The Best of Florida's Gulf Beaches
Overview
We've cultivated this itinerary to showcase some of Florida's best Gulf Coast destinations.
Anna Maria Island offers a laid-back, old-Florida charm and is the perfect way to start your road-trip on the Gulf Coast. Anna Maria Island is known for it's slow pace with relaxing island vibes, beautiful white-sand beaches and stunning sunsets. You'll discover a huge selection of on-island eateries, some where you can even sit down for a meal at sunset with the sand between your toes! Easily bikeable, the seven mile stretch of island is even more breath-taking with the breeze in your hair - or make life a bit easier and perhaps more fun by hiring a golf-cart for the day. Head north to the not-to-be-missed Bean Point beach, where the bay meets the Gulf, and stop for some light shopping and donuts on nearby Pine Avenue.
Onward to Sanibel Island, a natural, quiet and serene spot that is absolutely perfect for nature lovers. Sanibel is known for its commitment to preserving natural beauty and is famous for it's world-renowned shelling - after spending a morning picking up some of the most unique shells, you will have perfected the 'Sanibel stoop'! Offering perhaps a more nature-centric vibe, we recommend visiting the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and go in search of alligators, manatees and roseate spoonbills to name a few, either by car, kayak or boat. Sanibel Island is also perfect for biking, with over 25-miles of bike paths, don't forget to visit the Sanibel lighthouse, one of Florida's oldest and prettiest.
Heading back north towards Clearwater, you'll drive over the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, passing through St. Pete Beach and on to Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach. Sand Key offers the perfect balance of being on idyllic white sand beaches and close enough to all the fun and amenities of Clearwater Beach. We recommend taking a boat tour out into the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins which are almost guaranteed to be found! And a visit to Clearwater Beach wouldn't be complete without a delicious meal at the famous Frenchy's restaurant on the beach.
Anna Maria Island, Sanibel Island, and Clearwater Beach promise their own unique and diverse charm, and you'll leave wanting to come back and see what else is left to discover on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast.
