Many Britons head off to Florida every year, the majority intent on staying around Orlando to visit the many theme parks based there. However, to view Florida’s most stunning sunsets and to experience an overall more Floridian adventure, clued-up visitors aim for the beautiful Gulf Coast.
The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico break upon miles of golden beaches along Florida’s western coast, proving a popular draw for those who want the benefits of the Florida climate, but without the queues of altogether frenetic theme park visits.
The biggest city on the Florida Gulf Coast and one to which major airlines fly direct is Tampa. With its trendy bars and hip nightlife this thriving city proves a draw to party lovers from all over the world. And close by to this thriving metropolis are many other towns and cities that also extend a warm welcome to visitors.
Cultural Sarasota provides a more sedate pace and offers a great selection of museums, including the famous Ringling Museum, art galleries, opera and ballet. In addition, Sarasota offers award-winning beaches, a huge selection of water sports, and a fine selection of designer shops.
Naples markets itself as the ‘crown jewel of southwest Florida’; it is renowned for its sun drenched white sand beaches, world class dining and shopping on Fifth Avenue South and a proliferation of top quality golf courses. It is home to some of Florida’s most exclusive real estate, comprising expansive waterfront estates and luxury condos.
The adjacent towns of St. Petersburg and Clearwater are both a stone’s throw from Tampa, where fishing features large in both parts of the island conurbation. Catamaran cruising and big game fishing boat trips are popular activities and water sports also feature in the area.
For dedicated sports fans Gulf Coast holidays provide the perfect excuse to get away to watch a selection of professional teams based in and around the Tampa area. As well as being home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the city also boasts a Major League Baseball franchise, namely the Devil Rays, and National Hockey League team, The Lightning. From the end of February to the start of April visitors can watch no less than five MLB teams around the Tampa area, all honing their skills for the season ahead by participating in the Spring Training Grapefruit League.
There are also some quieter, smaller island resorts on the Gulf Coast where the visitor can totally relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, such as Marco Island, Fort Myers, and the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Here the pace of life is truly sedate and wildlife is in abundance.
However, for those that definitely, absolutely, must have a theme park fix, then all is not lost; they can always take advantage of a trip to marvellous Busch Gardens in Tampa.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only. |
