Florida West Coast Travel Guide
Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more in Florida West Coast. Plan your trip to this beautiful destination with our travel guide.
- Introduction to Florida West Coast
- List of Places to Visit in Florida West Coast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Florida West Coast
- Best Things to Do in Florida West Coast: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Florida West Coast
- Food and Drink Scene of Florida West Coast
- Where to Stay in Florida West Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Florida West Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Florida West Coast
- Best Time to Visit Florida West Coast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Florida West Coast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Florida West Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Florida West Coast
- Where to Go Next from Florida West Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast, located in the state of Florida, is a beautiful destination that offers tourists a wide range of experiences. From pristine beaches and lush natural landscapes to fascinating cultural attractions and outdoor adventures, this region has something for everyone. Known for its sunny weather and laid-back atmosphere, Florida West Coast offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. In this guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more in Florida West Coast.
List of Places to Visit in Florida West Coast
Whether you’re interested in history and culture or prefer outdoor activities and scenic views, Florida West Coast has plenty to offer.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Sarasota Classic Car Museum
- The Ringling Museum of Art
- Salvador Dali Museum
- Fort De Soto Park
- The Don CeSar Hotel
Natural Attractions of Florida West Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- St. Pete Beach
- Caladesi Island State Park
- Egmont Key State Park
- Everglades National Park
- Sanibel Island
Hiking/Biking Routes of Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast has numerous hiking and biking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region. Some of the best routes include:
- Legacy Trail
- Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
- Withlacoochee State Trail
- Myakka River State Park
- Oscar Scherer State Park
Best Things to Do in Florida West Coast: Activities and Tours
Florida West Coast offers a wide range of activities and tours that are perfect for visitors of all ages. Some of the best things to do include:
- Dolphin watching tours
- Segway tours of St. Petersburg
- Sunset cruises
- Kayaking through mangrove tunnels
- Airboat rides in Everglades National Park
Week-Long Itinerary for Florida West Coast
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Florida West Coast:
| Day 1 | Arrival, check-in at hotel or guesthouse, explore the local area |
| Day 2 | Visit The Ringling Museum of Art, soak in the sun at Siesta Key Beach |
| Day 3 | Hike in Myakka River State Park, enjoy a sunset cruise |
| Day 4 | Take a dolphin watching tour, visit Sarasota Classic Car Museum |
| Day 5 | Explore the history of Fort De Soto Park, go kayaking in mangrove tunnels |
| Day 6 | Visit the Salvador Dali Museum, go on a Segway tour of St. Petersburg |
| Day 7 | Relax on St. Pete Beach, depart for home |
Food and Drink Scene of Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast is known for its fresh seafood and local cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:
Must-Try Dishes
- Grouper sandwich
- Stone crab claws
- Florida key lime pie
- Conch fritters
- Cuban sandwich
Local Beverages
- Orange juice
- Key lime margarita
- Local craft beer
Where to Stay in Florida West Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are many accommodation options in Florida West Coast, ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some top picks include:
- The Don CeSar Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Sarasota
- The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
- Sunshine City House
- Gulf Breeze Inn
What to Buy in Florida West Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts, Florida West Coast has plenty to offer. Some popular items include:
- Seafood seasonings and spices
- Handmade jewelry
- Beach towels and umbrellas
- Citrus fruit and preserves
- Nautical-themed items
Local Culture and Customs of Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast has a unique culture, influenced by its sunny weather, coastal location, and diversity of residents. Visitors should be aware of the following customs:
- Dress code is generally casual
- Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen) is a must
- Beach etiquette is important (no littering or smoking on the beach)
- Tipping is expected for good service (15-20% in restaurants)
Best Time to Visit Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The winter months (November to April) are the most popular, with mild temperatures and less humidity. The summer months (June to September) can be hot and humid, but offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so visitors should be aware of weather conditions if visiting during this time.
Do’s and Don’ts of Florida West Coast
Do:
- Visit the beaches
- Try the local cuisine
- Take advantage of outdoor activities
- Be respectful of local culture and customs
Don’t:
- Litter on the beach
- Ignore sunscreen and sun protection
- Forget to tip for good service
- Discount the importance of weather conditions
Safety and Health
Safety in Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should be aware of the following safety precautions:
- Lock car doors and secure valuables
- Be aware of surroundings, especially at night
- Follow beach safety guidelines (swim with caution, obey warning flags)
- Use caution when engaging in outdoor activities (watch for wildlife, bring plenty of water)
Health in Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast has a warm and humid climate, so visitors should take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration. Some tips include:
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Take breaks in air-conditioned areas
- Protect your skin with sunscreen
Getting to Florida West Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Florida West Coast is easily accessible by plane, car, or bus.
Airports Near Florida West Coast
- Tampa International Airport
- Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport
- St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport
- Southwest Florida International Airport
Bus Stations Near Florida West Coast
- Greyhound Bus Station (Tampa)
- Sarasota Bus Station (Sarasota)
- PSTA Central Avenue Station (St. Petersburg)
Other Options
Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Florida West Coast, and there are several rental agencies located at the airports and near major hotels. Taxis and rideshare services are also available.
How to Get Around in Florida West Coast
Florida West Coast has a network of buses, trolleys, and trains that offer affordable and convenient transportation. Visitors can also rent a car or bicycle, or use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
Where to Go Next from Florida West Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Florida West Coast is located in a prime position for exploring other destinations in the state. Some nearby excursions include:
- Orlando (for theme parks and attractions)
- Miami (for beaches and nightlife)
- Key West (for an island getaway)
- Tallahassee (for history and culture)
Conclusion
Florida West Coast is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Florida. From scenic natural landscapes and outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this sunny region. Plan your trip to Florida West Coast with this comprehensive travel guide and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
