Florida tops the checklist as a trip vacation spot for a lot of households, however there are such a lot of enjoyable locations to select from — how will you choose? Sure Orlando has sufficient to supply to remain a month, St. Augustine has its historical past, and Amelia Island is an ideal mix of Florida with southern hospitality. But I’m nonetheless a sucker for Florida Gulf Coast holidays with these white sand seashores and calm gulf waters.
Florida’s gulf coast covers over 5,000 miles, so it’s nonetheless lots of floor to cowl and every neighborhood has a distinct persona and attracts a distinct fashion of tourists. So except you’ve got a few months to spend exploring the coast, you will have to choose and select. Of course, it’s also possible to be like us and choose a brand new vacation spot to discover every time.
Favorite Florida Gulf Coast Vacations
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Here are our favourite Florida gulf coast holidays, with the whole lot from the very best Gulf Coast seashores to the nicest resorts and most family-friendly cities.
Florida Gulf Coast Map
1. Marco Island
Located simply over one hour south of the Southwest Florida Airport in Fort Myers, Marco Island can be a well-liked vacation spot for South Floridians that reduce throughout Alligator Alley to benefit from the west coast. This seashore resort affords broad seashores of white sand and is in style for dolphin watching, kayaking, and different water sports activities.
Because of its proximity to the Everglades, Marco Island can be a fantastic jumping-off level for exploring the pure ecosystem and native historical past. An airboat or swamp tour makes for a fantastic day journey! See different issues to do in Marco Island.
Where to remain on Marco Island: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
2. Naples
If you might be searching for an upscale vacation spot that provides advantageous eating and loads of actions and leisure, Naples is the place. Located an hour south of Fort Myers airport, Naples is a well-liked vacation spot for snowbirds, vacationers, and year-round residents. There can be nice procuring in Naples in case you are searching for some retail remedy.
It can be a fantastic location for recognizing dolphins and catching beautiful sunsets from the Naples Pier. See extra issues to do in Naples.
Where to remain in Naples: Naples Grande Beach Resort, Edgewater Beach Hotel, LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort
3. Bonita Springs
If you might be searching for a resort vacation spot for rest and enjoyable, head to Bonita Springs, simply north of Naples. Whether you swim or kayak at Lover’s Key State Park or benefit from the waterslides on the Hyatt Regency resort.
Bonita Springs is dwelling to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center. Dog lovers may even need to deliver Fido to Dog Beach Park, certainly one of Florida’s solely no-leash seashores.
Where to remain in Bonita Springs: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
4. Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Sanibel and Captiva are two islands linked to the mainland and Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway, making it a fantastic vacation spot while you need to hit the seashore as quickly as you land. Combined, the islands have 15 miles of seashores, 25 miles of motorbike paths, and zero visitors lights.
Both islands are finest recognized for the very best shelling on the coast. Home to a nature protect, it’s also simple to identify dolphins and manatees, particularly when kayaking by the mangroves. See extra issues to do in Sanibel and Captiva.
Where to remain in Captiva Island: Seven Seas Island Resort
5. Cape Coral
Located on the mainland on a peninsula throughout from Fort Myers and guarded by the barrier islands, Cape Coral is right for households searching for an energetic trip. There are over 400 miles of canals to take pleasure in boating, fishing, and water sports activities.
Cape Coral can be dwelling to verdant golf programs and household points of interest like the favored Sun Splash Family Waterpark. There are additionally tennis courts, athletic parks and nature preserves to take pleasure in.
Where to remain in Cape Coral: Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
6. Siesta Key
Siesta Key is positioned simply south of Sarasota and about an hour and a half north of Fort Myers. This is likely one of the hottest gulf coast seashores, with free seashore entry, beautiful sugar-soft sand, and delightful turquoise water.
The seashore itself is a boon for households with picnic areas, tennis courts, volleyball, and a large playground. Just be sure you get there early to seek out free parking spots. You may kayak or hire a ship at Blind Pass Lagoon, which is a channel that’s linked to the gulf. Don’t miss the weekly drumming circle that occurs on the seashore on each Sunday night. See what you must know earlier than visiting Siesta Key seashore.
Where to remain in Siesta Key: Find a trip rental on vrbo
7. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is about 20 minutes north of Sarasota airport and 1.25 hours south of Tampa Bay. Its gentle, white sand seashores are a few of the most stunning on the Gulf Coast. The seashore, particularly alongside Manatee Public Beach and the Beach Bistro close to sixty fourth avenue, is likely one of the finest locations to take pleasure in a Florida sundown.
It is the best spot for those who simply need to chill out at a seashore rental, sip some boat drinks, and revel in scrumptious seafood. If you feel adventurous, you’ll be able to take a fishing constitution, seek for dolphins, or tackle some water sports activities. Find out extra cool issues to do in Anna Maria Island.
Where to remain on Anna Maria Island: Find a trip rental on VRBO
8. Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay space is nice for households trying to preserve busy — and eat nicely. You may even pair just a few days in Tampa with a while spent stress-free on Clearwater Beach. Tampa is jam-packed with points of interest from Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Florida Aquarium. You will most likely need to seize a CityPASS for financial savings.
Tampa has lately develop into recognized for its up-and-coming eating scene and craft breweries. Grown-ups will take pleasure in sipping a beverage whereas strolling the Riverwalk or popping over to St. Pete Beach and a go to to the Chihuly Collection. See extra issues to do in Tampa.
Where to remain in Tampa: Le Meridien Tampa
9. Clearwater Beach
Just throughout from Clearwater and north of St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach is definitely certainly one of my favourite Florida seashores, though with its strip of high-rise inns, it could actually get slightly crowded. The sugar sand seashores are so appreciated, they created a complete competition to have fun it.
Of course, there may be extra to do in Clearwater than simply the seashore — from pirate booze cruises, dolphin watches, and sundown festivals with free out of doors motion pictures.
Where to remain in Clearwater Beach: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
10. Panama City Beach
If you may get flight into Florida Northwest Beaches airport (see my suggestions for planning a finances journey to Florida), Panama City Beach in Florida’s panhandle beckons extra than simply spring breakers. All 27 miles of Panama City Beach supply lots to do for seashore lovers, water sports activities fans, and motion junkies.
Don’t miss taking an eco-tour out to Shell Island or exploring St. Andrews State Park. See extra issues to do in Panama City Beach or what to do off the seashore in Panama City.
Where to remain in Panama City Beach: Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point
11. Seaside
Located 45 minutes north of Panama City Beach close to Santa Rosa, the sleeping city of Seaside just isn’t the “redneck riviera” that some used to name the Florida Panhandle. In reality, Seaside could also be finest generally known as the placement for the movie The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey.
This picture-book city on the Emerald Coast affords solar and surf, but additionally procuring within the charming boutiques and biking alongside the seashore highway.
Where to remain in Seaside: Watercolor Inn
12. Destin
Located halfway between Pensacola and the Northwest Florida Beaches airport, Destin affords gorgeous white seashores, world-famous fishing, difficult golf, and tons of family-friendly points of interest and actions.
Kids love the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Big Kahuna’s water park, pirate cruises, banana boat rides, and naturally, cheeseburgers in paradise at LuLu’s. See extra wonderful issues to do in Destin.
Where to remain in Destin: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa