Play + Eat + Stay on the Gulf Coast
Retail, relaxation, and warm sunshine abound on Florida’s Gulf Coast. One of the most laid-back coasts you’ll ever visit, the Gulf Coast offers everything from white-sand beaches and warm Gulf of Mexico waters to world-renowned performance centers and unmatched art scenes. And, of course, the fresh seafood here will elevate your palette. Here’s the places to play, eat, and stay on the Gulf Coast.
Tampa Bay
One of Tampa Bay’s best-kept beach secrets, Indian Rocks Beach as initially developed in the 1920’s as a weekend getaway destination for wealthy inland Florida residents. Along its almost three miles of quiet beachfront you will find people of all ages enjoying the soft Gulf sand, gentle waves, and warm sunshine. There are more than 20 convenient beach access points between its array of motels and condominiums. Perfect for a family trip or quiet getaway, downtown St. Petersburg is only 20 minutes away.
indian-rocks-beach.com
Just north of St. Petersburg and Clearwater is Tarpon Springs, a beautiful waterfront community that magically transports you thousands of miles away to a coastal village in Greece. This Greek community began in the early 1900s, when the discovery of natural sponges brought Greek sponge divers to the area. You can witness living history at the famous Sponge Docks set along the Anclote River. In fact, you can still purchase magnificent natural sponges at the local shops. Wander around the town to visit other eclectic shops and see historic buildings, or perhaps stop into an authentic Greek restaurant for some delicious food. They say if you’re even remotely of Hellas heritage, you may well find a cousin in town!
spongedocks.net
In the heart of downtown Tampa, gracing the riverfront, is the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. A complete experience to liven up your evening, you could begin with dinner in one of their premier restaurants, including a romantic location on the river. After dinner, attend one of their incredible shows like a drama, comedy show, opera, or music performance. Experience the magic of Aladdin (Dec 19 to Jan 5, 2020) or laugh along to Mean Girls (Feb 18 to 23, 2020). Tampa Opera offers life-changing performances with The Four Italian Tenors (Nov 30) and Georges Bizet’s Carmen (Feb 7 and 9, 2020).
strazcenter.org
St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Long stretches of crystalline white sand squeak beneath your feet as you stroll towards the refreshing waters of the Gulf during a visit to one of Clearwater’s public beaches. With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year and a temperate, mild climate, it’s obvious why Clearwater Beach has received numerous awards. From best beach to family’s choice, Clearwater Beach has been honored in just about every category. Their public beaches are especially great for family outings, thanks to calm, shallow waters and full-time lifeguards.
visitclearwaterflorida.com
This iconic shopping, dining, and entertainment center sits across from St. Petersburg’s beachfront, along the waterfront of Johns Pass. Named for the pirate, John Levique, who first made passage through the pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village has become a favorite place to spend the day. The Village features over one hundred merchants, and is also the jumping-off point for fishing tours, boat rentals, parasailing, and Jet Skiing. Saunter along the boardwalk and pop into original gift shops, dine at unique restaurants, or watch the pelicans wait for fish scraps from the fishermen cleaning their catch. Oftentimes at sunset, you can see dolphins swimming along the pass.
johnspass.com
Sunken Gardens has been a St. Petersburg attraction since 1935, known for its unique settings and even as an amazing wedding venue. As St. Petersburg's oldest living museum, this 100-year-old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Here you will find delightful little features like cascading waterfalls, colorful flamingo friends, and more amongst 50,000+ tropical plants, and flowers. It’s even more impressive when you realize that some of these plants and trees have been here for over a century! (So they’re not for climbing.) For more insight into this fantastic attraction, consider a docent-led tour of the gardens.
stpete.org
The luxurious accommodations at the Sandpearl Resort, which sits directly on the white sands of Clearwater Beach, can make any vacation feel first-class, from romantic getaways to family trips. This award-winning resort is centered around the beach experience, with a private section of beach reserved for resort guests complete with beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as watersport rentals. You can lounge at the beachfront pool, which features zero-entry and relaxing cabanas, or spend the evening at the beachfront fire pit that is lit each evening so you can enjoy the sunset in coziness. Perhaps the beast feature of this resort is their top-notch service, which is what truly makes them luxurious.
sandpearl.com
Sarasota & Bradenton
There are several beaches for you to enjoy in Sarasota, but our top recommendation is Siesta Key Beach. Consistently voted as the #1 beach in America, you will certainly understand its appeal when you see its expanse of crystalline white sands that lead to shallow waters perfect for wading. While you could probably spend your trip sitting on the soft sand and soaking in the sunshine, you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to get out on the water and have fun. Siesta Key Watersports, located south of the main public beach, has just about every kind of adrenaline-pumping watersport rentals you could think of, from roaring Jet Skis to high-flying parasailing! They also offer tours and cruises. Take things nice and easy with a paddleboard rental from Gulfside Paddleboards. You can rent a board from a couple hours to a whole week! They also offer delivery, and newer paddlers can take advantage of lessons.
siestakeywatersports.com
gulfsidepaddleboards.com
Showcasing the peaceful Manatee River in Bradenton, the Bradenton Riverwalk is an unexpected delight. Following the river in downtown Bradenton, this 1.5 mile, ADA-accessible is more than just a walk along the river; indeed, it features many spots to play and enjoy, like a butterfly garden, amphitheater, skate park, sand volleyball, and children’s playground. Comfortable lounge chairs and swings are dotted along the path for opportunities to rest. Oftentimes around sunset, you could spot dolphins swimming in the warm river waters.
bradentongulfislands.com
Upon driving onto Anna Maria Island, you are immediately switched to “Island Time” and enter a mode of fun and relaxation. This beautiful, family-friendly island features cute cottages and hotels secluded amongst the towering pines and other natural features. On the island’s southern end is Bridge Street, where island explorers and beach lovers gather to dine, shop, and play. If you’re wanting a sweet treat, Joe’s Eats & Sweets has everything from ice cream sundaes to frozen key lime pie! For some refreshing beverages, the Island Time Bar and Grill has plenty of brews on tap as well as a delicious food menu. A local favorite for dinner is the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier, a casual seafood spot that overlooks the bay. Take a stroll on the Bridge Street Pier for great views or perhaps set up with a fishing pole and catch your own dinner! Want to work on your short game? Head over to The Fish Hole Miniature Golf, a kid-friendly setup that the whole family can enjoy.
joeseatsandsweets.com
islandtimebarandgrill.com
oysterbar.net
thefishhole.com
Spread across 66 acres of the most beautiful waterfront property in Sarasota, The Ringling offers thrills and relaxation — whichever you choose - as you’re surrounded by art, architecture, and sculptures. The Ringling was once the estate of John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame) and has been dedicated to the community and visitors as a playground for the arts. In one building you will find the State Art Museum of Florida, in which you could spend a whole day if you wanted. There are two buildings dedicated to the circus and telling the story of the famous Ringling Brothers. The grounds themselves are an attraction to behold: a beautiful children’s playground beneath the trees, a fragrant rose garden first planted by Mable Ringling and still thriving, huge banyans and a secret garden, and an expansive view of the Sarasota Bay. On the bay sits the magnificent Ca’d’Zan, the opulent home of the Ringlings with guided tours available. There are also eateries and a coffee shop available to keep you energized.
ringling.org
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an iconic Sarasota attraction located directly on the Sarasota Bayfront, and offers some of the most spectacular and visually stunning garden sections and vistas, which has also made it a popular wedding venue. Selby expertly blends lush botanical blooms with historical charm, and is perfectly landscaped with native foliage including live oaks, banyans, and palms, and featuring foliage-framed glimpses of the bay in the background — so be sure to bring your camera! Especially created for young ones is the Children’s Rainforest Garden, offering a connection to nature through interaction and play. Be sure to visit the garden’s gift shop and plant store to take home a part of this magical experience!
selby.org
A quick scenic drive over the Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota, Lido Key is always bustling with beachgoers and village activities. Its shopping and dining attractions are anchored in St. Armands Circle, a rotunda of boutiques, specialty stores, cafes, restaurants, bars, and more whose walkways are interspersed with statues and tropical foliage. In the Circle’s center is a park area, which hosts many events throughout the year like art festivals and classic car shows.
starmandscircleassoc.com
For a completely unique and utterly Anna Maria Island experience, stay at the Bungalow Beach Resort. Harkening back to the 1930s when much of the island became developed, this resort puts a charming spin on the bungalow experience with beach-chic decor, bright and airy sitting, dining, and kitchenette areas, and cozy bedrooms. Enjoy their heated pool, or spend your time on the quiet beach in a comfy resort beach lounger. You’re just a walk (or a bike ride) away from all of the island’s attractions. bungalowbeach.com
On the beautiful Lido Key, just across the bridge from downtown Sarasota, you’ll find the Lido Beach Resort. This resort is the epitome of beachfront elegance, with modern ocean-themed decor in refreshing colors, and a variety of room and suite sizes that can include kitchenettes, sitting areas, and private balconies that face the bay or beach. Dine at the resort’s restaurant or sip on cool cocktails from their poolside Tiki Hut. The resort is a stroll away from the shops and restaurants of Lido Key’s St. Armands Circle.
lidobeachresort.com
Just a short walk or bike ride away from the public beach are the Siesta Key Beach Villas, a series of cozy, casual villas that exude a tropical theme for your own island-style getaway. These spacious villas range in size from studios to larger spaces with kitchens, dining and sitting areas, private bedrooms and more. Relax in a shaded hammock, take a walk out to the beach, or ride around Siesta Key Village on one of the Villas’ bike rentals.
siestakeybeachsidevillas.com
Venice
When visiting the beaches of Venice, you’ll understand why many people choose to make this their forever home. Soft sand rolls down in sloping shores to the gentle Gulf waves, and the quiet, relaxed environment makes for perfect beach days. This is also the “Shark Tooth Capitol of the World,” thanks to currents carrying countless shark teeth onto the shores along with colorful shells for you to discover and take home. The calm waters also make for excellent boating conditions. Venice Boat Rentals are conveniently based at the Fisherman's Wharf Marina, and allow you to easily set out on the Intercoastal Waterway or out into the Gulf on your choice of boat, from big pontoons with loungers to smaller speedboats. Authentic Fusion is a unique paddleboard rental service that combines stand-up paddleboarding with yoga and wellness. Enjoy private paddle and yoga classes, as well as guided eco tours and even outing during the full moon.
veniceboatrental.com
supvenicefl.com
Featuring an absolutely perfect location directly on the beach, the Beachcomber in Venice is a charming costal getaway offering fully-furnished vacation rental units, each with expansive views of the Gulf. Enjoy walking right from your unit onto the sand and take advantage of the Beachcomber’s free beach accessories, relax in the beachfront pool, or venture to nearby Main Street to go shopping!
beachcomberinvenice.com
The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
Encompassing 20 acres of tropical gardens, historic homes, a laboratory, and museum, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a wonderful place to spend a day filled with whimsy. The inventor Thomas Edison and the auto magnate Henry Ford where close friends and shared estate grounds for their winter vacation homes, which now make up the museum property. Walk beneath the tall oaks and swaying palms, or amongst the fragrant blooms of the botanical gardens, tour the historic buildings that include Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory, and visit the Edison Ford Museum to view an impressive collection of inventions, artifacts and special exhibit galleries. If you work up an appetite from walking, visit the Banyan Café or an onsite food truck.
edisonfordwinterestates.org
When you come to Southwest Florida, it is simply a must to dine on local seafood - and there are plenty of places to get it here! Pinchers in Fort Myers Beach has been at the forefront of the local food movement since 1997. Using local anglers, fishing local waters, they are officially a local favorite. Try a Gulf Grouper Sandwich as you enjoy views of the water where the fish are caught daily. There’s always a party at the Caribbean-themed Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille. Famous for their sizzling Yucatan Shrimp and ice-cold mojitos, Doc Ford’s throws a party for your taste buds, too.
pinchersusa.com
docfords.com
Live the barrier island life at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Located on Sanibel Island, just across the water from Fort Myers, this resort has everything you could need right on site, so you have no need to leave the luxury! Boasting miles of shell-strewn beach, this resort boasts spacious, fully-equipped condominiums so that you can have all the comforts of home while enjoying a tropical paradise. The living spaces come in various sizes for your secluded getaway or family vacation, and all are complete with kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. Shop and dine directly onsite at any of the resort’s locations and enjoy high-end amenities such as tennis facilities, multiple swimming pools, children’s activities, and the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa and Boutique.
sundialresort.com
