Gulf Coast holidays
Miles of golden sand and clear, blue waters.
Essential Information for Gulf Coast Beaches
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.
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
Sarasota/Bradenton holidays 
Fort Myers holidays Fort Myers 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Beachfront location
- On-site restaurant
- Close to Tampa International Airport
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
- Beachfront location
- SpaTerre Spa and fitness centre
- Gourmet dining
- 18-hole golf course
Residence Inn Naples
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
- 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
- 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
- Set within 30 acres
- 2 pools and whirlpools
- Kids playground
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
- Stunning beachfront location
- Rooftop pool and lounge
- Family-friendly amenities
- Spa and Wellness facilities
Sandpearl Resort
Clearwater, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Beachfront resort with Gulf views
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Spacious suites available
Inn on Fifth
Naples, Naples and Marco Island
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
- Central location in Downtown Tampa, next to the Amelie Arena; Spa by JW
- Rooftop pool with scenic water views
- 6 dining outlets
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Bonita Springs, Gulf Coast Beaches
- 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
- Located adjacent to 3-mile stretch of beach
- Luxury spa
- 3 swimming pools
- 7 restaurants and Tennis available*
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
- 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
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Close to Tampa Riverwalk
- Onsite restaurant
- Outdoor pool
- Complimentary breakfast
The Tampa EDITION
Tampa, Tampa and Clearwater/St Pete
- 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.