Voted Forbes ‘Best place to travel in the U.S 2023’, where better to start than this artistic, vibrant and family friendly gem. Renowned for being one of the United States best beaches, a stay wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Pier 60 where you can rent a shaded cabana, go on a dolphin cruise or even just enjoy the sunset from a multitude of mouth-watering seafront restaurants.
Bring your family, a loved one or just yourself to The Hyatt Regency Clearwater located conveniently on the beachfront and within walking distance to the famous Pier 60. If you don’t fancy walking, then unwind at the spa or on the 8th floor pool deck and simply just take in this picturesque location.
Nicknamed the Sunshine City, St Petersburg holds the Guinness world record for the most consecutive days of sunshine alongside having the largest pride celebration anywhere in Florida.
It’s not just the sun that brings in flocks of people every year, the city is a hub of culture and fine art with the likes of the Salvador Dali Museum, The Sunken Botanical Gardens and also the home of the Florida Orchestra. These sights are all within walking distance of the recently refurbished The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. This historic hotel boasting its famous golf course, is situated perfectly along the waterfront in the beating heart of downtown St Petersburg.
The largest city in The Gulf Coast, Tampa blends together Spanish and Cuban influences to deliver a unique mixture of culture, architecture and a vibrant way of life. The city is famous for its many beautiful waterways, preserves and roaming roosters.
Take a leisurely stroll through Hillsborough River State Park or get the adrenaline pumping on one of the many attractions at Busch Gardens. Getting around has never been more exciting; bike, paddle or head onto the waterways to see the city from the deck of one of the many pirate water taxis. For the nature lovers amongst you, there is no better place to visit than the Crystal River and Homosassa Springs area located just outside of Tampa Bay and famous for being the home of the manatee.
With everything Tampa has to offer, staying here couldn’t be made easier than having a room at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. This sophisticated hotel located on the riverwalk, boasts modern luxuries all the while being within touching distance of the many attractions in this vibrant area.
Adorned with spectacular beaches, its no wonder Sarasota consistently ranks in the Travellers Choice ‘Top Beaches Worldwide’. The eclectic combination of a serene coastline, Venetian Gothic architecture and a history associated with America’s most famous circus make for quite the contrasting stay.
The Ca' d'Zan Mansion is a must see, owned by the Ringling Circus family this property dominates the landscape as a testimonial to the American Dream. Once you’ve had your fill of the bizarre, unwind with a trip to the St. Armand’s Circle for some of the best shopping in Sarasota, explore on kayak the many mangroves or just sit back and relax at Siesta Key, a white sand oasis.
Contemporary style and a luxury waterfront location collide at the Zota Beach resort. Located on Longboat Key this resort is surrounded by the shimmering Gulf Coast and is only a short drive to all the main sights that truly make Sarasota unique.
Known as the ‘City of Palms’ and the seashell capital of the world, Fort Myers caters to everyone from the adventurous, to the sand sprawlers or the family who just want fun in the sun. The area is a playground for wildlife lovers with its resident dolphins and sea birds which you can spot as you paddle through the waterways or take a boat to one of the neighbouring islands.
Sanibel Island is a charming blend of island life and city living. Stroll down the beach collecting the coveted sea shells or pay homage to the molluscs at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. If the coast hasn’t caught your eye then pick up a paddle and explore the 6400 acre mangrove ecosystem that is the J.N ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Continuing further north, you can cross the small bridge at Blind Pass to get to the hidden treasure that is Captiva. This intimate Island paradise offers secluded beaches and gastronomic delights certain to satisfy any taste. From here you can also get a boat out to see the local dolphins and hopefully even spot a grazing manatee. On a very clear night you may even get a glimpse of the natural phenomenon known as the ‘Green Flash’ whilst the sunsets, truly making for a magical end to any day.
Fort Myers and the surrounding islands have fallen upon some hard times in the recent wake of Hurricane Ian, so whilst the landscape may be different, the feeling you will leave this place with certainly hasn’t changed.
Reopening at the end of 2024, South Seas Island Resort is a picture perfect snippet into this jewel of the Gulf Coast. Set amongst a secluded 330 acre nature reserve with 2 and a half miles of beach, South Seas delivers the perfect getaway for couples, families and solo travellers alike.
Not to be confused for its European namesake, Naples is a hub of high end shopping, powdered beaches and sprawling ecosystems, its no wonder that it was named the ‘Best Place to Live in the U.S 2023’. With over 700 restaurants, a never ending supply of boutique and high end shops, it’s easy to lose yourself in the buzz of these hotspots. Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the focal points of Naples high street scene, clustered with galleries, chic boutiques and luxury retail it’s easy to work up an appetite. Luckily when it comes to that, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Head to the waterfront to either take in the peaceful coastal views or walk to the bayside area for some incredible stone crab. Between enjoying the attractions of the city, Naples famous pier offers some amazing opportunities for dolphin watching, fishing or just watching the sunset.
For the nature lovers and enthusiasts amongst you, leave the city behind and you will be hugely rewarded. The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the habitat of a multitude of rare and endangered species, most famously the manatee, American crocodile and the elusive panther. Take to one of the many famed airboats and weave through the Everglades in your pursuit of these incredible animals.
After a full on day of exploration kick back at Inn on Fifth, a beautifully boutique luxury hotel in a prime location where you can relax in the spa or unwind on the rooftop pool deck.
The largest area and also the only inhabited region of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island makes up the final piece of the Paradise Coast alongside Naples and the Everglades.
This alluring utopia is surrounded by beautiful reserves, unspoilt beaches and a myriad of fine dining. From your doorstep hop on a boat or ride a canoe to the nearby islands in search of dolphins, turtles and rare birds. With the Everglades also a stones throw away, take to the waterways of Collier Seminole State Park or venture onto the half-mile boardwalk of the Briggs Nature Center.
Decompress in splendour at the JW Marriott Marco Island, situated on three miles of private beach with two championship golf courses. Every room also has its own balcony or terrace so even after a day in paradise you can still sit back and take in the awe-inspiring surroundings.
For more inspiration take a look at our Gulf Coast Holidays pages.
Written by Peter Smith
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