Gulf Coast

The Florida Gulf Coast is located along the Gulf of Mexico and is ideal for vacationers seeking water sports and adventure. With over 300 species of fish, fishing is a popular activity with visitors. Popular vacation destinations include Anna Maria Island, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Madeira Beach, Naples, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, St Petersburg, St Petes Beach, Tampa and Venice.

Tampa is bordered by two bodies of water, Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, both of which flow together to form Tampa Bay, which in turn flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa displays a wide variety of architectural designs and styles mostly of Post-modern architecture. The city operates over 165 parks and beaches. Tampa is also home to a number of attractions and theme parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island, Lowry Park Zoo, and Florida Aquarium.

St. Petersburg (often shortened to St. Pete) is a city well-known as a vacation destination for North American and European vacationers. With a city population of approximately 250,000 making it the fourth largest city in the state of Florida. The city is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach are known for their long white sandy beaches. Water activities include scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, and jet skiing.

Sarasota is one of the state’s leading cultural centres. Home to numerous writers and artists, and the base of several respected performing arts companies. Downtown Sarasota is fairly lively, with cafes, bars, and eateries complementing the excellent grouping of bookstores for which the place has been known. The barrier island beaches, a couple of miles away across the bay, are spectacular. The two island on which they lie, Lido Key and Siesta Key, are accessible from the mainland, though there is no direct link between them A third island Longboat Key, is primarily residential.