Play on the Gulf Coast
When you need to get away from the stresses of everyday life, the Gulf Coast of Florida has everything you’ll need to relax and unwind. Lay out on the soft white sands, frolic through the emerald waters, enjoy arts and culture destinations, or never leave your inclusive resort — however you play, this is how to enjoy the Gulf Coast!
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. Zoom around the waves with Clearwater Beach Jet Ski Rentals, who offer premium crafts and unique, family-friendly Jet Ski tours. Catch your own dinner with a fishing charter from Daisy Mae, who can take you on a four hour trip…or a four day trip! Totally Tubular Watersports has just about everything you’ll need for a day on the water, from boat rentals and dolphin tours to sunset cruises, tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
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 day so you can enjoy the sunset in coziness.
One of the premier golf destinations in the U.S., as well as a luxurious Gulf Coast destination, Innisbrook, a Salamander Resort may not be the first place you think of when you think “family resort.” But, once you see all the kid friendly activities they have to offer, you’ll see this resort in a whole new light! The fun begins at the six swimming pools, including the Loch-Ness Monster pool with crazy, twisty waterslides that’ll have you all screaming with joy. There’s also a zero entry pool for toddlers who want to play in shallow waters, and even a sandy beach for building sandcastles. After water play is over, towel the kids off and watch them monkey around on the playground or zoom around on bikes. And the golfing here is not just for the grown ups; they have a fantastic mini golf course! Now, this is still a luxurious resort, so that means beautiful guest rooms or suite accommodations that make you all feel like resort royalty while you relax after a long day of play. (The adults may want to take the relaxation to the next level at the brand new full-service luxury spa, featuring 12 treatment rooms, personalized services and much more!)
clearwaterbeachjetskirentals.com
clearwaterfishing.com
ttwclearwater.com
sandpearl.com
innisbrookgolfresort.com
St. Petersburg
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.
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.
Uniqueness in hotels does not always mean small; in the case of the The Don Cesar, it is its grandness that in fact makes it unique. A breathtaking “Pink Palace” that sits on the crystalline sands of St. Pete’s beach, facing the Gulf, this hotel was originally erected in 1928 and exudes an aura of Roaring 20s glamour. Once a playground for distinguished celebrities, the seaside Don CeSar Hotel continues to charm and impress guests today with service preserved from the Great Gatsby era of pampering. Renovated guestrooms, refreshed public spaces, sugar-sand beaches, Spa Oceana, poolside activities and award-winning dining await visitors who return season after season. And, for the ultimate beach getaway, the Don Cesar also offers Beach House Suites. This coastal cool collection of 70 all-suite accommodations is just one-half mile down the beach from the dining, shopping and amenities of the legendary Pink Palace itself. Ideal for families, groups or those looking for extended stay comfort, spread out with spacious gathering areas and home-like amenities. Savor superb views of tropical gardens, the outdoor heated pool and sparkling Gulf of Mexico.
johnspass.com
sunkengardens.org
doncesar.com
Bradenton
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.
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.
For a completely unique and utterly Amelia 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.
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islandtimebarandgrill.com
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thefishhole.com
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Sarasota
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
siestakeywatersports.com
gulfsidepaddleboards.com
ringling.org
selby.org
starmandscircleassoc.com
lidobeachresort.com
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.
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!
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supvenicefl.com
beachcomberinvenice.com
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.
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.
edisonfordwinterestates.org
sundialresort.com
