The Gulf Coast has
770 miles of stunning white beaches, lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and almost guaranteed sunshine. If you ever tire of lying on the beach (really?) then head off and enjoy a visit to a wildlife sanctuary or try a little retail therapy in the amazing outlet malls. We can reassure you that you don’t need to compromise on the quality of accommodation – in fact, it might even be better than the equivalent elsewhere in Florida and prices are competitive.
So which of the resorts of the Gulf Coast to choose? Here are some of our favourites.
Naples and Marco Islands
From beachside condos to
five-star luxury hotels, surrounded by pristine beaches and – the big attraction - GOLF! Try Lely Flamingo’s championship tees or 18 holes at Pelican’s Nest where even the most accomplished players will be challenged. Being islands, these resorts are also sailors’ delight with moorings and marinas, such as
Naples Bay Resort, and there are plenty of water sports on offer too.
Sarasota
All that sea and sand doesn’t mean you have to leave civilisation behind. Visitors to Sarasota appreciate the arts, shopping and dining experiences that the city has to offer alongside family friendly beaches and watersports. Visit the Mote Aquarium, take in an opera or check out the many festivals that take place during the year to get the full Sarasota experience.
St Pete’s
No visit to Florida is complete without some serious shopping and St Petersburg (or St Pete’s as it’s known) is the place to go. The number one beach in America, according to TripAdvisor, with its crystal clear, tropical waters and golden sunsets will be hard to leave. But jump on a bike and steer to The Pier for shopping or feed the pelicans while dolphins leap in the ocean beside you. Accommodation and the many dining options are located on the beachfront or head for the Arts District to add a cultural dimension to your stay.
So whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach idyll, a sporting break or an appreciation of Florida’s cultural scene, you can’t choose better than the Gulf Coast resorts.
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