2023 Coastal Mississippi. . Fort Myers Beach has the perfect combination of sun-kissed beaches and historic landmarks, family-friendly attractions and natural landscapes. Why Come Here: Family-friendly stretch of beach and day trips to see some of Floridas most pristine landscapes. The protected nirvana features innate beauty with a nature trail and 60 campsites. There are many, many beautiful houses with palm trees and flowers to look at. Plus, Duval Street offers some excellent nightlife. Things to Do & Attractions in Indian Shores FL - VISIT FLORIDA Also home to the University of Florida, theres a lot to explore in this spot. This city is known to have some of the best beaches in Florida. 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. No matter what stops and detours lie ahead, enjoy the journey and the memories made at each stop along the way! 6725 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223, scgov.net. 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." That does not mean visitors won't have a chock-a-block itinerary, as there are plenty of things to do at Orange Beach, from casting a line into the ocean and waiting for a fish to catch the bait or enjoying a day out at the charming coastal communities in the area. Clearwater is a laid-back, mid-size coastal city. Tourist or Local you will find just what you are looking for on Florida's Gulf Coast.If you are looking for discounts on attractions, airfare . 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. Corkscrew . 19 Top Romantic Getaways in Florida Long called the surf capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach in Brevard County has produced several big-name surfers, including Kelly Slater, an 11-time world champion . The beach, especially along Manatee Public Beach and the Beach Bistro near 64th street, is one of the best places to enjoy a Florida sunset. The staying rooms typically include king or queen-sized beds and sofa beds, to accommodate larger parties. In fact, Seaside may be best known as the location for the filmThe Truman Showstarring Jim Carrey. McGregor Boulevard. The trip from St. Petersburg back to Destin will take approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes. Required fields are marked *. 2022. The Best Stops Along the Gulf Coast of Florida (Ultimate Road Trip our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Clearwater Beach is famous for its powder-soft, sandy, white beach and is an essential stop on any gulf coast road trip! A Gulf Coast gem, St. Pete Beach offers a solid stretch of undeveloped beach. Sarasota 8. 9 Cheapest Beach Towns in Florida in 2023 - Budget Travel Buff First Timer's Guide to Florida Panhandle Beaches: Destin, 30A, Panama A visit to Pensacola is not complete without a trip to this enormous collection of military aircraft muscle and artifacts. After being founded in 1849, the hurricane wiped it away less than a century later. Known as the Shelling Capital of the World, people travel from all over the world to scour the beaches every morning for the array of unique pieces that have washed up ashore. Tarpon Springs is known for its sponges brought to shore from nearby waters. See more amazing things to do in Destin. It could be fun to plan a trip to enjoy the tours and activities in the Florida Keys, as there's always something to do. 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. !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. Seaside is off Highway 30 in South Walton. Related: This Florida State Park Preserves A Lost & Forgotten Ruin (With A Compelling History). Bonita Springs regularly makes lists of the top beaches in the state. One of the last preserved barrier islands in Florida, head here to enjoy its soft sugary sands that pair well with charming waterfront cafes and sunset cruises. People visiting this beach town must also explore the hidden Sunken gardens, free murals across the downtown area, museums, beach bars, restaurants, rooftops, and breweries. Take the bridge from Eastpoint across Apalachicola Bay to reach this 22-mile long barrier island. Tourists flock to Venice Beach in Florida for its pristine conditions, thus ranking it among the top Gulf towns in Florida. Captiva Island is three miles from Fort Myers. Silver Sands Premium Outlets is one of the most prominent designer outlet spots in the States. A family-friendly area with white sand beaches and emerald green waters, this fuss-free beach is a great place to soak up the sunshine. Thats a lot of ocean to explore, so we hope you are ready to hit the ground running. Free on-the-go breakfast, a pool, and a fitness center wrap up the benefits of a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Panama City. With mangrove forests, seaside restaurants, and historic sites, a Gulf Coast road trip through Florida is a fun-filled adventure. The Best Gulf Coast Beaches for a Relaxing Getaway - Travel Southwest Gulf Coast 2023: Best Places to Visit No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Located just over one hour south of the Southwest Florida Airport in Fort Myers, Marco Island is also a popular destination for South Floridians that cut across Alligator Alley to enjoy the west coast. See all. 20 Best Places to Visit in Florida in 2023 | U.S. News Travel Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Here are some of the best Gulf Coast beaches you can visit. Key West is at the southernmost tip of Florida. 12 Best Florida Gulf Coast Vacations for Sand and Sunshine - We3Travel This city is south of Tampa on Floridas Gulf Coast and was once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Why Come Here: World famous shelling, small-town charm, local dining, and a peaceful atmosphere. The Avalon Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg is a modern, boutique-style hotel. Its pearly dunes reveal 5000-year-old geological records,, There's some 1640 acres of natural beauty to discover at Topsail, including quiet white-sand beaches, sun-battered wetlands, sand pine scrub forest, a 2.5, Get a taste of the wilds on the Panhandle at Big Lagoon, a quilt of salt marshes, pine forest, bays, ponds and beaches, all interconnected by boardwalks, This fascinating park preserves ecosystems that run from wet prairie to sandy shoreline to the eponymous Tarkiln Bayou, an eerie, alluring spill of dark, This alluring coastal state park protects the 247-acre barrier island of the same name, a windblown, sand-strewn landscape of rolling dunes, tufts of, Our favorite beach area in Destin is this state park, which includes a 0.8-mile nature trail. Miramar Beach is among the most charming beach towns on the Florida gulf coast. 1. Perfect for: Retirees, and middle age. Because it's smaller and has fewer "big name" stores and events, Sanibel Island tends to have more tranquil year-round energy. We leave enough time on each day that you can tailor the itinerary the way youd like! It is a city of only 54,000 and is renowned for its stunning beaches. 7 Most Underrated Towns on Florida's Emerald Coast 1. This is one of my top recommended apps and I useRoadtrippers Plusto create maps for the trips I take. 16 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Florida Anna Maria Island is roughly two miles from Sarasota and its beaches. Related: Escape The Heat: 10 Coolest Places To Be During The Summer In Florida. By Lyn Mettler and Timothy J. Forster | Dec. 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Table of Contents 1 /. Though there isnt much to do here besides enjoy the view, its worth the trip just to see the sun set with this as your background. Is the Florida Gulf Coast a Good Destination to Visit with Kids? This is one of the most popular gulf coast beaches, with free beach access, gorgeous sugar-soft sand, and beautiful turquoise water. Make the 1 hour and 17-minute drive from Destin to Panama City early on day 2. Cedar Key is known to have beautiful, decade-old cedar trees lining the streets. Its a popular spot in Destin, but the lively ambiance, views, and stellar entrees are worth the wait! 11 Cheapest Places to Visit in Florida in 2023 - Budget Travel Buff 637. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City is an excellent place to spend a night in town. Destin, Florida, is known for amazing fishing. On a budget and still want to enjoy the niceties of a beach town? The five lucky states along the Gulf of Mexico, like Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, become a tourist hub in the summers which . Home to a nature preserve, it is also easy to spot dolphins and manatees, especially when kayaking through the mangroves. Please check your entries and try again. So, not only can someone get a tan here, but they'll also be able to stock up on new fashions. Related: Escape The Heat: 10 Coolest Places To Be During The Summer In Florida. They can also benefit from various amenities, including concessions, a boardwalk, volleyball courts, a sail-shaped pavilion, and restrooms. Finally, beer enthusiasts can visit Mad Craft brewing company for a mind-blowing experience. North FloridasFort Walton Beachoften gets overlooked for the more well-known Gulf Coast beaches further south, but its pristine sands, emerald waters and nearby golf courses and family-friendly attractions are a favorite for regular visitors in the know. Read more on thetravel.com. . Crime rate: 2.08 (per 1,000 residents) Median home value: $349,691. This is a hip and historic Old Florida city, with lots of fun things to do and places to discover. This app is brilliant and it creates maps like none other you can see everything from times, points of interest on your route, estimated gas costs, accommodation options, and more!
