The Gulf Coast of Florida has so much to offer visiting tourists- warm sugary white beaches, cool emerald waters, tropical ocean breezes, some of the best fishing found anywhere and an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities and attractions. You can find accommodations that are quiet and secluded or resorts pulsating with energy and excitement. Read our guide to discover a few vacation destinations that make the Gulf Coast of Florida so inviting.
Sanibel Inn
This charming secluded beachfront resort is located on Sanibel Island just 20 minutes from Fort Myers Florida. Located directly on 600 feet of beach adorned with seashells this Inn offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico that any tourist will love. The Inn itself is surrounded by lush tropical gardens with vibrant colored flowers and plants that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and a variety of water birds- a true nature lover’s delight! The room décor of bamboo flooring and warm earth tone colors is a warm and inviting setting for any guest to acquire the tranquility they are seeking.
Accommodations consist of 93 airy and spacious guest rooms and one bedroom suites, along with 2 bedroom condiminums just perfect for families. Amenities include dining facilities, tennis courts, a swimming pool, access to the Dunes Championship Golf Course, kayak rentals, and bike rentals for exploring Sanibel Island. Rates at the Sanibel Inn start at $129.00 per night and special packages are always available depending on the time of year or season you plan to visit.
Turtle Beach Resort
If you are looking for a truly one of a kind vacation this beachfront resort nestled on Siesta Key is the destination you have been dreaming about. Located on a gorgeous barrier island off Sarasota, Turtle Beach Resort is an ‘old Florida’ Style retreat that truly is an island paradise. Here you can spend your days with your toes in the warm gulf waters as you soak up the sun, bicycle around the Key, or explore the surrounding waters in one of the kayak rentals.
Accommodations at this resort are distinctive and charming cottages each with its own private courtyard which includes a gazebo and hot tub. Cottages range in size from studios to one and two bedrooms all decorated with warm inviting island colors and flair. Rates begin from $270.00 an night to $315.00 off season and $350.00 a night to $430.00 during peak season. Room rates include bicycles, kayaks and canoes for traveling in and around the Key, fishing equipment, complimentary wine and robes, private hammocks, hot tubs, and private patios.
It also offers a water-side pool where you can soak up the sun and also catch a spectacular show of dolphin, manatee, and pelicans playing in the warm Gulf waters. When you spend time at this exquisite resort one thing is for certain, you will lose yourself in the serenity of this little island escape as soon as you arrive and leaving will be one of the hardest things you will ever have to do.
Sarah’s Seaside Cottages
A truly unique vacation destination, these charming ‘old Florida’ cottages date back to 1910. Over the years they have evolved into secluded luxury cottages which offer the most refined amenities you will find at any resort. Surrounded by a lush tropical seascape, Sarah’s Seaside Cottages are located directly on Indian Rocks Beach in Tampa Florida. Accommodations include cottages and suites complete with outdoor patios and decks for enjoying the magnificent sunsets on the cool emerald Gulf waters.
Its convenient location to area attractions such as Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, Treasure Island, championship golf courses, and more make it an ideal vacation spot for families looking for adventure, yet seeking a quiet place to retreat at the end of the day. Rates for these exclusive beachfront bungalows start at $199.99 a night to $299.00 depending on the size of your rental. They also have weekly rates available and offer specials in and out of season. If you want to experience beachfront living in a secluded and relaxing setting Sarah’s Seaside Cottages are the perfect spot to make magical vacation memories.
