Day trip to the Gulf

[becbecs]

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]

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.

[ALR]

We went to Clearwater and I have to say that the sea was the warmest we've ever paddled in.

[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

[Cruella DeVilla]

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]

<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]

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...

[ALR]

Sounds lovely Champagne. We may have to give that one a try.[8D]