The Gulf Coast of Florida contains hundreds of miles
of magnificent, varied, award winning beaches. From vibrant commercialised fun places
to quiet, conserved natural beauty.
Access to all the gulf coast resorts is very simple. All are connected by the Interstate
75 which runs down the coast.
Almost all of the coast resorts have areas of natural beauty. Especially down the
Southwest coast with areas such Ft. Myers and Naples. Just a little further is the
start of the Everglades. The South of Florida is slightly more tropical than Central
Florida. It has a more Caribbean feel to it.
The folks on the Coast are more laid back than their counterparts in the cities
and the attraction areas and everything is at a little slower pace, which can be
quite refreshing.
Also accomodation in the hotels is not always as modern and plush as in the cities
of Tampa and Orlando and can be more expensive especially at weekends when the Floridians
tend to visit the beaches at weekends. When the “Tampa Bay Buccs” play at home Clearwater
Beach hotels fill up too with the opposition team supporters..
To get to the coast from Orlando you need to
take the Interstate 4 west towards
Tampa, before you get there you will come to the Interstate 75 intersection. Take
the Naples ramp.
You could always drive the Scenic Route driving from Clearwater Beach along Gulf
Boulevard. This will take you through all the coastal cities and towns, such as
Treasure Island, Indian Shores and finally St Pete’s. You can then head for the
"Sunshine Skyway".
Sunshine Skyway Bridge is the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridge,
with a length of 29,040 feet (exactly 5.5 miles or approximately 8.85 km). It is
part of I-275 (SR 93) and US 19 (SR 55), connecting St. Petersburg in Pinellas County,
Florida and Palmetto in Manatee County, Florida, passing through Hillsborough County
waters. Construction of the current bridge began in 1982 and was completed on February
7, 1987, at a cost of $245 million. Sarasota is not too far from here.
Heading south and passing through Sarasota, Venice and Port Charlotte we come to
South West Florida and Fort Myers, Naples, Marco Island and the islands of Sanibel
& Captiva.
More info can be found on the Perfect Florida Villas forums
or The Perfect Florida Guide