Florida's Gorgeous Gulf Coast

With 3 million residents, Tampa is a vibrant and fun city with a lot to offer from professional sports to beaches to nightlife and dining. RVers can enjoy gorgeous beaches, nature preserves, wonderful eateries, diverse waterfront attractions, not to mention the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, Bayshore Blvd. Tampa offers the ideal combination of big city culture, mixed with cobalt blue waters and swaying palms to enhance any Florida road trip. And who knows, maybe you will run into Tom Brady or current Tampa Bay Buccaneers!!

While St. Petersburg is part of the greater Tampa area, it is worth making a separate stop here since it is beautiful and has a lot to do. Decades ago, St Petersburg was known primarily for spring break parties and retirement living; it has, however, over recent years become a culturally sophisticated destination for all ages. The city has many more art museums and theaters than anyone would expect. With its thriving downtown district offering a distinctly artsy culture, you can’t help but enjoy St. Pete. It can be argued that St. Pete embodies the best of Florida in one lovely, welcoming peninsula. FYI: The city also holds the title for “the most consecutive days with sunshine” at 768 days!

Known for its stunning beaches, cultural offerings, and natural beauty, Sarasota is a great stop on your Florida Gulf Coast road trip. It’s part beach town and part cultural center. It is home to a range of museums, galleries, theaters, and performing arts venues, including the Ringling Museum of Art, which showcases an impressive collection of European and American art. For beach lovers, Sarasota offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Siesta Key Beach, which has been recognized as the "#1 Beach in America" by TripAdvisor. Nature enthusiasts can explore the area's parks and nature preserves, which offer hiking trails, kayaking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Foodies will love Sarasota's diverse culinary scene, which features farm-to-table cuisine, fresh seafood, and a wide range of international flavors. Lastly, Sarasota is known for its vibrant cultural and social scene, with several festivals and events taking place throughout the year, including the Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota Music Festival, and the Sarasota Chalk Festival, among many others.

Sanibel Island is a serene and picturesque island located off the southwest coast of Florida. Its beaches are pristine and renowned for their soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. The island is also famous for its abundance of seashells, which can be found on the shoreline and in the surrounding waters. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, or explore the island's natural beauty by hiking or biking through its wildlife refuges and nature preserves. Sanibel Island is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing tropical getaway. A quick drive from Ft. Myers or Naples makes Sanibel an easy day trip – though exploring it by bicycle on its wonderful bike paths is a special treat! Sanibel Island was devastated by the September 2022 hurricane and is quickly coming back to life but expect to see some rebuilding pains for the next few years. Still, you won’t want to miss stopping at Sanibel!

Many consider Naples the “Palm Beach” of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and breathtaking beaches, Naples offers visitors a wide array of activities and attractions to enjoy. The city is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums to explore. Visitors can indulge in upscale shopping and dining experiences in historic downtown Naples (called “Old Naples”) or take a stroll through one of its many nature preserves or parks. With its warm weather, picturesque scenery, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Naples is truly a paradise on earth.

Foodies will especially enjoy Naples for its hundreds of restaurants (over 700 at last count), while the outdoor enthusiasts can marvel at its gorgeous beaches and interesting eco-systems. After all, Everglades National Park is not far away. The city boasts a laid-back but upscale tropical lifestyle. Most come here for the white sandy beaches, the arts and culture, and amazing sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. No visit to Naples would be complete without doing some shopping, sightseeing, and taking in the sunshine. Naples has several state parks and nature sanctuaries to enjoy. Plus, if you like pickleball, Naples has an 80-court facility which bills itself as the “Pickleball Capital of the World.” And Everglades National Park is only 40 miles away!

With its picturesque beaches, arts, culture, dining, nature preserves, and inviting waters, Naples provides the ideal setting for romantic and family getaways alike.