Best Monthly Vacation Destinations along the Florida Gulf Coast
Dubbed the Sunshine State, Florida is one of the world's top tourist destinations. With over 8,000 miles of shoreline, there is no shortage of white sandy beaches on the sunny shores of Florida's Gulf Coast. But Florida offers more than sandy beaches. Florida has something for everyone, from nature reserves to romantic getaways, museums, and outdoor adventures. Here are the best travel destinations along the Florida Gulf Coast:
Pensacola Beach
On Florida's northwestern Gulf Coast lies the white sandy shores of Pensacola Beach, which spans about eight miles. Two offshore sandbars cancel out the waves, creating the perfect environment for kids to learn to swim, paddleboard, or boogie board. You can visit a beach pier in the evening to experience a spectacular sunset over Pensacola's emerald-green water.
Pensacola is home to the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which surrounds Santa Rosa Barrier Island. This protected area has diverse wildlife, including sea birds, turtles, and stingrays. Best of all, Pensacola has reasonably priced vacation rentals, restaurants, and fun-filled dog beaches.
Sarasota
Sarasota is the go-to destination for nature lovers. Here, you can explore Myakka River State Park, one of Florida's largest state parks. Then, experience the beauty of butterflies at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Don’t forget to visit The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and Ca' d'Zan to learn about Sarasota and its residents. Nothing screams family vacation more than relaxing on the beach. You can travel south of downtown Sarasota to find Siesta Key Public Beach, one of the best beaches in the US. The beach's shallow shoreline and soft sand span eight miles, ideal for kids to swim, run, walk, and build sandcastles. Sarasota is one of the best travel destinations for families along the Florida Gulf Coast.
Key Largo
If you wish to explore the undersea, visit Key Largo. Dubbed the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo is the largest island on the Florida Keys, with tons of aquatic activities. Take some time to engage in snorkeling, deep-sea diving, windsurfing, and glass-bottom boating. Key Largo is home to America's first undersea park and a living coral reef. After an eventful day, scuba dive to an underwater hotel for fine dining under the sea. You can also unwind at a local spa or grab a mouthwatering meal at one of the many restaurants around the Florida Keys.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is an idyllic strand with warm, shallow water and snow-white shores. Here, family and friends can bond on the beach or head to Pier 60 to master the art of angling. Nature lovers can visit the Clearwater Aquarium to learn about dolphins and other marine creatures. Then, travel to Clearwater Beach Island on the west to shop, dine, and unwind. There is no shortage of fun-filled activities for travelers in Clearwater, Florida.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach combines everything you need in a travel destination. You and your family or friends can participate in surfing, kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding, and other outdoor adventures on the 23 miles of beaches. If you're traveling with your kids, visit Daytona Lagoon Water Park to enjoy laser tag, go-karts, and waterslides. Head to Daytona International Speedway in February to experience the iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race. You can also travel north of Daytona Beach to relax and enjoy cultural and recreational events on Ormond Beach. This beach offers world-class resort experiences in a small-town setting. Your tour of the Florida Gulf Coast won't be complete without Key West in your itinerary.
Naples
Naples is a romantic city with several nature-focused tourist attractions. You can visit the Naples Zoo, the Naples Botanical Garden, or Clam Pass Park to explore diverse flora and fauna. Ensure to visit The Baker Museum to appreciate its art collection. Naples is also home to several art galleries, white sandy beaches, and golf courses.
Key West
Key West is the southernmost point in the US, renowned for its lively nightlife, historic sites, sandy beaches, and watersports. You can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to see the descendants of his six-toed cats. Take a drive on the 113-mile Overseas Highway with 42 bridges linking the mainland and the other Florida Keys. You can join a water tour or jet-ski around Key West to see this beautiful island in all its glory.
