Struggling to figure out where exactly in Florida to vacation to? Me too! That is why I am here to summarize the best cities down the west coastline, starting at the top.
- Destin
A beautiful place to begin, Destin is a host emerald-green waters and powdery, white sand. It is known for being “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for deep-sea fishing. Crab Island is a shallow-water sandbar with a party atmosphere, where visitors can rent pontoons or charters and enjoy floating bars and food vendors. At Baytowne Wharf, you can shop, eat, listen to music, or have a blast at the obstacle course. The Destin HarborWalk offers views of the water while strolling along the boardwalk full of restaurants and lively nightlife. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, tubing, go-karts, mini golf, boating, museums, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, zoos, and snorkeling are perfect family activities!
2. St. Pete
Much further down the state is St. Petersburg, or St. Pete. The downtown is bustling, highlighting the pretty Spa Beach, which is ideal for volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This destination has world-class art museums, shops and breweries along Central Avenue, Sunken Gardens, and the St. Pete Pier. Jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, and dolphin-watching tours are exciting excursions to book here as well! Not to forget, the city of Tampa is less than 30 minutes away, home of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ZooTampa, and The Florida Aquarium.
3. Siesta Key
Talk about stunning! Siesta Key is often named the #1 Beach in the United States, with the turquoise ocean and pure quartz sand which stays cool even with direct sunlight. You can use the free open-air trolley to travel between locations like Lido Key and the walkable village along Ocean Boulevard. Yoga on the shore, unique shopping experiences, tiki bars, live music performances, the farmers market, and bicycling are fun adventures to partake in there too. A short drive northeast will take you to the city of Sarasota, where you will find The Ringling Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Solomon’s Castle, and the main street with galleries and stores, or take an hour drive northwest to Anna Maria Island for more pretty beaches!
4. Fort Myers Beach
This stop in Florida will give visitors a mix of history, nature, and coastal charm. Places you will want to stop at include Brightwater Lagoon, Koreshan State Park, and Sanibel Island, popular for beachcombing. Times Square is the central hub for shopping and eating, with direct access to the pier. Or, The Promenade at Bonita Beach is a 45 minute drive north, with some of the finest retail stores and boutiques. By taking the Key West Express ferry, you will be able reach Key West or, seasonally, Marco Island for approximately $170 per person. This catamaran ride is perfect for a day trip, particularly if you prefer to not drive down and back.
5. Key West
At the very bottom of the state is Key West, with yet again gorgeous beaches. Snorkel the coral reef, visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum, take a dolphin-watching tour, watch a famous Key West sunset, or a two-hour boat ride to Dry Tortugas National Park. The island is exceptionally abundant in aquatic activities as well, such as sailing, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and kayaking.
Let me know your favorite spot on Florida’s west side! Thanks for the read.
-xo, Nicole (:
A Sweet Paradise 