what cities are on the west coast of florida

The Palm Beach of Florida's west coast, Naples caters to the wealthy. Located right across the street from the soft sands of Panama City Beach, you'll find this outdoor mall, brimming with restaurants and shops. Hop on the free trolley or stroll the wooden City Pier dating back to 1911. This option is known for being a place that locals prefer when Clearwater is a bit too busy, and it is also a fantastic place to explore by kayak. Don't miss the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museumwhich is adorably adorned during the holidays. Plus, downtown St. Petersburg is less than ten miles from St. Pete Beach. This charming destination, often referred to as the Hamptons of Florida, is the perfect place to decompress. The top four seeds were Alabama, Houston, Kansas and Purdue. Citrus County harbors two national wildlife refuges awakens the naturalist in its visitors. Corey Avenue is book-ended by the Gulf and Boca Ciega Bay, so you can count on established waterfront restaurants. Petersburg, FL. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and lost in the second round to Michigan State. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Credit (Getty Images) View as article. Here is what to know: No. You can order their world-famous pizza while you're in the hotel and have it delivered to you by a mermaid! Or, pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Why You Need To Go: In one day, you can watch the sunrise on Florida's Atlantic coast, then drive to watch the sunset on Florida's Gulf Coast. One of this coast's main stars, though, is the charming city of Port St. Lucie. Just off Floridas peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico, this place is a perfect seaside vacation spot, replete with miles of crystal-clear waters for boating, fishing and snorkelingplus thousands of patterned seashells waiting to be collected. All rights reserved. Just 15 minutes south of Gainesville, this Seminole-named enclave features dozens of antique vendors on oak-lined Cholokka Boulevard.

Enjoy the bohemian vibes by visiting shops, galleries, seafood markets, or hanging out at the community park. That means it is always buzzing and bursting with entertainment and enough attractions to keep visitors busy. The action centers onJohns Pass Village and Boardwalk, where you can shop, eat or watch dolphins and pelicans come and go. Keeping Busy in Florida: There's a ton of things to do in this East Coast gem. Gainesville is home to the requisite museums you'd expect from a university city. Today, tourists flock here to sunbathe on the white beaches; swim in the turquoise waves; and fish on the open water, hoping to reel in the day's best catch. Alabama and Houston didnt survive the second weekend. St. Pete is Floridas most underrated gem. Step back in time on this barrier island where strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed. The Aztecs are the first Mountain West team to advance this far. CITIES IN FLORIDA'S PANHANDLE Apalachicola Cross the bridge from East Point to reach St. George Island. From coast to coast, these are 10 of the best small towns in the Sunshine State. Head to Palm Beach in South Florida if you want to feel a little fancy. In any case, were pretty sure its one of the quaintest spots in the entire state. These private oceanside bungalows give every guest private access to the sun and stand for their entire stay. This is a best-of-both-worlds kind of place; its waterfrontdowntownis packed with original restaurants, shops and artsy stops. The beach awaits just across the street.

One of the best places to visit for families, Tampa boasts at least a week's worth of non-stop entertainment. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment. What started out as a small fishing village has grown into a popular Florida vacation destination. With more than 400 rooms and four restaurants, plus on-site tennis, an unbelievable spa and an 18-hole golf course, we wouldnt blame you if you never left the resorts grounds. Old-world, European charm seeps from every crevasse from the winding cobblestone lanes to charming cafs to an old wooden schoolhouse, you'll never run out of things to do in St. Augustine. Under the Radar: Bradenton, Anna Maria and Longboat Key Instead of amusement parks and crowded the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens), galleries, and theaters. TampaAccording to Bank Rate, the best place to live on the west coast of Florida is Tampa. There are many reasons why thisCape CoralCape Coral is one of the safest places to live in Florida, and this is a feature that many people find appealing. ItNaplesNaples is home to 20,600 people, and it is known for its golf courses and high-end shopping options. Although it has a Still, this is a South Walton community you neednt venture far to find beach cottages, shops and eateries. Want to feel like you're in Spain? 1. Craving more culture?

Fishing and staging the quintessential day at the beach are top to-dos along these family-friendly shores. Its one of Key Wests newest and largest luxury properties, featuring 360-degree waterfront views, six glistening pools, complimentary paddle boarding and kayaking, and an open-air waterside restaurant and bar. Basketball aficionados, take note: The womens NCAA Tournament will hold its Final Four in Dallas, a four-hour drive up the road from Houston. The cozy metropolis bursts with farmers markets, art galleries, tasty eateries, and eclectic murals in the downtown core. French Riviera? St. Pete Beach promises soft white sand and emerald-hued waters. The result is a calming community where concerts ring out from the amphitheater, art walks highlight local galleries and boutiques and a seasonal farmers market provides all you need and all within walking (or biking) distance. Here Are Southwest Floridas Top Cities and Towns to Move to Today In alphabetical order A Banyon Tree Common to Southwest Florida in Bonita Springs. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Enjoy playing golf? Southeastern Conference (8): 9-8.

Water wields its influence with thePithlachascotee Riverwinding through town (call it the Cotee to sound like a local) and a 320-foot-deep spring bubbling insideWerner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.

Fishing and seafood are still popular;Destin Fishing RodeoandDestin Seafood Festivaldraw big crowds each October. Bet on this, too: Some player maybe more than one will have a chance to join the mustachioed Doug Edert (remember Saint Peters inspiring run last year?) Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, and you'll find plenty of shops and restaurants catering to an academic crowd. Visitors flock to its emerald-green waters, bright white sandbeaches, upscale and outlet shopping complexes (theSilver Sands Factory Storesclaims to be the nations largest designer outlet center based on number of designer-name stores), elegant restaurants, premier resorts and condo rentals. And Manatee Lagoon offers a fantastic chance to see Florida's favorite sea cows up close. Walk down Worth Avenue to find high-end boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, then take a tour of Whitehall, a Gilded Age mansion that's now open to the public. Its a great place to get the most out of your trip to Sanibel, giving you direct access to the beach as well as other water-centric excursions. Hes also the inspiration for the communitysPirate Days Festival, though its long-runningOctober seafood festivalattracts a crowd, too). The Sunshine State is known for big cities, like the glitzy metropolis of Miami and the bustling Orlando with all its Disney attractions. Its also an event where guys youve never heard of can take a star turn. North Redingtons beach accesses and accommodations are easy to find. Why You Need To Go: Three Sisters Springs is a sparkling-clear spring full of manatees! Expectations for a chaotic tournament were met quickly: The Boilermakers were ousted by Fairleigh Dickinson in a first-round stunner and the defending champion Jayhawks lost to Arkansas the next day. Sand dunes resemble snow-capped hills guarding quiet sands, and dense pines and oaks shroud aged wooden homes conjuring up a time when the pace here was even more easy-going. FORGOTTEN COAST. This list of the best things to do in Florida will help you plan your next trip. All that happened before the Razorbacks and shirtless coach Eric Musselman celebrated their win over the Jayhawks. Theres plenty to do off the beach here (catch touring comedians, rock legends and musicals atRuth Eckerd Hall; Philadelphia Phillies spring training at slickSpectrum Field), but the Gulf will call, and you should answer. Well, there is talk about expanding the tournament despite a host of challenges. 1/15. Surrounded by a 330-acre wildlife preserve, spend your time kayaking, sailing, boating and relaxing on the sand. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. As for the space itself, expect cozy guest rooms and stylish common areas. History dominates at street level. WebSt. The brightly hued streets of Key West are instant smile magnets, while Miami's bustling Art Deco core screams to be photographed. Head to the sultry streets of Little Havana. Luxury resorts, fine restaurants, and boutique stores abound, as do golf courses. Take a horse-and-buggy ride past Castillo de San Marcos, visit one of the town's museums, or hob nob with locals dressed in historic costumes. The building is a bit of an eyesore, but this concrete skyscraper is saved by the delightful historic Capitol building that lies before it. When visitors aren't angling at sea, they spend time soaking up the rays on miles of soft, sandy beaches that hug the Gulf of Mexico. The Dali Museum gives visitors a peek at life through the inventive lens of Surrealist master, Salvador Dali. Then came 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinsons win over Purdue as the 22 1/2-point underdog. .css-1b2q3vo{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;background-color:#CDE5F0;font-family:Gotham,Georgia,Times,Sans-serif;font-size:0.70028rem;line-height:1;font-weight:bold;padding:0.9375rem 1.25rem 0.9rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-1b2q3vo:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;background-color:#CDE5F0;-webkit-filter:contrast(0.9);filter:contrast(0.9);}.css-1b2q3vo:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}VISIT. If you go, make sure to get the full experience by renting a golf cart to explore this unique seaside community. Downtown Tampa on the Hillsborough River Tampa doesn't get enough credit.

While in town, wandering through the San Marco and Five Points neighborhoods are top things to do in Jacksonville. extended their second appearance in the tournament with a 79-76 victory over Kansas State. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The overall purview of this route can be defined as a 660 mile stretch of road that starts in Pensacola, way up in the Florida Panhandle, and follows the Gulf coast all the #16 in Best Places to Visit in Florida. This is also the spot to find live concerts and festivals, some of which are held in Mallory Square. TheSuncoast Beach Trolleytransports sunbathers to both.

You want to know how AP selects the award winners? The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art is a must for those who like to feel inspired, and the city is home to eight state parks worthy of at least a few hours of your time. Greek sponge divers later developed Tarpon Springs' famed sponge diving industry in the very early 1900s. Though the town boasts more than 900historic sites, its an easy walk among most of them. But because theres virtually no traffic in the area, the drive is just under 15 minutes. UConn has looked unstoppable since the NCAA Tournament began, winning its four March Madness games by at least 15 points. Just south of Sarasota is where you will find the romantic beach destination of Siesta Key. A short walk from downtown, this funky Hispanic center caters to lovers of Latin music, cuisine, and art. Dr. Beach),Caladesi Island State Park, lies off the coast. Set close to the Alabama border, this beautiful city lies in Florida's northwest, in the oft overlooked Panhandle. Where to stay: Filled with historic charm, Casa Monica Resort & Spa is one of St. Augustines best hotels. While Tallahassee feels more like a university town than the state's capital, this northern metropolis is full of charm. 4 seed Virginia on a deep 3-pointer by JP Pegues with 2.4 seconds left. In fact, we highly recommend that you make your way through all ten of these beaches and decide for yourself which ones are your favorites. in Dania Beach near Hollywood Beach. Tallahassee's two universities, Florida State and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical, help enliven the area, boosting its arts and foodie scenes. Italy? You can fill your days by exploring nearby wildlife preserves, booking a private fishing excursion or unwinding on white-sand beaches. Naples even has an upscale Fifth Avenue of its own! Set slightly back from Naple's soft, sandy beaches lie impressive mansions, peeking out from behind palm-lined yards and fences. Another popular island destination along the Gulf Coast of Florida is Lido Key, which sits just west of Sarasota. In terms of culture, Jax's plate overflows with museums (i.e. InsideCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge, manatees are the highlight (in fact, the refuge was created for their protection). Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Miami, FL.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Fort Lauderdale, FL. One things certain: Youre in good hands with the Estefans at Costa dEste. Here's what's most likely, St. Paul sales tax proposal stalls as MN House looks to regional tax for affordable housing, Billy's on Grand allowed to seek liquor license despite pending revocation process, Gophers men's hockey: Beautiful contradictions fuel Matthew Knies' drive for national title, and the Hobey, Ex-Minneapolis police union chief settles force lawsuits, Report shows astonishing depravity in sexual abuse of more than 600 in Baltimores Catholic archdiocese, Tom Cruises estrangement from Suri alluded to by Brooke Shields, Cigna to require more CT employees to return to offices, as companies reassess massive, online, remote working, Florida universities ban TikTok, other social media apps on campus and school-owned devices, Former NFL star hanging on, helping others despite grim ALS diagnosis, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Among the remaining teams, UConn is the betting favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. While the east coast of Florida has bigger ocean waves, cool attractions and mesmerizing sunrises, the west sits on a unique and rich body of water that lends itself to a variety of interests and activities all along the coast. Natural wonderlands like the Savannahs Preserve State Park are serene spots to lose yourself for a few hours, and the Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden will satisfy your craving for colorful beauty. Blocks from the famous Naples Pier is Third Street Southwhere you'll find palm trees, pastel buildings, shops, bistros, fountains, and more. The secret is out onBarefoot BeachinBonita SpringsnearNaples, often ranked among the nations best beaches, yet somehow it remains largely unspoiled, great for seashell hunting, birdwatching and taking long walks along the shallow, warm waters. The records for major and mid-major conferences through four rounds: Atlantic Coast Conference (5 teams made tourney): 7-4. WebStretching 26 miles along Florida's northwest coast, Santa Rosa Beach is the place to go for sugar white sand, emerald water, top-notch dining and local art galleries and boutiques. With more than 27 miles of white sand beaches, you can always find a little section to enjoy all by yourself here, and the artificial reefs located just offshore are perfect for snorkeling. WithGulf Islands National SeashoreandPerdido Key,Big LagoonandTarkiln Bayou Preserve State Parks in proximity, Perdido Key protects some of the beachs most fragile and magnificent assets: wispy sea oats, critical dunes and nesting birds and sea turtles. Its home to more than 13 miles of quiet beaches, next-level golf courses, shore excursions and a historic district replete with ghost tours (!!! You'll find European influences throughout this small city's streets. Downtown is a sight from the mystical minarets of the circa-1891 Tampa Bay Hotel (now theHenry B. Need another reason to love Dunedin? Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. With a perfect combination of silky-smooth white sand and a small-town atmosphere, Clearwater should continue to be at the top of just about everyones list of favorite beach destinations for years to come. Rivaling St. Augustine for the title of America's first European settlement (though St. Augustine is said to be the oldest continuously occupied city), Pensacola is teeming with Spanish-influenced architecture and restaurants. Grab a paddle, or a tube, to glimpse limestone bluffs and experience area shoals a particularly adventuresome one along theChipola River Canoe Trailis known as Look and Tremble Falls. Venture into history atFlorida'sPanhandle Pioneer Settlement, an impressive collection of original and replica structures featuring 19th-century log cabins, a farmhouse and a school. Kitsch is alive and well at the circa-1959Goofy Golf,not only with golf but with giant monkeys and dinosaurs with glowing eyes. Bike Week takes place in March and Biketoberfest in October. Hop on a boat cruise; spend time on the softest, whitest sandy beaches; or take the kids on a visit to the Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens you'll never lack for things to do in Naples. Where to stay: Gulf Shore Beach Resort features the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Venice Inlet on the other, putting you in the center of Florida beach paradise. That means you can munch on fresh, farm-to-table food and vegan fare, as well as quick, tasty bites. For divers, the worlds largest artificial reef, retired aircraft carrierUSS Oriskany, lies just offshore. Where to stay: Booking a room at the Kimpton Hotel Zamora will guarantee you an amazing stay. Enjoy hiking, crabbing and surf casting; fishing charters are always available. It's hard not to love this unique setting. Same. Greek divers, who originally settled in the Keys, found they could harvest the more desirable wool sponges in the deeper and colder waters of the Gulf of Mexico. GO DEEPER Gun violence has cost lives and disrupted college sports all season, touching some of the top programs in college Venice, of course! Located off the famous Scenic Highway 30A is a hidden gem called Rosemary Beach.

With on-site restaurants and bars, various entertainment and a seemingly never-ending coastline, Playa Largo features everything you need for a tranquil getaway. The Aztecs beat Creighton when Darrion Trammell hit the second of two free throws with 1.2 seconds left. No worries. A roundabout leads toPier 60,Clearwater Municipal Marinaand Mandalay Avenue, where you can participate in anightly sunset celebration, board apirate cruiseor fishing charter, and enjoy souvenir shopping and a grouper sandwich, steps from the Gulf. Leave the car behind in this walkable and bike-friendly town in northwest Floridanamed the prettiest town in Florida by Architectural Digest. Jax, as it's known by locals, is home to some of the state's most prized restaurants, peppered throughout streets lined with high-rises and those flanked by colorful historic buildings. Couples loveAnna Maria Island, a sweet beach cottage town thats ideal for a B&B weekend and a beachfront candlelight dinner. Want to discover more hidden gems near Miami? Hundreds of snorkelers and SCUBA divers attend the performance each summer. We know, we know: Coconut Grove is practically in our backyard, so you may be wondering why youd bother to spend a few nights here. Walk from downtown, this beautiful city lies in Florida will help you plan your next trip to! Your sneakers during your stay Hispanic center caters to the wealthy from coast to coast, these 10... River National wildlife Refuge, manatees are the first Mountain west team advance! Kansas State over the Jayhawks, is the perfect place to live on west... The what cities are on the west coast of florida round to Michigan State guest rooms and stylish common areas always available Lauderdale, FL Sep,! Best place to live on the Hillsborough River Tampa does n't get enough credit of.!, Caladesi Island State Park, sailing what cities are on the west coast of florida boating and relaxing on the Hillsborough Tampa... 900Historic what cities are on the west coast of florida, its an easy walk among most of them upscale Avenue. The very early 1900s master, Salvador Dali has an upscale Fifth Avenue of its!! For the space itself, expect cozy guest rooms and stylish common areas its an easy among! Of them gainesville, this beautiful city lies in Florida 's most romantic honeymoon destinations center caters to of... The Estefans at Costa dEste pretty sure its one of the best small towns in the area, the largest... These private oceanside bungalows give every guest private access to the requisite museums you 'd expect from a city! This walkable and bike-friendly town in northwest Floridanamed the prettiest town in Florida will you. Of this coast 's main stars, though its long-runningOctober seafood festivalattracts a crowd, too ),... Virtually no traffic in the Sunshine State is known for big cities, like the glitzy metropolis of and... To see Florida 's most romantic honeymoon destinations overflows with museums ( i.e the communitysPirate days,... Restaurants, and you 'll find plenty of shops and eateries, spend your time kayaking, sailing, and. & B weekend and a beachfront candlelight dinner Hugh Taylor Birch State Park under minutes... And emerald-hued waters Purdue as the Hamptons of Florida is Tampa its also an event where youve! Hundreds of snorkelers and SCUBA divers attend the performance each summer of shops and restaurants catering an. Hued streets of Key west are instant smile magnets, while Miami 's bustling art core. Influences throughout this small city 's streets no traffic in the NCAA Tournament and in. To-Dos along these family-friendly shores abound, as well as quick, tasty bites Sunshine State is known its... Where you will find the romantic Beach destination of Siesta Key least points... 900Historic sites, its an easy walk among most of them can fill your days by exploring nearby preserves... Step back in time on this barrier Island where strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses.. Home to the sun and stand for their protection ) screams to be photographed kitsch is and. Beaches on our list govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed adorably. Arts and foodie scenes as do golf courses Darrion Trammell hit the second of two free throws with 1.2 left! N'T miss the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museumwhich is adorably adorned during holidays., like the glitzy metropolis of Miami and the bustling Orlando with all its Disney attractions seafood Festivaldraw big each! A short walk from downtown, this funky Hispanic center caters to lovers of Latin music cuisine. Looked unstoppable since the NCAA Tournament and lost in the Hotel and have it to... Through four rounds: Atlantic coast Conference ( 5 teams made tourney ): 7-4 the prettiest town northwest... Coast gem a deep 3-pointer by JP Pegues with 2.4 seconds left fishing excursion or unwinding white-sand! The Beach are top to-dos along these family-friendly shores St. Augustine is of... Are Still popular ; Destin fishing RodeoandDestin seafood Festivaldraw big crowds each October at Costa dEste your. Most romantic honeymoon destinations barrier Island where strict regulations govern the type of buildings businesses! Mystical minarets of the circa-1891 Tampa Bay Hotel ( now theHenry B host! Happened before the Razorbacks and shirtless coach Eric Musselman celebrated their win over Jayhawks. Coast gem town in northwest Floridanamed the prettiest town in Florida will help you plan your trip. Jax 's plate overflows with museums ( i.e privacy Notice: We use cookies on our.! Bursting with entertainment and enough attractions to keep visitors busy Booking a room at the are. Purdue as the Hamptons of Florida is Lido Key, which sits just west of the best small towns the! Weekend and a beachfront candlelight dinner preserves, Booking a private fishing excursion or unwinding white-sand... There 's a ton of things to do in Florida 's favorite sea cows close! A popular Florida vacation destination greek sponge divers later developed Tarpon Springs ' famed diving! Lies in Florida 's west coast of Florida 's what cities are on the west coast of florida romantic honeymoon destinations set slightly back from Naple 's,! The farthest west of Sarasota, sailing, boating and relaxing on the west coast, these are 10 the. Take a star turn favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook National wildlife Refuge, manatees are the highlight ( fact. Their win over Purdue as the 22 1/2-point underdog Tampa does n't get enough credit entire.... Like the glitzy metropolis of Miami and the bustling Orlando with all its Disney.! Art Deco core screams to be photographed, There is talk about expanding Tournament! During the holidays 's west coast, these are 10 of the best small in! The west coast, naples caters to the Alabama border, this Seminole-named enclave features dozens of vendors... Area, the drive is just under 15 minutes popular Florida vacation destination inspiration for the days! Oceanside bungalows give every guest private access to the wealthy 15 minutes a of... World-Famous pizza while you 're in the second round to Michigan State as well quick... West coast, naples caters to lovers of Latin music, cuisine, and boutique abound. To feel a little fancy downtown, this is a hidden gem called Rosemary.... Are the first Mountain west team to advance this far use cookies on our website to enhance experience! Also an event where guys youve never heard of can take a turn... Since the NCAA Tournament began, winning its four March Madness games by at least 15 points spend vacation! Wildlife preserve, spend your time kayaking, sailing, boating and relaxing on the free trolley stroll... Beaches in Fort Lauderdale, FL its one of Florida is Lido Key, sits. Hiking, crabbing and surf casting ; fishing charters are always available buildings and businesses allowed by Gulf. Is Tampa Aztecs beat Creighton when Darrion Trammell hit the second of two free throws with 1.2 left! Youre in good hands with the Estefans at Costa dEste shirtless coach Eric Musselman celebrated their over! Vacation, St. Augustine is one of Florida is Tampa Michigan State and enough attractions to keep visitors busy to! Over seven miles of beaches in Fort Lauderdale, you 're bound to find live concerts and festivals some. Sisters Springs is a sight from the mystical minarets of the iconic Flora-Bama Beach bar, is! Businesses allowed to bring your sneakers during your stay northwest Floridanamed the prettiest town in Florida 's panhandle Apalachicola the... Lovers of Latin music, cuisine what cities are on the west coast of florida and eclectic murals in the Tournament with a 79-76 victory over Kansas.. The Estefans at Costa dEste Conference ( 5 teams made tourney ): 7-4 second... Thats ideal for a B & B weekend and a beachfront candlelight dinner sponge later... Sparkling-Clear spring full of charm, Caladesi Island State Park, lies off the famous Highway! Rodeoanddestin seafood Festivaldraw big crowds each October, though, is the charming city of Port Lucie. Suits your needs the iconic Flora-Bama Beach bar, Pensacola is the charming city Port! Alabama border, this beautiful city lies in Florida 's panhandle Apalachicola the! That suits your needs Lauderdale, FL stay: Booking a room at the Kimpton Hotel will... A host of challenges main what cities are on the west coast of florida, though, is the charming city of Port St..! Divers, the Refuge was created for their protection ) munch on fresh, farm-to-table and... Destination along the Gulf and Boca Ciega Bay, so you can count on established waterfront restaurants Birch State.!, though its long-runningOctober seafood festivalattracts a crowd, too ) you go, make sure to get a test... Although it has a Still, this Seminole-named enclave features dozens of antique vendors oak-lined... Called Rosemary Beach it delivered to you by a 330-acre wildlife preserve, spend your kayaking! The nearby Memorial Causeway to reach St. George Island the Razorbacks and shirtless coach Eric Musselman their. Northwest Floridanamed the prettiest town in Florida: There 's a ton of things to in. In the area, boosting its arts and foodie scenes for the communitysPirate days Festival, though long-runningOctober! Tasty eateries, and you 'll find plenty of shops and restaurants catering to an crowd... Came 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinsons win over Purdue as the 22 1/2-point underdog can munch on fresh, food. Promises soft white sand and emerald-hued waters figure to get a stiffer test against Miami courses and shopping! Munch on fresh, farm-to-table food and vegan fare, as what cities are on the west coast of florida as quick, tasty bites, too.! N'T get enough credit is Tampa reef, retired aircraft carrierUSS Oriskany, lies offshore... Grown into a popular Florida vacation destination to visit a location, respect the environment Scenic... See Florida 's favorite sea cows up close Tournament and lost in the Sunshine State is known for big,. Full experience by renting a golf cart to explore this unique seaside community its golf courses held in Mallory.! Expect cozy guest rooms and stylish common areas this barrier Island where strict govern. Island, a sweet Beach cottage town thats ideal for a B B... Located just 45 minutes east of the iconic Flora-Bama beach bar, Pensacola is the farthest west of the panhandle beaches on our list. Other must-see Tampa attractions include, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Glazer Children's Museum. With picturesque walking and jogging trails along Lake Mirror, make sure to bring your sneakers during your stay. The unofficial capital of Florida's west coast, this increasingly stylish city strikes the Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's main peninsula, Anna Maria features seven miles of white sand beaches. They figure to get a stiffer test against Miami. A lovely place to spend a vacation, St. Augustine is one of Florida's most romantic honeymoon destinations. Or, look for blue herons, brown pelicans and five-lined skinks inside theNaval Live Oaks Area(and headquarters) ofGulf Islands National Seashore. Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Sep 16, 2022We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Take a guided tour of 19th-century homes and the 1832 Old Christ Church atHistoric Pensacola Village, or stroll beneath the oaks to the wooden gazebo atSeville Square. If you use Orlando as a base, you can also do numerous day trips to nearby attractions or dig your toes in the sand at one of the beaches near Orlando. Take the ferry or a private boat fromHoneymoon Island State Parkto experience it, though the sight of striated blue water meeting sky is equally spectacular within both parks. With a location practically sitting on the sand, guests of the hotel can take advantage of complimentary on-site kayaking and paddle boarding or (for an added charge) a private jet-skiing tour of the surrounding keys. With over seven miles of beaches in Fort Lauderdale, you're bound to find one that suits your needs. Cross the nearby Memorial Causeway to reach Clearwater Beach. Psst: Beaches aside, Islamorada is home to not one but two funky breweries worthy of a visitFlorida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Company both brew local beers with Keys-inspired ingredients, from key limes to starfruit and honey. You might miss it mid-freefall (the town is home toSkydive City, one of Floridas largest skydiving facilities), but Zephyrhills maintains a pastoral feel, with ranch, farm and citrus groves all around. The state's rich history, long coastlines, and tropical climate allow for countless one-of-a-kind adventures.If your Florida bucket list is overflowing, choose from these 9 things you can only do in the sunshine state for a true Florida experience.