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Gulf Coast beaches, Florida

Holidays in Gulf Coast

Miles of golden sand and clear, blue waters

Gulf Coast from £895pp

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.

Driving times

Our hotels on Florida's Gulf Coast are approx a 2-hour drive from Orlando and only a short drive to Busch Gardens.

2024 holidays from £858pp

We fly to Orlando, Miami, and Tampa daily

9-10 hour flight
M T W T F S S
London Heathrow to Miami and Orlando
Manchester to Orlando
London Heathrow to Tampa
London Heathrow to Miami
Connect from other UK airports

One-stop flights to Orlando/Miami are available from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Humberside, Inverness, London City, Newcastle and Norwich with our partners Air France and KLM. 

Where to stay in Gulf Coast Beaches

Tampa, St Pete & Clearwater

Holidays in Tampa, St.Pete & Clearwater

Also known as the Tampa Bay area, this is an ideal gateway to access Florida’s gorgeous gulf coast beaches, providing Caribbean-like climate and sensational sunsets. Clearwater and St. Pete boast some of the best beaches in the USA, with both featuring in TripAdvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the USA. These barrier-island spots make the perfect backdrop for a tranquil escape with powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. In the city of Tampa itself, the historic waterside metropolis is brimming with fantastic places to eat and cultural hot spots. Looking for thrills? Tampa is just over an hour away from Orlando's biggest and best theme parks.
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Fort Myers, Florida

Holidays in Fort Myers

With dazzling beaches, top-notch seafood and a laid-back vibe, this northern tip of Estero Island is likened to the tropical Caribbean. Paddle out to meet the ‘locals’ – the dolphins, manatees and pelicans – and by cocktail hour, Times Square bustles with entertainment.    
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Sarasota, Florida

Holidays in Sarasota & Bradenton

Sarasota, Bradenton, and Anna Maria Island are like the cool cousins in Florida's family of holiday spots. Sarasota, also known as the "Cultural Coast" of Florida, is a vibrant and sunny city on the Gulf Coast that's as fun as it is beautiful. Bradenton, on the other hand, is that hipster cousin who hangs out in the Village of the Arts, where creativity flows like the Gulf breeze. Catching a Pirates' game at LECOM Park is like scoring a home run of fun. And Anna Maria Island? It's your laid-back beach buddy who insists on flip-flops and bikes for getting around. You'll forget about shoes here as you soak up the sun on its pristine beaches and dive into clear turquoise waters. So, whether you're into high-brow arts, quirky creativity, or simply want to chill by the beach, this trio of destinations on Florida's Gulf Coast has got your back for a seriously fun time!  
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naples parent image

Holidays in Naples and Marco Island

  A beautiful beach community, Naples and the neighbouring Marco Island have become known as the ‘finest town in Florida’. Find an eclectic mix of restaurants and shops, pristine beaches and the lush, adventure-filled Everglades right on its doorstep. Perfect for a beach holiday on it's own, or as an add-on after a fun-filled trip to Orlando or Miami, the Paradise Coast will have you feeling relaxed in no-time, with great weather all year round. 30 miles of pristine beaches, over 90 golf courses, and excursions galore means you can do as much or as little as your like.   
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Hotels in Gulf Coast Beaches

Retrieving our hand picked hotels...

Essential Information for Gulf Coast Beaches

Local time
-5hrs
Currently
Language
American English
Currency
US Dollar $
Official currency of the United States
Flight information
8-9h
Orlando / Miami / Tampa
Direct flights
Flight schedule
Direct flights from UK airports to Orlando, Miami and Tampa
are our main airline partner

Do I need a Visa?

Yes. You'll need to obtain approval no less than 72 hours prior to travel to the US via the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) scheme.

Find out more about Travel Visas here »

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.

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