View Full Version : Day trip to the Gulf
solanasunshine
16-01-2006, 00:14
We want to go on a day trip to somewhere on the Gulf Coast when we are next over in Orlando but are not sure which part to go to[:I]. If anyone has any suggestions we would be very grateful.
Thanks [msnsmile]
penelope
16-01-2006, 00:40
Clearwater is beautiful, lots to do and see, or just relax
andrewmckay5
16-01-2006, 00:54
To give you some idea of distances its 2 and 1/2 hours drive to Venice/Rotonda from Kissemmee. Another 45 minutes or so south to Fort Myers. Naples is still further South.
All a bit far for the day.
andrew
If you want somewhere quiet, try Honeymoon Island, just north of Clearwater. There's a short walking trail there where you can see ospreys. You can also take a boat trip over to Caladesi Island, which has a great beach, lots of seashells.
How long would it take to get from Terra Verde to Clearwater.
Taffy
St. Petersburg is my favourite.
Naples is my favourite, but unfortunately you would need an overnight stay to visit, but well worth it especially if you see the sunset from Naples pier and the dolphins visit.
Val
Parrothead
16-01-2006, 15:17
We went over to the Gulf for a day last month. We drove to Clearwater, to relive some happy times from years ago, then drove south. Sadly, the 'Condo Commandos' have taken over this part of the coast. A wall of high rise condos block the route to the beach. The public accesess are few and far between. On the land side there are some gorgeous homes. Driving south you will see some fab bars and restaurants. We always go to 'The Pub', a really good seafood restaurant, on the inland waterway. The grouper is to die for[msntongue]
Continue south until you come to Johns Pass. A quaint shopping, eating, and drinking area. We rented jetskis here last year. There is a great bar/restaurant called Scully's. Live music and viewss of the water. It is named after the bar of the same name in the John Candy film 'Summer Rental'.
We continued down to Treasure Island and rented a boat for an hour and pootled arround the inland waterway looking at all pink palaces.
Ended our day with a drink at Caddy's on the beach to watch a perfect sunset.
This is not a day for young children, ours are over 20, and this was their idea. We all had a great time, and will do it again next time.
Another place to look at is Gulf Port, at the very end of St Petes peninsula. A bit like Key West, without the crazyness:D
When you go make sure to pick up the Free orange map and info booklet. It is full of good ideas.
Most important, have a great time and let us all know where you go.
solanasunshine
16-01-2006, 16:49
Thanks for all the suggestions xx
Gill
abbeyvillas
17-01-2006, 21:13
We love Sarasota - beautiful long beach and some fabulous houses. Also some lovely shops and restaurants. Its not as far as Naples but a little further than St Pete's but definitely worth the visit.
We Love Longboat Key, Sarasota. Fab Beaches Fab Restaurants and Shops. This place is just heaven.
Why not stay over a night as its approx 2.30 - 3 hours drive.
Well worth a visit.
Robert5988
17-01-2006, 21:42
An alternative to the Gulf coast is the Atlantic coast.
It is not as far - Melborne Beach is straight East down the SR192 and takes little more than an hour.
Beaches are not as nice as the best ones on the Gulf and there is usually a swell, if not waves for surfing.
However it is almost deserted in places and masses of free parking with toilet facilities.
Not the place to go if you want entertainment or shopping but an easy place to get to for a 'bucket and spade' day out.
We went to Clearwater and I have to say that the sea was the warmest we've ever paddled in.
andrewandcarole
18-01-2006, 13:02
Try Clearwater - and take the Sea Screamer boat trip from the harbour. You'll be treated to dolphins jumping in the wake tip - sit near the back of the boat for the best view. Then at dusk there are all sorts of stalls selling handicrafts, artists and street entertainers around the pier area.
In between enjoy the beach - the most glorious white sand, clean and safe.
Carole
Cruella DeVilla
18-01-2006, 16:43
Naples and Fort Myers are our favourite and Sarasotta is nice also but too far for a day trip, you need a few days to enjoy it fully.
solanasunshine
18-01-2006, 17:11
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by andrewandcarole
Try Clearwater - and take the Sea Screamer boat trip from the harbour. You'll be treated to dolphins jumping in the wake tip - sit near the back of the boat for the best view. Then at dusk there are all sorts of stalls selling handicrafts, artists and street entertainers around the pier area.
In between enjoy the beach - the most glorious white sand, clean and safe.
Carole
[/quote]
This sounds wonderful - our son would love the Sea Screamer boat trip!
I think one of these days we shall definitely have to go and stay in the Gulf for a week or so - I've been looking at the villas on the OV site and they all look beautiful and we'd have a hard time choosing! Maybe next year hopefully [msnsmile]
Gill
Champagne
23-01-2006, 17:15
We love Anna Maria Island - lots of gorgeous beaches and a fantastic place at the tip ot the island that serves the best fish and chips we've ever eaten. Place is called Rotten Ralphs and the location is just great - situated on a jetty at a marina and you can sit in the sunshine admiring fantastic boats as you eat and drink...
Sounds lovely Champagne. We may have to give that one a try.[8D]