphin-watching and fishing. Taking a horse ride on the beach and diving at Bradenton Shipwreck is heavenly. If youre booking your trip to Floridas Gulf Coast last minute, we have you covered. This beach town in Florida is known as the Sunshine City, and it can be easily reached from Clearwater and Tampa. Finally, beer enthusiasts can visit Mad Craft brewing company for a mind-blowing experience. There are many, many beautiful houses with palm trees and flowers to look at. Your email address will not be published. That's a lot of ocean to explore, so we hope you are ready to hit the ground running. Here are top-rated hotels along the route to consider! Mississippi 10. Destin Harbor Boardwalk is Destins buzzing city center. Make the 1 hour and 17-minute drive from Destin to Panama City early on day 2. Whether one prefers a rustic beach town to bustling big city beach towns, the gulf coast has all this and more. From Key West, people are only 95 miles from Cuba. Its a bit of a hike up the stars of the lighthouse, but the view of Coastal Mississippi youll get will be well worth it we promise. The long walks at Bowman's Beach are one of the more pleasant ways to explore the island. So, not only can someone get a tan here, but they'll also be able to stock up on new fashions. >> Click here for the cheapest rental car rates in Florida. There are also tennis courts, athletic parks and nature preserves to enjoy. Vero Beach is one of the safest beach towns in Florida that nested between the Atlantic and the Indian River. Visitors to the beach town are recommended to dine at Vue, located on 30A and recognized as the region's best waterfront sunset and dining. Florida's beaches along the Gulf of Mexico feature peaceful waters, white sands, and off-the-beaten path destinations for natural beach lovers. Turtles, dolphins, and birds, including brown pelicans and black skimmers, can be found here. By Christine Smith and Alissa Grisler | Sept. 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Save Romantic. Every historian and photographer would want to visit the place, learn about the Epiphany celebration, and capture moments of the Greek Seafood Festival. If youre traveling with kids they will enjoy the beach playground here and all the pier festivities that come to life each night, just before sunset. This explains why he has taken the risk to travel to over 80 unfamiliar destinations to take daredevil selfies, try new foods, explore new cultures, and meet new people. The outdoor pool, garden, and on-site restaurant make it one of the best places to stay in the city. Beach sunset at Captiva Island in Florida, Birds flocking in the water at Cedar Key, Florida, USA, Chairs and umbrellas out at Madeira Beach in Florida, A shot of the new St. Pete Pier, St Petersburg, FL, Two chairs in the sand overlooking the turquoise ocean in Destin, Pensacola, Florida, beach during sunset with waves, This Florida Key Is The Prettiest, With The Best Views, ultimate travel guide to Venice in Florida, consider taking the ferry to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, the Key West Lighthouse, which people can climb, Duval Street is where lots of retail therapy can be enjoyed, Duval Street offers some excellent nightlife, This Florida State Park Preserves A Lost & Forgotten Ruin (With A Compelling History), The Florida Panhandle is famous for being distinctly Southern in culture and flavor. Plus, Gulf Coast beaches have some of the most comfortable year-round water temperatures. . With so many Destin hotels on the beach to choose from, its a wonderful place to spend some time during a Gulf Coast road trip. Grown-ups will enjoy sipping a beverage while strolling the Riverwalk or popping over to St. Pete Beach and a visit to the Chihuly Collection. From the white beaches of Destin, to shell hunting in Panama City, on to kayaking in Crystal River there are so many adventures a gulf coast road trip along the Florida coastline can offer. . Out on Florida Panhandle is Pensacola - the westernmost city of Florida. Though its technically in the Florida panhandle, Destin is home to some of the most beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches and its the perfect place to start your road trip. Wade into wonder. This wide and spacious pier is perfect for all outdoor activities including biking, rollerblading or just strolling. Its small-town charm is seen through its cottages and beachfront properties, while nature lovers will want to visit Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium to see bald eagles, hawks, and owls. Siesta Key is located just south of Sarasota and about an hour and a half north of Fort Myers. Read update The incredible scenery is an attraction itself, enjoy over two dozen outdoor parks to stretch your legs and get lost in nature. Get Swimmers can enjoy the beauty of the offshore artificial reefs, and with a naturally angled shoreline, one can enjoy gorgeous sunsets every day over the Gulf of Mexico. For the sake of the itinerary, we have it so that you are going round-trip to and from Destin, Florida in the panhandle. Florida's Gulf Coast is a treasure trove of beach towns worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. The 1,080-foot pier is a sight to see. Once a military post, today this 1,100-acre area is the perfect spot to enjoy nature through kayaking, swimming, or just enjoying a nice picnic. St. George Island State Park offers the best hiking activities, water sports, birding, and swimming. A Gulf Coast gem, St. Pete Beach offers a solid stretch of undeveloped beach. There are also some excellent beachside campsites ($30),, Although all of Destin's beaches are family-friendly, this beach is maybe a little more family-friendly, given the presence of restrooms, a picnic area. Boasting miles of stunning shoreline, it has something for most avid beach-goers. At the same time, family-friendly attractions like Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and Marie Selby Botanical Garden will keep the kids entertained. The fun ambiance and American/Caribbean food can be enjoyed in either the indoor dining area or outdoor deck. Calling all Margaritaville residents out there: this beach was named after none other than Jimmy Buffett himself. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburn. See our favorite Florida resorts with the family. We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. Hurricane Ian death toll rises as 2.5 million left without power. Everything flows with the current. Let us know in the comments. Theres nothing like the magic a road trip can bring!
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