Florida Gulf Coast Villas, Holidays & Apartment Rentals

Spanning right across from Tarpon Springs to the Everglades, Florida’s Gulf Coast is one of the most popular coastal areas in the US. With its never-ending beaches of fine white sand, quaint seaside towns to visit and a variety of wildlife to see, it’s not hard to see why.

Anna Maria Island Villas

Anna Maria Island is perfect for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Englewood and Rotunda

White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make Englewood & Rotonda two of Florida's more relaxing areas.

Points of Interest

The Gulf Coast has been a major tourist spot since the early 20th Century, offering visitors relaxation, entertainment and vibrant culture, all wrapped up in one picturesque destination. Stretching hundreds of miles, many of the communities along the coast are built around a theme – some feel distinctly European, while others have Caribbean or Moroccan style buildings and eateries.

For something a little different, visit the Grecian-influenced Tarpon Springs, or head to Pinellas and soak up the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, which is home to Honeymoon Island – the number one state park in Florida! Alternatively, the twin cities of Clearwater and St Petersburg both make an excellent day out, with plenty to do, see and explore. There’s no shortage of entertainment either, with a variety of local galleries and the Dali Museum. Depending on where you’re staying, you can even drive across to Orlando to make the most of the world’s most famous amusement parks.

Beaches

For obvious reasons, the beaches are the biggest appeal of visiting the Gulf Coast! There’s over 200 miles of beautiful coastline to explore, but choosing the right beach really depends on what you want to do when you get there.

Sand Key is a pebble beach, great for combing and hunting for shells, but if you want fine sand between your toes and a long stretch of water to swim, try Siesta Key. For dolphin spotting, Madeira Beach is a good bet, while Clearwater has the most by way of beachfront entertainment if you fancy an evening out by the sea. Birdwatchers should try Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, where you’ll see herons, pelicans, the beautiful roseate spoonbill and maybe even ospreys!

Shopping

Once you’ve had your fill of sunbathing, the Gulf Coast is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy. International Plaza and Bay Street is home to 200 stores as well as 16 different restaurants, so it’s an easy place to escape the humidity and bag a bargain! If big-name brands are your bag, there are several outlet malls to choose from, including Ellenton Premium Outlets, which boasts 130 designer stores with huge savings. For something a little quirkier, Burns Court in Sarasota makes a great day out – it’s a collection of idyllic 1920s bungalows with shops selling local antiques, art, handmade gifts and homeware.

Food

Trying new food and eating out is one of the best parts of a holiday, and just as you’d expect, the Gulf Coast has some spectacular spots for fresh seafood. There’s Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice, Rumrunners in Cape Harbour or Ophelia’s on the Bay in Siesta Key.

You can also enjoy delicious Italian, Columbian and Mexican cuisine on the Gulf Coast; head over to Tarpon Springs and you’ll find a surprising slice of authentic Greece, with some of the finest Greek restaurants in the US. If you’re visiting with family and you need firm favourites to fall back on, all your go-to chains are accessible too, like Applebee’s.

Nightlife

With so much beautiful outdoor space to play with, and such great weather all year round, Florida’s Gulf Coast has a nightlife like no other. The beaches really come alive at night; Clearwater, Daytona and South Beach are some of the biggest party destinations in the state. As well as all the beachfront bars, there’s lots to explore in the evening a little further inland, including novelty themed bars and comedy clubs. Want to catch a show? There’s no shortage of culture nearby, with Sarasota Opera and Sailor Circus, Venice Theatre and the Duke Energy Centre for the Arts.

Why book with us?

Being an independent travel agent, our customer service is second to none; we’ll tailor your holiday specifically to your needs, whether you’re heading out for a solo adventure or bringing the whole family.

We work with all the major UK tour operators, so we’re always going the extra mile to find you the best possible rates for every aspect of your trip, from flights and transfers to accommodation and excursions.

Our friendly staff are Florida experts and regular visitors of the sunshine state, which means you’ll be in safe hands when it comes to travel recommendations and advice.