Florida’s alluring West Coast consists of a stretch of 300 miles of glitzy holiday resorts, tranquil fishing villages and vibrant towns between the Panhandle and the state’s southern tip. With swampy marshlands and golden beaches, the terrain is as varied as the entertainment options which are available.
In the West Coast’s major city of Tampa, visitors can explore the colourful Cuban enclave of Ybor City, whilst the energetic downtown nightlife and the exciting Busch Gardens theme park make ‘the Big Guava’ an essential stop on any West Coast itinerary.
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice by the array of sublime stretches of golden sands that line the West Florida coastline. From the gorgeous Anna Maria Island to the long stretches of unspoilt beach around St Petersburg, the Sunshine State is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Meanwhile, resort towns of Sarasota and Fort Myers offer handy conveniences and are worthy of exploring in their own right.
What you’ll love most about Florida’s beaches
- Relax on the sugary sands of Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States. Enjoy swimming in the clear Gulf waters, sunbathing on the soft white sands, and strolling along the lively Beach Walk promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of South Beach in Miami, known for its Art Deco architecture, colourful lifeguard towers, and bustling beach scene. Join the fashionable crowd as you soak up the sun, people-watch along Ocean Drive, and enjoy beach volleyball, water sports, and beachfront dining at trendy cafes and bars
- Discover the powdery sands of Siesta Key Beach near Sarasota, recognized for its fine quartz crystals that give the sand its soft, cool feel. Swim in the shallow, turquoise waters, play volleyball on the courts, and enjoy picnics and sunset views from the beachfront pavilions and picnic areas
- Dive into the fun-filled atmosphere of Panama City Beach on the Gulf Coast, known for its wide stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a variety of water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkelling, or simply relax and unwind on the beach
- Explore the laid-back beaches of Key West, including Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing in the warm waters of the Florida Keys, and soak up the island vibes with live music, beachside bars, and stunning sunset views
- Feel the thrill of driving on the hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach, known for its wide beachfront and annual Daytona 500 NASCAR race. Cruise along the beach in a rental car or motorcycle, enjoy beachfront activities like volleyball and sandcastle building, and explore the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier for shopping, dining, and entertainment