So, where next?
Essential Information for Gulf Coast Beaches
Time Zone
GMT - 4hrs
Language
American English
Currency
US Dollar $
Flight information
9-10 hrs direct
Flight schedule
Virgin Atlantic fly daily to Orlando, Miami and Tampa from London Heathrow.
Do I need a visa?
To travel to the USA, you will need an ESTA visa. Please make sure that you have this approved at least 3 days before you head off on holiday.
Driving times
From Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA) airports to the Gulf Coast vary but are approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Indeed, some of the world’s finest beaches can be found here, including those at Clearwater and St Petersburg – or St Pete’s as the latter is now officially known. A natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, there are water sports in abundance, beachcombing on quiet offshore islands, volleyball, horse riding, cycling and golfing.
Where to stay on the Gulf Coast
Fort Myers holidays 
Sarasota/Bradenton holidays Sarasota/Bradenton holidays
Naples & Marco Island holidaysNaples & Marco Island holidays
Tampa & Clearwater/St Pete holidays Tampa & Clearwater/St Pete holidays
Hotels in Gulf Coast Beaches
Tribute Portfolio Hotel The Sarasota Modern
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
426 reviews4 stars
- Boutique hotel in the Rosemary Arts & Design District of downtown Sarasota
- 3 outdoor pools and a whirlpool
- Complimentary bicycle rental
- Less than 10 minutes from Lido Beach
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
318 reviews4 stars
- Waterfront location set in 35 acres
- Convenient to Tampa International Airport
- Two outdoor pools
- Scenic bayside trail
Tampa Airport Marriott
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,589 reviews3 stars
- Located in Tampa International Airport, offering direct access
- Heated outdoor pool
- Breakfast cafe and grill restaurant
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
Marco Island, Naples and Marco Island
5,918 reviews4.5 stars
- Beachfront location
- Two 18-hole Championship golf courses
- Wealth of on-site dining options
- Health club and spa
Hilton Naples
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
2,433 reviews4 stars
- Complimentary shuttle to Clam Pass Beach
- Outdoor pool with waterfall
- Bicycle rental
- Home to an award-winning steakhouse
Naples Bay Resort
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
2,811 reviews4 stars
- Marina location with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico
- 5 swimming pools, including a lazy river
- Complimentary resort shuttle to Naples Beach & Downtown Naples
- Luxurious spa
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
3,100 reviews5 stars
- Located on a private beach with private marina
- 2 challenging golf courses and 20 tennis courts
- Spa and fitness centre
- 5 restaurants
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
88 reviews4.5 stars
- Pristine beachfront location & private beach
- Legendary St. Regis service & butler moments
- Signature dining
- Luxury spa & wellness excellence
Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
189 reviews4 stars
- In Holmes Beach, overlooking the marina
- Condo style two bedroom villas with fully equipped kitchens
- Great for families and groups
- Bicycle rental; Complimentary AMI trolley to explore the island
Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,830 reviews3.5 stars
- Within walking distance of Clearwater Beach and Pier 60
- Kids eat Free (see eats & drinks)
- Nightly entertainmen
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
2,646 reviews5 stars
- Across the road from the Gulf
- 8th floor swimming pool with kids' section
- Kids' club
- Rooftop dining overlooking the Gulf
Opal Sands Resort
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,609 reviews5 stars
- On Clearwater Beach, famed for its white sands
- Beachside tiki bar
- Zero-entry pool overlooking the ocean
- Spa and fitness centre
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
137 reviews5 stars
- In the heart of dynamic downtown St. Petersburg
- 18-hole Championship golf course
- 2 swimming pools
- Adjacent to The Vinoy Marina
DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
2,210 reviews3 stars
- 10 minute walk from the beach
- Outdoor pool
- Close to Tampa International Airport
- Fitness centre
Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,036 reviews4 stars
- Boutique Hotel in Tampa's Soho district
- Great for foodies
- Rooftop bar
- Close to Bayshore Boulevar
The Westin Tampa Bay
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
258 reviews4 stars
- Beachfront location
- On-site restaurant
- Close to Tampa International Airport
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
4,026 reviews4.5 stars
- Beachfront location
- SpaTerre Spa and fitness centre
- Gourmet dining
- 18-hole golf course
Residence Inn Naples
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
643 reviews3 stars
- Well located for beaches and attractions
- Complimentary breakfast included
- Swimming pool and spa tub
- Free Parking.
Compass by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
372 reviews4 stars
- 3 minutes' walk from wetland and walking trails in the Neal Preserve
- Waterside bar and grill featuring a terrace
- located at the entrance to Anna Maria Island
Shorewalk Vacation Villas
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
322 reviews3 stars
- Set within 30 acres
- 2 pools and whirlpools
- Kids playground
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
415 reviews5 stars
- Stunning beachfront location
- Rooftop pool and lounge
- Family-friendly amenities
- Spa and Wellness facilities
Sandpearl Resort
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
3,709 reviews5+ stars
- Luxury eco-friendly hotel
- Relaxed setting right on the Clearwater beachfront
- State-of-the-art spa
- Four Diamond Restauran
Beach House Suites by The Don Cesar
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,801 reviews4 stars
- Set on the white sands of St Pete Beach
- Complimentary bicycle rental
- Use of the amenities at The Don CeSar Hotel
- Complimentary WiFi across the resort
Courtyard St Petersburg CW Madeira
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
508 reviews3 stars
- Scenic waterfront location on the Gulf Coast
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Close to John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
5,209 reviews3.5 stars
- Set on St Pete's beachfront
- Beachfront dining and drinks
- Activities galore for all the family
- Access to restaurants, bars and facilities at Tradewinds Island Grand Resort
The Don Cesar
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
7,152 reviews5 stars
- Historic hotel in a beachfront location
- Florida's legendary Pink Palace
- 2 beachfront swimming pools
- Nearby golf
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
2,451 reviews3.5 stars
- Waterfront hotel overlooking the Hillsborough River
- Outdoor pool
- 1 restaurant and 2 bars
- Easy access to Tampa Riverwalk, with a range of attractions, restaurants and shops
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
3,665 reviews4 stars
- Waterfront hotel near the Tampa Riverwalk
- Rooftop pool with stunning city and water views
- Array of dining options
- Connected to JW Marriott Tampa Water Street with use of their facilities
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Beaches
5,100 reviews4 stars
- Stunning beachfront location
- Rooms and suites facing the Gulf of Mexico
- Complimentary kayak and paddle board rental
- Aquagëne Spa with a wide range of treatments
Hilton Marco Island
Marco Island, Naples and Marco Island
4,577 reviews4 stars
- Beachfront resort with Gulf views
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Spacious suites available
Inn on Fifth
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
4,822 reviews3.5 stars
- Boutique hotel in a central location
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Home to the award-winning Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crabhouse restaurant
- Full-service spa
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
1,356 reviews4 stars
- 2 18-holf golf courses
- Huge swimming complex with waterslides and laxy river
- Access to facilities at sister property on Vanderbilt Beach
- Kids programme
Sanibel Harbour Resort Apartments
Sanibel, Gulf Coast Beaches
61 reviews3 stars
- 2 bedroom apartments with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico
- Shared pool and hot tub
- Private beach
- Free parking;
Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
2,592 reviews4 stars
- Great for families
- Water views from all suites
- Complimentary trolley transfer to the beach
- Daily kids' club
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
3,614 reviews4 stars
On Sand Key's beachfront, known as one of the USA's best beaches
- Beachfront swimming pool and kids' pool
- No Resort Fee
- 4 dining options
Holiday Inn Harbourside Hotel
Indian Rocks, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,112 reviews3.5 stars
- Located amid 15 waterfront acres at Indian Rocks Beach
- Complimentary Parking
- Kids Eat Free (see eats and drinks for details)
- 18-hole mini-golf course
Sunset Vistas Beachfront Suites
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
2,441 reviews3.5 stars
- All-suite property with fully equipped kitchens
- Complimentary parking
- Perfect for families
- Swimming pool with separate kids section
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
188 reviews5 stars
- Central location in Downtown Tampa, next to the Amelie Arena; Spa by JW
- Rooftop pool with scenic water views
- 6 dining outlets
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
739 reviews4 stars
- Set in the heart of Sarasota, on the Gulf Coast
- Rooftop pool and bar
- Distinctive artwork throughout with regular exhibitions and workshops
- 1 mile from the beach
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Bonita Springs, Gulf Coast Beaches
5,277 reviews5 stars
- Huge pool complex with waterslides and lazy river
- Recharge with indulgent treatments at the Spa
- 18-hole golf course
- Delicious dining options
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
6,187 reviews4.5 stars
- Located adjacent to 3-mile stretch of beach
- Luxury spa
- 3 swimming pools
- 7 restaurants
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
3,034 reviews5 stars
- Stylish resort overlooking Sarasota Bay
- Access to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
- Spa
- Additional beach bar and restaurant on Lido Key
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
3,625 reviews5 stars
- Prime location on the beautiful white-sand Clearwater Beach
- Great for families and large groups
- Home to the only Asian-fusion restaurant in Clearwater
- Within walking distance to famed local attractions such as Pier 60 & Clearwater Marina
Barefoot Beach Club
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
1,620 reviews3 stars
- 5 minute walk to John's Pass Village with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars
- Direct beach access
- Rooftop sun deck
- Self-catering studios and suites
Bilmar Beach Resort
St Pete Beach, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
3,084 reviews3.5 stars
- Located right on the sand in Treasure Island
- All rooms with ocean views
- Complimentary paddleboarding and kayaking
- Waves fun zone
Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
844 reviews4 stars
- Close to Tampa Riverwalk
- Onsite restaurant
- Outdoor pool
- Complimentary breakfast
The Tampa EDITION
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
102 reviews5 stars
- Rooftop pool & sky-high views
- Great location
- Seven curated bars & restaurants
- Michelin-Starred Dining
Highlights of the Gulf Coast Beaches
Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a Caribbean-like climate and unbeatable wildlife. Here are its best attractions.
- Visit the unspoilt beaches on Siesta Key and Longboat Key off Sarasota.
- Hop on a boat from Bonita Springs to the ultra-secluded Big Hickory Island Beach.
- Tigertail beach on Marco Island is great for those with kids.
- Kayak off the beautiful Clam Pass Beach in Naples or go shelling on Vanderbilt beach.
- Find sugary sands and excellent water sports on Fort Myers Beach, Estero Island.
- Head north of Clearwater to Tarpon Springs. Explore the Greek culture and antique shops.
- Explore the art galleries, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. For a bit of Old Florida, check out the Historic Spanish Point in Osprey.
- Take the kids to see the animals at Naples Zoo or the enchanting Naples Botanic Gardens.
- Spot crocs, manatees and flamingo in the Everglades National Park.
- Tee off at the Dunes Golf Club on Sanibel Island or the famous courses of Sarasota.
- Stay in a private villa in Fort Myers, home to glorious swimming pools with lakeside views.
- Kick back with private cabanas and butler service at South Seas Island Resort, Captiva.
- Sip on a sundowner and enjoy top-notch seafood at Pier 60 in Clearwater.
- Try honey infused pastries and coffee in the Greek restaurants of Tarpon Springs.
- Visit the Farmer’s Market in Sarasota for local produce and Floridian mangoes.
- March: The Gulf Coast celebrates its abundance of lobster in the Crawfish Festival, St Pete.
- October: Fort Myers hosts the annual Beach Pirate Festival.
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
The best time to visit the Gulf Coast of Florida is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). You can expect beautiful weather, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds, perfect for enjoying the stunning beaches and outdoor activities!
The Gulf Coast of Florida is home to amazing cities and charming towns! Destin is famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, while Fort Walton Beach offers a more laid-back vibe. Pensacola is rich in history, and Gulf Breeze provides a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere. Don’t forget Naples and Marco Island for upscale dining and luxurious experiences!
Florida’s Gulf Coast boasts some of the nation’s best beaches! Siesta Key Beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear waters, while Fort De Soto Park offers a beautiful natural setting with plenty of activities. Pensacola Beach has a lively atmosphere, and Naples Beach is perfect for sunset strolls and relaxation!
There’s a ton of fun waiting for you on the Gulf Coast! Enjoy water sports like snorkelling, paddleboarding, and fishing, or explore the uniqueness of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Visit local shops, dive into fresh seafood at beachside restaurants, or unwind on the stunning beaches. Whether you’re chasing adventure or looking to relax, the Gulf Coast has something for everyone!