The Sunshine State’s idyllic west coast has something magical to offer every kind of traveller. Whether you want to swim with manatees in the turquoise waters of Crystal River, soak up the culture in cool St Pete’s or stroll along the sugar-white sands of Clearwater, this sun-soaked corner of Florida’s Gulf Coast really has it all. What’s more, it’s possible to plan a trip that will please nature enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. Throw in some fantastic food, historic hotels and fun watersports and you’ve really got a vacation to remember.

Read on to discover the unmissable highlights of Florida’s Gulf Coast, from golden sands to wildlife spotting...

Sugar-white sands, turquoise waters and fiery sunsets are just some of the things this casual beach town in the Tampa Bay area has to offer. Clearwater is frequently ranked among America’s top beaches – it was just named the No. 1 Beach in the South by USA Today – and it’s always buzzing with activity. Get your bearings by taking a stroll down the winding promenade, where you’ll find relaxed seafood restaurants, beach bars and cool surf shops. Many of Clearwater’s most iconic hotels are dotted along the beachfront, including the Sandpearl Resort and Wyndham Grand, but if you’re just visiting for the day, rent a shaded cabana and soak up the sun.

The warm, crystal clear waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast are teeming with dolphins, and there are plenty of options if you want to meet these majestic mammals. One of the best is Little Toot Dolphin adventures, a small company which has been running boat tours from Clearwater Harbour for over 25 years. Passengers are treated to up-close encounters with playful bottlenose dolphins, often seen jumping and racing alongside the boat. The cheerful atmosphere, combined with informative commentary about marine life and local history, makes it a favourite among families. The boat's small size also allows for a more intimate experience, ensuring everyone gets a good view.

Located right in the centre of the action on Clearwater’s pristine beach, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is the quintessential Florida beach bar, with award-winning seafood, relaxed vibes and unbeatable views of the Gulf of Mexico. Frenchy's has several branches around the area, but this is easily the most popular location – especially at sunset. The chilled-out spot is a Clearwater institution and popular with locals and tourists alike, who flock to get a taste of dishes like the tuna nachos, loaded garlic crab fries and the house special grouper sandwich, which comes cooked in various delicious ways.

A must-visit attraction for families, birdwatchers and sunset chasers alike, Clearwater’s iconic pier offers breathtaking views, especially during the vibrant evening celebrations. Visitors can enjoy fishing, watersports or strolling along the pier and browsing local artisan crafts, while the shaded beach playground (one of largest on the west coast of Florida) will keep kids entertained for hours. There’s always something going on at Pier 60, from live music to outdoor movie screenings, and as well as the nightly sunset celebration that always kicks off two hours before the sun goes down.

Located off the coast of Clearwater, Honeymoon Island is a pristine barrier island known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Something of a hidden gem in the region, it’s a beloved destination for both locals and tourists seeking a more serene beach experience. The island boasts four miles (6.4km) of sandy beaches, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, including hiking, kayaking, shelling and birdwatching. As part of Honeymoon Island State Park, it’s also a must-visit for nature enthusiasts; follow the Osprey Trail, and you might spot nesting ospreys, gopher tortoises and various shorebirds.

When Clearwater Beach locals want to celebrate a special occasion, they book a table at Bob Heilman's, a legendary landmark that was opened in 1948. This old-school joint is the kind of place where you can grab a perfectly made martini, jumbo shrimp cocktail, French onion soup and classic surf 'n' turf while you soak up the old Florida charm. The restaurant has a particular following for its fried chicken, served with fluffy whipped potatoes and pan gravy, and enormous chocolate fudge-smothered baked Alaska (pictured).

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The rather quirky highlight of Clearwater’s cultural calendar is the annual Sugar Sand Festival, which is held every spring (usually around April) to celebrate the region’s pristine white sands and artistic talent. This 17-day festival sees master sculptors transform more than 1,000 tonnes of sand into a whimsical wonderland with intricate sculptures of everything from giant animals to Hollywood actors. The masterpieces are displayed inside an amazing 21,000 square-foot (1,940sqm) walk-through exhibit at Clearwater’s Pier 60, where there’s also live music, fireworks and sand sculpting classes.

One of Clearwater Beach’s most luxurious hotels, the Opal Sands Resort is a chic waterfront haven that boasts panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and is within walking distance of all of Clearwater’s attractions. Sleek and modern, it wouldn’t look out of place in glamorous Miami beach, but still has a warm and welcoming vibe that will be a hit with families. All of the beautifully-appointed guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with large balconies offering dramatic views of the coast and its awe-inspiring sunsets. The large pool deck, complete with private cabanas, plentiful sun-loungers and an elegant pool bar, is also a big selling point.

If you’re staying at the Opal Sands Resort you won’t have to go far for dinner – the hotel is also home to one of the area’s finest restaurants. With indoor and outdoor seating options and gorgeous views of the coast, SeaGuini is a really special spot that’s ideal for celebrations, but also relaxed enough for a chilled-out family dinner. The menu takes inspiration from fresh Gulf seafood and Italian and Mediterranean flavours, so expect dishes like crab and lobster cavatelli, veal cheek ragu and brick-oven pizzas. The signature pan-seared hogfish, served over a shrimp and smoked bacon hash, has been on the menu for almost a decade and is a big favourite too.

Clearwater may be most famous for its lively beach, but there are plenty of options for travellers in search of something more peaceful. Sea Glass Kayaking offers guided kayak tours of the calm, protected waters around Clearwater beach, offering stunning views of the coastline and a chance to spot local wildlife, including dolphins, manatees and sea turtles in their natural habitats. This eco-friendly adventure often includes a stop in the waters by Bird Island, a renowned sanctuary that serves as a critical nesting and roosting habitat for birds such as pelicans, herons and cormorants.

No trip to Clearwater’s famous Beach Walk would be complete without a meal at Crabby’s Bar and Grill, a casual beach-themed spot known for its fresh seafood, tropical cocktails and regular happy hours. This lively restaurant is open all day and a great destination for a lazy breakfast or brunch; try the Southern-style shrimp and grits, breakfast tacos or the impossibly light and fluffy beignets. For lunch and dinner there are plenty of tempting seafood options, including coconut shrimp and blackened local mahi-mahi, but the must-order dish here is the enormous bairdi crab legs, served with smoked sausage and buttery corn. 

St Pete’s Beach is only about 20 miles (32km) from Clearwater – you can make the journey cheaply by bus, or it takes about 25 minutes by taxi – but the vibe is distinctly different. Relaxed and laid-back, it also has a more cultured feel, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore. We recommend getting your bearings by taking a stroll around downtown and the colourful Central Arts District, where you’ll find a remarkable concentration of murals. There are more than 600 across the city, and Florida CraftArt offers guided walking and bike tours that take in the best of them.

The St. Pete Pier only opened in 2020 but it has quickly become a must-visit landmark and cultural hub, combining chic restaurants, quirky boutiques and art installations with family-friendly playgrounds, green spaces and picnic areas. This lively pleasure pier spreads out across 26 acres, extending into Tampa Bay from downtown St. Petersburg, and always has something new going on. Highlights include the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, where visitors can learn about the area’s unique ecosystem, and the Marketplace, where you can buy unique souvenirs from local artists.

Just outside the heart of downtown St. Petersburg lies a 100-year-old garden that’s home to some of the oldest and most beautiful tropical plants in the state. Sunken Gardens is a botanical gem that’s home to over 50,000 exotic plants and birds from around the world, plus a traditional Japanese koi pond, sparkling waterfalls and a pollinator garden full of native Florida butterflies. Visitors can stroll past colourful macaws, cockatoos, kookaburras and flamingos – some of which are offspring of the garden’s original flock from the 1950s. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it, there’s over four acres to explore.

One of the USA’s most iconic hotels, The Don CeSar (also known as the Pink Palace) has served as a playground for the rich and famous since opening in 1928. This historic gem is the only 5-star property on the powdery white sands of St. Pete Beach, and is known for its glitzy Art-Deco interior, fantastic live jazz and rooms that exclude elegant, old-timey luxury. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, it’s well worth stopping by for a bite to eat at one of its various restaurants, including Uncle Andy’s – a wonderfully nostalgic 1950s-style ice cream parlour.

Nestled at the southern end of St. Petersburg with miles of serene and sandy shoreline, Fort de Soto is a popular county park covering five islands and 1,136 acres on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. That means you can explore on land or water, visit a Spanish-American War-era fort, splash around with your pups at the water’s edge, or lounge on a sun-soaked beach. A really fun way of exploring the park is zipping along on an electric bike. Local company Bay E-Bikes offers various guided tours, allowing riders to learn about the fascinating history and native wildlife of the region while exploring all of Fort De Soto's pristine beaches and incredible trails.

The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club marked its 100th anniversary in January 2024 and is the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. Built in the 1920s and featured in the movie Cocoon, the club’s gorgeous Art Deco complex houses 32 lit courts and an amazing old grandstand – a reminder of how popular a spectator sport shuffleboard is in the community. The St. Pete Shuffle is a beloved Friday night tradition of family fun on the courts, where you can even bring your own food and drink. It’s open to non-members, and volunteers are on hand to teach newcomers how to play.

The Sunshine State probably isn’t the first place you’d think to find an entire gallery dedicated to Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali, but downtown St. Pete is actually home to one of the world’s biggest collections of the artist’s work. The Dali Museum combines mind-bending architecture with a massive permanent collection, featuring paintings, illustrations and sculptures representing every moment and medium of his creative life. The building is a piece of art in itself – The Enigma, as it’s called, is a 75-foot (22m) freeform geodesic dome made of 1,062 triangular pieces of glass, each one a slightly different shape.

One of the most celebrated restaurants in the area, Brick and Mortar is one for the foodies, specialising in rustic yet elegant New American fare and seasonal ingredients cooked with flair. Located in the trendy 500 block of St. Pete’s Central Avenue, the lively eatery is particularly known for its creative house-made pasta dishes. Expect melt-in-the-mouth braised short rib folded through silky fat noodles, creamy cavatelli with chicken and roasted mushrooms or the signature giant ravioli, stuffed with a perfect poached egg yolk. Be sure to get a side of the sensational hand-cut truffle and Parmesan fries too.

Located around 90 miles (144km) from Clearwater and St Pete’s, Crystal River in Florida's Citrus County has a distinctly small-town feel compared to the Gulf Coast’s action-packed beach resorts. This charming corner of Florida is prized for its warm Southern hospitality, but it’s also one of the state’s premier ecotourism destinations with gleaming lakes, spring-fed rivers and some of the most pristine shorelines on the Gulf of Mexico. The city is also easily accessible from Tampa and Orlando, both of which are roughly 80 miles (128km) away.

Of course, this is manatee county. The warm springs of Citrus County are an extremely popular refuge for endangered West Indian manatees – in winter months, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is home to literally hundreds of manatees. The springs allow these peaceful mammals to escape winter’s cold and serve as a place where many manatees come to mate, and then birth and nurse their young. This is the only place in the US where you can actually snorkel with manatees in the waterways, so swimming with these animals is a major draw for tourists.

If you’re planning on getting up close and personal with Crystal River’s famous manatees, PaddleTail Lodge is perfectly located right on the docks of Kings Bay. From here you can join a boat tour, rent kayaks, go paddleboarding or even charter a fishing boat. The best time to swim with the manatees is first thing in the morning, before the crowds of tourists descend, so the location is ideal if you’ve got an early start.

The lodge itself is rustic and cosy, a bit like an upscale motel, with newly-renovated bedrooms boasting super-comfy beds, great air conditioning (essential in this part of Florida) and kitchenettes in some rooms. The Grassroots Coffee shop in the lobby is a great spot to grab a morning bagel or a warm pastry before you embark on your day’s activities. There’s also a pool and sun deck overlooking Kings Bay, and several fantastic restaurants within walking distance.

Located right on the water in Kings Bay, the recently opened Bayside Craft Kitchen is the talk of the town, with some locals saying it has some of the best food in Crystal River. Serving Southern comfort food a gourmet twist, the menu features mouth-watering dishes like jalapeno Cheddar cornbread with whipped honey-date butter, shrimp and pimento cheese grits and blackened local catfish. With picturesque views and sublime seafood, it’s a great spot for a memorable dinner.

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There are plenty of companies offering manatee swimming experiences, but Waterfront Adventures (conveniently based within the PaddleTail Lodge resort) is one of the most highly acclaimed. Guests meet at the company’s private docks on Kings Bay and are fitted with wetsuits and snorkels. Before you set sail, your guides will teach you everything you need to know about interacting with these gentle creatures. Because manatees are a threatened species, extra special care is required when entering their environment.

All swimmers, boaters and paddlers are encouraged to observe passive observation, which means not initiating contact with manatees and calmly observing from a distance and at the surface of the water. However, manatees are very curious and social and they will frequently approach humans in the water, making the experience pretty magical. As part of your Waterfront Adventures experience, you’ll travel by boat to the famous Crystal River blue springs. The experienced guides have the inside scoop on the spots that manatees tend to congregate in, and as soon as they spot a couple, you’ll head into the water to swim with them.

Swimming with these calm and gentle giants in the crystal-clear waters of Three Sisters Spring (a particularly popular manatee spot) really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They’re also pretty massive in size, which is slightly intimidating at first, but the amazing guides at Waterfront Adventures will be right by your side if you need any help in the water. As part of the tour you’ll spend around two hours in the water learning all about the area’s unique ecosystem and snorkelling around Three Sisters, where you’ll also be able to spot turtles and all kinds of interesting fish.

One of Florida's most visited state parks, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to a huge range of animals – almost all of which have been rescued and rehabilitated. They include panthers, alligators, black bears and even a world-famous hippo called Lu, who is the oldest in North America and starred in many popular shows in the 1960s. Visitors follow a path on boardwalks and paved trails under the welcome shade of huge tropical trees, making it a great day out even in hot weather. The highlight is an observatory called The Fish Bowl, which gives you an underwater view of manatees and swirling schools of fish that swim by.

A real local favourite, this tiny shack on the Homosassa River serves some of the freshest, best-tasting food in the entire area. Wild Sassa is famous for its incredible tacos, made with locally caught fish and shrimp sourced from Shelly's Seafood, an old-school market that’s literally steps away from the colourful joint. All salsas, toppings and garnishes are chopped fresh, with fans saying they’re the best fish tacos you’ll ever eat. Other menu highlights include the mahi-mahi sandwich, wild shrimp quesadillas and homemade stone crab chowder.

The crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Kings Bay are ideal for exploring on a clear-bottomed kayak, and family-owned Paddles Outdoor Rentals is one of the region's top-rated tour companies. While confident paddlers can just rent their own kayak or paddleboard, we’d highly recommend booking one of the company’s fantastic eco tours, where an experienced local guide will educate you about manatees, the local ecosystem, and the various springs that are in the area. You might be able to spot manatees zooming under your kayak, not to mention fish, turtles and even dolphins.

This lively local spot has a uniquely Floridian atmosphere and is an ideal gathering place for an informal lunch, sunset cocktails or a special dinner. Everything is made fresh from scratch at Waterfront Social and the views of Kings Bay and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are spectacular. Start with a serving of the house-special smoked fish dip, coconut shrimp or fried gator (don’t worry, it tastes like chicken), then choose from tempting mains like the double smash burger, crab cake sandwich or shrimp pasta. For something lighter, the poke bowls and hearty salads are sensational, and the Key lime pie is also a must-try for dessert.

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters is a locally owned and operated roaster with over 20 single origin coffee varieties to try. The much-loved company imports ethically sourced beans from all over the world and roasts them fresh at its Crystal River location. Head to its cosy and welcoming shop, located in the city’s quaint Heritage Village, where you relax on the porch and enjoy perfectly made coffee, as well as a selection of fresh pastries, cakes, salads and sandwiches.

The quintessential tiki bar, Crumps' Landing is a loved local institution, famed for its family-friendly atmosphere, stunning views and live music. Of course, the unbeatable location on the Homosassa River is also a major draw, making it a perfect spot for sunset watching and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasing comfort food, from burgers and spicy wings to Cuban sandwiches and hefty salads , while the pirate ship-themed playground will also keep the kids entertained for hours.

Florida's west coast is served by Tampa Airport, which regularly ranks among North America's top rated airports for customer experience. British Airways offers daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Tampa, starting from £348 return. Clearwater and St Pete’s are connected to Tampa Airport by public transport. Crystal River is roughly an hour's drive from Tampa Airport.

Natasha Lovell-Smith visited in May 2024 and was a guest of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater and Discover Crystal River.

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