Laid-back and natural, tropical Anna Maria Island is located 20 minutes from Bradenton. A seven-mile strip of beautiful white-sand beaches lines the barrier island of Anna Maria Island which lies between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and Florida peninsular. Enjoy visiting one of the many beachside restaurants and bars.

Also near Anna Maria Island, at the southern mouth of Tampa Bay, are the cities of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Venice, and Manasota Key.

Strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed on Anna Maria Island, giving it an old-time feel. You might feel as though you have journeyed to an elegant past.

Bradenton is a short drive from Florida’s Gulf Coast shores including Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Visitors can explore Bradenton’s Old Florida history and visit museums, parks and preserves. Vibrant downtown, RiverWalk and Village of the Arts – a working artists community are not to be missed.

You’ll also want to experience Robinson Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial Park, the Cortez fishing village and the Manatee Village Historical Park. 

A collection of restored, historic buildings from Manatee County’s pioneer past, the historical park includes a courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine and a Florida cowboy bunkhouse. It’s culture and it’s fun.

Captiva Island is located near Fort Myers off Florida’s Gulf Coast and often associated with Sanibel Island to its south. Both islands are all about pristine white sandy beaches, shelling, biking, sailing, birding and water activities. Captiva is accessed by a small bridge that crosses Blind Pass from Sanibel Island.

A sliver of land nestled against the state’s southwest coast Captiva Island has a slightly off-kilter and almost magical feel. You might discover a giant frog in Captiva Island, a restaurant where it’s Christmas all year long, or even a tiny starfish.
South Seas Island Resort on the tip of Captiva Island boasts 2.5 miles of beaches and a menu of children’s programs tailored to the sea – from sailing school and mermaid- and pirate-play sessions to on-the-beach day camps and a popular catch-and-release fishing program.

Fabulous Clearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable sandy beaches and inviting clear blue waters. A favourite place to walk in Clearwater Beach is around the city marina. It’s like a shopping mall for water sports. A heady aroma for a Pisces water-lover such as it evokes visions of high-sea adventure and aquamarine thrills.

Trip Advisor named it the nation’s #1 beach in 2018. Caladesi Island, off the north end of the beach, was recognized as the nation’s best by Dr. Beach in 2008. 

Besides the beaches, there is Clearwater Beach‘s inviting, small-town atmosphere. 

And, of course, there’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine animals, public education, conservation, and research.

With Clearwater Beach attractions such as these, fine restaurants and family-friendly lodgings, as well as exciting beach activities, Clearwater Beach’s many options will have the whole crew smiling.

Englewood is so lovely that two counties – Charlotte and Sarasota along Florida’s Gulf Coast – insist on sharing its beauty. Englewood’s uncrowded beach is pure and wide with excellent facilities. Just south you’ll find Blind Pass Park, a fantastic place for shelling and finding sharks’ teeth. A taste of “Old Florida”.

Plenty of golf is available in and around Englewood, and the birding is great. You can also try parasailing or rent a jetski. Fishing in Englewood is also outstanding and several companies will take you out on their boats.

Absolutely embark on an eco-tour of Lemon Bay. You’ll almost certainly see dolphins, manatees, and all kinds of shorebirds and wildlife.

Located near Florida’s southern tip and southeast of Naples, Everglades City is known as the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands. No overnight accommodation is available in the Everglades National Park other than camping facilities. Lodging is available in communities that border the park which includes Everglades City.

Canoe the mangrove tunnels. Take a fishing and backcountry excursion. Hike through the Big Cypress National Preserve near Everglades City, a designated trail town, is an important hub for several paddling trails, including the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. The town features bicycle racks throughout town and at the airport.
And, enjoy the Everglades Seafood Festival, a taste of Florida as it used to be. Generally held in February, the festival is as laid-back as a day on the river, yet as lively as a tune on the banjo. It’s as real as gators in the Everglades City swamp. It’s a place to snag a seat on a carnival ride, relax with the family and raise a mug of suds to the stars – and, of course, sample sumptuous Everglades City seafood, fresh and firm and perfect.

Heaped with sugary white sand, Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island is a popular destination for visitors eager to engage in watersports such as parasailing and kayaking – or just as eager to simply relax on its inviting long sandy beach. Fort Myers Beach has all types of accommodation in all price ranges and lots to do.

Fort Myers Beach sits on a little barrier island, about seven miles long, and the beach is fabulous – wide, gradually sloping, and thick with the area’s justifiably famed sand.

You can go on a dolphin eco-tour via waverunner, or on a fishing charter.

Special bonus: Just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach and easy to reach are the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
The Ostego Bay Marine Science Center showcases local marine life. To the east, trails run through Matanzas Pass Preserve nature sanctuary. Built on an ancient Calusa Indian shell mound, the 1900s Mound House has archaeological exhibits. Times Square shopping centre has stores and restaurants.

Renowned for laid-back beaches and great dining, Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores are where you want to go if you want a quiet vacation that isn’t too far away from activity hubs like Clearwater Beach or John’s Pass. The quieter beaches here are perfect for those seeking serenity with a side of good food and drink.

Just a brief drive from Tampa or St. Petersburg, Indian Rocks Beach offers nearly three miles of beautiful and accessible beaches along the glittering Gulf of Mexico. 

The city’s tourist population is one of its greatest assets, as people come from all over the world to visit Indian Rocks Beach for the city’s fine beaches and to watch the beautiful sunsets. The city has 27 beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. 

Also found within Indian Rocks Beach are several retail businesses and quaint restaurants for your pleasure.

Renowned for laid-back beaches and great dining, Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores are where you want to go if you want a quiet vacation that isn’t too far away from activity hubs like Clearwater Beach or John’s Pass. The quieter beaches here are perfect for those seeking serenity with a side of good food and drink.

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.

A colourful bar and a high-end restaurant also epitomise the beach town of Indian Shores. Shoppers love the John’s Pass Village in nearby Madeira Beach. 

Also don’t miss the nightly sunset celebration at Clearwater Beach Pier and be sure to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of the famous movie star, Winter the Dolphin.

Longboat Key is a charming barrier island town divided between Sarasota and Manatee counties set along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline, south of Anna Maria Island. With its 12 miles of serene white sandy beach Longboat Key offers luxury hotels, golf resorts and apartments for visitors to stay and indulge themselves.

In fact, its 12 miles of white sand beaches have helped to make this a luxury Gulf Coast resort community with a large number of Longboat Key’s nearly 6,000 resident retirees who enjoy the island’s championship golf course, tennis club, dining and shopping. 

Longboat Key brings you an elegant and scenic environment that offers the rare combination of breathtaking beaches and cultural activities – all within a relaxed and elegant lifestyle.

Legend holds that a pirate named John LeVique was the first European to “settle” the Madeira Beach area. Today, Madeira Beach, a Gulf of Mexico beach city just west of St. Petersburg, is best known for the sea-themed John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, which serves up shops and eateries and a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal.

Madeira Beach’s 2.5-mile beach attracts devotees of sun and sea, and fishing is the primary sport activity. More grouper is brought into John’s Pass than any other place in the state. In addition, each October, Madeira Beach hosts the Seafood Festival at John’s Pass, which attracts as many as 130,000 visitors to its celebration of food, music, and arts and crafts.

Beautiful Marco Island, a short ride from the Florida Everglades and close to Naples, is the largest and only developed land in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. This Gulf Coast retreat offers luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and unspoiled parks. Marco Island’s tropical climate and proximity to the ocean are huge lures.

Marco Island is home to resort hotels, rental homes, pristine beaches, marinas and golf courses, as well as a network of inland waterways. A long, sandy beach covers most of the west coast, with resort hotels in the south. Tigertail Beach Park has a tidal lagoon, popular for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Collier Seminole State Park, just a few miles from Marco Island, has primitive camping, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnic grounds, and a mile-long nature walk. Narrated boat tours of the park run on a daily basis.
Briggs Nature Center features a half-mile boardwalk where Marco Island visitors can observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Also available: shelling excursions and self-guided canoe trips.

The city of Naples, perched on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, is famous for its high-end shopping, world-class arts and culture, and sophisticated dining, family fun, and wild outdoors. Naples Beach has a pristine seven mile white sandy beach along the turquoise gulf with a serene atmosphere and a fishing pier.

Within an hour of Naples and Marco Island are millions of acres of federal and state parks, preserves and wildlife refuges. At one, a special orchid’s every bloom is recorded by caretakers. At another, endangered Florida panthers wear tracking devices. This corner of Florida is both a destination for ecotourism and a base for exploration of the vast Florida Everglades.

Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the focal points for Naples shopping in the historic downtown area, with numerous art galleries, chic clothing boutiques and home decor shops.

When it comes time for lunch or drinks and dinner, enjoy your meal with a water view, whether you choose a Naples beachfront resort or a funky bayside bar.

Located along the Gulf of Mexico about 35 miles northwest of Tampa, New Port Richey’s riverfront landscape blends nature, beaches and terrific shopping with restaurants, culture and business – all with a small-town feel. Detached Villa Rental Homes with private swimming pools offer an excellent choice of accommodation.

Rich in history, New Port Richey frequently comes alive with festivals and special events. For instance, the 11-day Chasco Fiesta, held along New Port Richey’s riverbanks, celebrates Native American heritage with a pow-wow, floats, a boat parade and more.

In addition, New Port Richey is considered part of the Tampa Bay area, a popular tourist destination with major attractions, recreation, sports and culture.

Port Charlotte, along Florida’s welcoming Gulf Coast, is about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, perfectly positioned to offer every manner of water-borne activities. Detached Villa Rental Homes with private swimming pools, many backing onto the IntraCoastal Waterways, offer an excellent choice of accommodation.

Port Charlotte features more than 165 miles of waterways, providing access to Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf of Mexico, and miles of natural shoreline bordering Charlotte Harbor and the Peace and Myakka rivers.

Seven of the 21 golf courses located in Charlotte County are found in Port Charlotte and Charlotte Sports Park is home to spring training for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tippecanoe Environmental Park in Port Charlotte offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing through 380 acres of scrub and pine flat-woods.

Tucked between Madeira Beach and Indian Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores are about as under-the-radar as it gets. The two beach communities make up over a mile of broad beachfront flanked by gorgeous emerald Gulf waters. Oceanfront rental apartment complexes offer ideal accommodation for visitors.

While the beaches here never really draw crowds (despite their natural beauty), these towns are home to some great restaurants and cafes.

You could spend hours watching dolphins and seabirds in these quiet beach towns (though the people-watching might be sparse). Beaches here are great for extra-long walks, since the shoreline goes on for miles, connecting to other communities. . 

Not staying right on the beach (or just exploring the area for the day)? No problem. There are beach parking spots, namely between 181st and 182nd avenues on the Intracoastal side (see more places to park on the beach).
Need something cute or cool to wear on or off the beach? Find a great new outfit at the Beachside Boutique in Redington Shores, owned by a mother/daughter team. Or stop in for a coffee and a visit to the gift shop at Sweet Sage Cafe & Boutique.

Rotunda is a peaceful community located on the Cape Haze Peninsula in Charlotte County, around 15 minutes drive from the local beaches at Englewood, Blind Pass, Manisota Key and Boca Grande Island. Detached Villa Rental Homes, some backing onto water, with private swimming pool offer an excellent choice of accommodation.

There are over 20 Golf Courses in Charlotte County, Parks, Local Farm Markets and so much more! There are 7 public beaches within 7 miles with first class saltwater fishing and water sports facilities.

Local activities include swimming, sunbathing, beach-combing, diving and snorkelling. Take a charter cruise or a deep sea fishing trip. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, walking and shelling are also popular activities. Rotunda also has its own wildlife sanctuary and cycle trails so the various wildlife is never far away. 

There are several large supermarkets and many excellent restaurants within a few minutes drive. For ‘retail therapy’ one of the largest shopping malls in Florida is at Port Charlotte (20 minutes). Just an hour away, for the really serious designer label shoppers, there are two large factory outlets for designer clothes, linen, trainers etc.
Rotunda is an ideal spot for days out touring the scenic areas and for a  truly relaxing holiday away from the theme parks it is hard to beat!

Sanibel Island is located along the Gulf of Mexico, just a short drive from Fort Myers, and famed for its sunsets, lighthouse and luxurious resorts. For family fun, the most popular activity is shelling: you barely can walk a step on the sandy beach without indulging in the so-called “Sanibel Stoop” to search for shells.

But there is so much else to do on Sanibel Island – fine accommodations, fresh seafood, fishing, boating, and just plain relaxation, a chance to get away from the hurly burly, a chance to draw closer to nature.

For outdoor adventures, consider the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a way station for migratory birds and a home for manatees and dolphins. Or paddle the Calusa Blueway, a featured trail in a network of water routes.

Sarasota, located one hour’s drive south of Tampa, is one of Florida’s primary Gulf Coast resort cities offering visitors pristine white sandy beaches at Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key; an eclectic blend of arts and culture, fine dining, circus thrills and a wide array of shopping districts.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota pays homage to the Ringlings, the family behind America’s most famous circus. Check out the old costumes, wagons, and the world’s largest miniature circus. Art lovers can appreciate the largest collections of Rubens canvasses in the world right in Sarasota, plus works by Old Masters.

You can also tour Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a magnificent 56-room Venetian Gothic palace and the Ringlings’ old family home.

Fine shopping is available throughout Sarasota, including St. Armand’s Circle close to the coast.

A short drive from downtown Sarasota, the barrier island of Siesta Key sits adjacent to the glittering Gulf of Mexico with its Siesta Public Beach, twice named the nation’s best. This 8-mile-long island offers shopping, resorts, dining and nightlife. Known for its white quartz sand, turquoise waters and many amenities, Siesta Key is a must-visit island paradise.

Siesta Key offers something for everyone. Siesta Key is a romantic getaway for lovers, a family fun destination, and a playground for outdoor adventures. And don’t forget: Wherever you stay, the beach and bay are always nearby.

A sparkling gem on Florida’s Gulf coast St. Petersburg Beach has the perfect ingredients for your best vacation yet: beautiful beaches, vibrant arts, family fun and a superb food and drink scene. Come soon and experience it for yourself! With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, St. Pete Beach is sure to please.

The Pass-A-Grille area offers galleries, shops and the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, which displays postcards and other artefacts in a 1917 church. Nearby, boats depart to Shell Key, a nesting site for seabirds and turtles.
Ready for a break? Kick back on the sandy white beaches of St. Pete, as the balmy waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap at your toes. Close to St. Pete Beach strikes the perfect balance for the casual, laid-back beach bum and the active attraction seeker.

Along with beautiful, award-winning beaches, St. Petersburg is home to the world-renowned Salvador Dali Museum, top-rated restaurants and beautiful Fort De Soto Park. The waterfront escape is a perfect family getaway with so many things to do! The Island area of Isla Del Sol near St. Pete has ideal rental condominiums.

The gleaming new 26-acre St. Pete Pier combines the peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with the vibrant greenery of downtown St. Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, swim, and take in a concert and more.

St. Petersburg, which glimmers between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, is known for its warm weather and for holding the title of “most consecutive days with sunshine” at 768 days!

Downtown St. Petersburg is the city’s heart, home to great shopping, restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. After making a stop to check out the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Spain, swing by the Chihuly Collection on Central Avenue to witness mind-blowing glasswork.

Whether you’re having some down time on America’s best beaches or admiring beautiful Tampa Bay from downtown St. Pete, you’re in for some major fun.

With its mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavours, vibrant business districts and beautiful waterways, Tampa is a wonderful City and area to visit with so much nearby. Home to one of Florida’s major theme parks: Busch Gardens and Adventure Island water park.

Downtown is alive with urban parks, including the gorgeous Tampa Riverwalk, hip bars and innovative restaurants, shopping, and amazing restorations of turn-of-the-century buildings.

For residents and visitors alike, there’s no shortage of family fun in Tampa, whether it’s walking the ecosystems at the Florida Aquarium, enjoying a pro football or hockey game, or riding a thrill-coaster at Busch Gardens.

For outdoors and adventure seekers who want to hike, bike, paddle or see wildlife, hit one of the Tampa area’s many parks and preserves, such as Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa or Lettuce Lake Park in north Tampa.

Tampa is known for being a great city for all ages and tastes, offering places to stay that fit any budget and catering to everyone, including families, outdoor adventure seekers, and foodies and wine connoisseurs.

Tampa International Airport is an international airport six miles west of Downtown Tampa, in Hillsborough County. The Tampa Airport Marriott Hotel is located in the Airport Terminal for those who require direct access to everything inside the Airport. There are other hotels in close proximity with Airport shuttle bus.

Boasting 70 new shops, restaurants, and spas, Tampa International Airport offers a true taste of the Tampa Bay region with local favourites such as Columbia Café, Café by Mise en Place, and Ulele. Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, TPA is only 15 minutes from downtown Tampa and 30 minutes from the region’s award winning beaches.

TPA offers over 90 nonstop flights and 260 daily departures to destinations throughout North America, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is now easier than ever before to travel to and from the Tampa Bay region.

Treasure Island, located along the Gulf of Mexico, boasts white sandy beaches, pristine waters, welcoming hotels, apartment resorts, small inns, unique restaurants and family-friendly attractions that make it the perfect destination for your vacation.Treasure Island is just a short drive from St. Petersburg and Tampa.

There are three beach areas. The first is mid-island, a very wide beach and here you will find most gulf-front motels, hotels and condo-hotels. It is a commercial area with many restaurants, shops and conveniences all within a short walking distance.

Along the mid-island stretch of Treasure Island you’ll find the .85-mile Treasure Island Beach Trail, perfect for walking, skateboarding, dog-walking and cycling. The trail meanders the beach through sea oats dunes, parallel to the shoreline.

At either end of the island, with John’s Pass to the north and Blind Pass to the south, the beaches are narrower yet no less beautiful. These beaches, known as Sunshine Beach and Sunset Beach, are home to quaint beach cottages and Key West-style three-story homes and some of the smaller “mid-century modern” motels from the ’50s and ’60s. Here you will find dunes of sea oats lining the beach with walkovers providing access. At the southern end of Treasure Island, in Sunset Beach, there is a 5/10-mile boardwalk encircling the tip of the island. This is where Blind Pass and the Gulf of Mexico meet, and it’s famous for fishing and just strolling.

Venice, just south of Sarasota along Florida’s white-sanded Gulf Coast, offers 14 miles of beaches, from Casey Key to Manasota Key and plenty of recreational opportunities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating. Shelling is also a favourite pastime on Venice Beach which is a Certified Blue Wave Beach.

Venice Beach provides a scenic view of the Venice Public Fishing Pier and many opportunities to see dolphins and shorebirds. The beaches along Venice are home to a large number of marine turtle nests between the months of May and October.

Venice also is a Florida Main Street City – its downtown graced by northern Italian architecture and beautifully landscaped boulevards that date to the original city plans of 1925 and reminiscent of the Italian city of Venice whose name it borrowed.

Golfers enjoy excellent courses in the greater Venice area.