Gulf coast

martinrmn

DIS Veteran
Joined
Feb 14, 2006
Messages
652
You may have read that my family and I are flying to Florida in November. We would like to spend the day on the Gulf Coast but don't really know the best area to go to. Anyone got any preferences?:confused3
 
Hi - I see no one has yet replied so to bump this thread and maybe inspire some others:

We like to go to the Gulf Coast to wind down after the hectic pace of Orlando.

We have been to Fort Myers Beach and Bradenton Beach. In fact we are returning to Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island towards the end of our upcoming holiday (we fly out on the 29th June :yay:) but suggest both are just too far for a day trip (Anna Maria at a push). However when we were out there at Easter we drove out to Clearwater Beach for the day. It is a beautiful big white beach and we spotted dolphins as well as the ever present pelicans. It took a little over an hour and a half I think and is a straightforward drive via Tampa. DD is a cast member and Clearwater Beach is a favourite for employees with time off wanting a day at the beach. It was a nice change if you just want to relax for the day away from Orlando without having to drive too far.
 
They are a bit far for a day trip but Sanibel Island and Naples are beautiful and well worth a visit.
 
We have spent a few days at St Pete Beach ~ it was really lovely there. :cloud9: Apart from spending time swimming and on the beach we went on a dolphin watching boat trip, visited Fort de Soto park and took the trolly up to Clearwater to the aquarium. I'd have no hesitation in returning.
 

We love Anna Maria island but it is quite a long way for a day trip. Caldesi island was also nice (you go across on a boat from honeymoon island state park) - again though at the limits for a day trip.

I'd definitely go gulfside - never been impressed with cocoa beach.
 
I would agree that you need to be looking at Clearwater and St Petes area if it is just a day trip. You are talking about a 90 or so minute drive out there, maybe less. Anna Maria and Longboat Key (the next island south) are closer to 2 hours drive. The beaches are all beautiful along this coast. Enjoy your day!
 












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