The west coast of Florida borders the Gulf of Mexico, and outdoor vacations in this region are ideal because of its year-round warm water temperatures, sunny blue skies and sugar-white beaches. You can fly into a regional airport or drive into the state and enjoy leisurely drives along the coast through green, tropical areas---the choice is yours.
Situated in the Panhandle along the warm Gulf Coast waters, Panama City is a popular lure for thousands of spring breakers every year. Whether you're spending your vacation on a budget or have Mom and Dad to thank for footing the bill to your hotel room, various lodging options are available. This beach is populated with several restaurants, such as Dirty Dick's Crab House, a loud, lively AND casual place with seafood, salads and sandwiches. You can enjoy an affordable meal and a beer. Consider the bar Coyote Ugly Saloon if you want to hang out in a rowdy bar atmosphere laden with young beautiful girls bartending and dancing on top of the bar. Various nightclubs such as Club La Vela offer dancing and live music, and other daytime entertainment options are also available. Enjoy lying out on the white sandy beaches with your friends all day or rent water crafts and hop in the water. When you're ready to settle in for the night, budget-conscious hotels like the Days Inn as well as luxury resorts like the Marriott are available.
Days Inn Panama City
Beach/Ocean Front
12818 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-233-3333
daysinn.com
About halfway down the state, the Tampa Bay Area is home to Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. This area is ideal for families looking for a diverse vacation location. There's the Busch Gardens theme park to the east and the beaches and resorts of Clearwater and St. Petersburg to the west. Visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores, rent bicycles and tour the Pinellas Trail, spend a day at The Pier Aquarium, or go rent water sports equipment and enjoy the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. The riptide current here is minimal, making this region ideal for toddlers and young swimmers. Horseback riding, trails, lessons and ranches are also a fun and common activity. Fairs and festivals are held year-round and encompass different themes. Affordable accommodations and luxury resorts such as the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort which specialize in kid camps, family pools and activities. Family suites are available, and numerous lively, kid-friendly dining options are in the vicinity.
TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
5500 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
877-300-5522
tradewindsresort.com
Situated south of the Tampa area and Sarasota, Sanibel and Captiva islands offer 15 miles of white, silky, uninhabited beaches ideal for quiet time together spent strolling the water or shelling. The Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa is a Marriott property that offers luxury amenities such as a room with a romantic view, day spa, fine dining and harbor sunset cruises. Private villas, beachfront homes and condos are also available for overnight stays. Romantic dining establishments, such as Il Tesoro Ristorante, are nearby, or hop in the car and cross the bridge a few miles to the wine bar Bayfront Bistro and listen to live music. Whether you decide to pack a picnic lunch, grab a bottle of wine and head to the beach or wander into town during the day, plenty of activities are available. Enjoy a couple's massage together at the Marriott day spa or if you prefer stop by the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge and appreciate local wildlife. Should underwater marine life appeal to you more, rent snorkeling equipment from Sanibel Island Cruise Line for an afternoon or take a cruise and search for dolphins. Whatever you desire various options for entertainment and relaxation are offered.
Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa
17260 Harbour Point Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
888-896-1959
sanibel-resort.com
