Gulf Coast Things To Do
Beaches
The varied beaches along the Gulf of Mexico offer something for everyone, with the emphasis on relaxing sunbathing and family fun. Choose from unspoilt spots such as Caladesi Island with its feeling of seclusion, more developed and family-friendly beaches such as Clearwater, or the more exclusive white sandy beaches of Naples in South Florida.
Water Sports
From surfing, parasailing, canoeing, jet skiing, kayaking and banana boat rides to snorkelling and scuba diving, the Gulf of Mexico offers warm clear waters ideal for water sports. Swimming in the warm Gulf waters is great for all the family, and shell-collecting along beaches such as Sanibel Island is a favourite pastime.
Boat Trips
An excellent way to explore the coastline, Florida boat trips depart from most beach resorts. Choose from dolphin-watching tours, deep-sea fishing trips and sunset cruises, as well as sailing trips, catamaran cruises and motor boat rental.
Fishing
The Gulf Coast is a major world-class fishing destination, and offers fantastic conditions for all types of enthusiast. There are fun casual fishing trips for all the family, relaxing angling in the inland waterways, and serious sport and deep-sea fishing expeditions to catch offshore fish such as grouper, snapper, barracuda, mahi-mahi and tarpon.
Golf
With more than one hundred courses, Florida's Gulf Coast is a haven for golfers. Reasonable green fees, the region's near-perfect weather and the lush tropical scenery all help to create the perfect conditions for a round or two.
Sports & Leisure
Swimming, tennis, cycling, horse riding, bowling and activities such as exercise classes at hotels and local sports centres are available all along the Gulf Coast. Visitors to the area can catch a local baseball, football or ice-hockey game, depending on the season.
Culture
Sights such as Ybor City in Tampa with its rich Cuban culture, the opera and ballet at the Performing Arts Centre and The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete and the Gulf Coast Railroad Museum in Parrish, offer plenty of interesting places for day trips to suit all types of curious visitor.
Theme Parks
Family days out include the famous Busch Gardens in Tampa, Cypress Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs with its underwater theatre. Orlando is an easy drive from the Central Gulf Coast area, with many visitors heading to Disney World and Universal Studios on their holiday.
Wildlife
There are many local nature reserves, wetlands and conservation areas to visit up and down the coast, with the rivers, lakes and coastal areas home to alligators, osprey, pelicans, ibis, turtles and armadillos. The area has various manatee parks, and the Everglades National Park is a possible day trip.
Shopping
Grab a bargain at one of the local outlet malls in the area, such as Ellenton and Tanger Factory Stores in Fort Myers, where designer brands are greatly reduced. Shopping features prominently on any visitors trip to the USA, thanks to the competitive prices throughout the towns and resorts.
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