It’s proximity to award-winning beaches captures the attention of travelers around the world, perfect for a vacation filled with sun, sand and surf. Coined by the St. Petersburg mayor in 1952, Florida’s Suncoast region is home to beautiful barrier islands, picturesque state parks and miles of white-sand beaches. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, here are the best things to do on Florida’s Suncoast.
Celebrate Sunsets at Pier 60
It’s hard to visit Florida’s Suncoast and pass up the chance to soak up the sunshine at Clearwater Beach. The real highlight though is the sunset celebrations that happen nightly at Pier 60. A free event that is perfect for bringing the entire family, it showcases local musicians, street performers and artisans, with a perfect backdrop of a beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset.
Spot wildlife on Egmont Key
A 440-acre island that is distinguished by its historic lighthouse, Egmont Key is a wildlife refuge that offers visitors the chance to spend a day swimming, fishing, a picnicking. Only accessible by boat, the island has a unique natural and cultural history and boasts a long stretch of an undeveloped landscape where you’re likely to spot nesting seabirds, sea turtles and gopher tortoises.
Bask in the sunshine at Siesta Key Beach
Just a short drive from Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach is an award-winning oasis known for its unspoiled natural beauty. Dig your toes in the soft sand that is made of 99 percent pure crushed quartz, where it’s easy to spend an afternoon indulging in water-based activities like boating, parasailing, kayaking and snorkeling. Head to the beach on a Sunday before the sunset and you can join the locals in the weekly drum circle.
Browse artwork at the Village of the Arts
Bradenton is a colorful area, lined with quirky cultural attractions and brightly decorated historic cottages. This eclectic community is home to a collection of specialty shops, studios and art galleries where you can spend a sunny afternoon taking a leisurely browse through. Whether you’re a craft lover or fan of the arts, join one of the popular art walks to discover a lively event with live music and unique indie art.
Go camping at Fort De Soto Park
The beautiful 1,136-acre Fort De Soto Park boasts five interconnected islands. A fantastic place to take the kids, spend a day out on the water in a kayak, cast a line off the fishing pier or explore the paved trail on two wheels. Swimming and kite surfing are popular on its beaches, while the tree-covered family campground provides plenty of stargazing spots for an overnight adventure.
Admire the natural beauty of Robinson Preserve
You’ll find a collection of mud flats, mangrove swamps and beaches at Robinson Preserve, where its expansive waterfront habitats provide a diverse landscape for explorers to enjoy. Its five-story observation tower is its most notable feature, where you can climb for sweeping panoramic views of the area. Perfect for a day of peace and quiet, soak up the nature around you on a hiking, biking or kayaking excursion.
Dig your toes in the sand on Caladesi Island
It’s hard to not be impressed by the natural beauty of Caladesi Island, as it’s one of the few remaining large undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Walking along its sugar-white beach feels like you’ve found your own slice of paradise, where you can spend a sunny afternoon enjoying the simple pleasures of swimming in its crystal clear waters and combing the beach for colorful shell treasures.
Smell the roses at Marie Selby Botanical Garden
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can take a stroll through its tranquil bayfront botanical garden. You’ll find nine acres of colorful displays, and more than 20,000 exotic plants with some of the most diverse collections of bromeliads and orchids in the world. Explore the various habitats in the garden and admire the bamboo, live oaks, mangroves and succulents.
Go horseback riding in Pinellas Park
A unique excursion in the Sunshine State, combine horseback riding with Florida’s scenic shoreline at Cypress Breeze Farm in Pinellas Park. Take a guided hour-long ride along the beach and through the North Skyway Park to a sandbar and bar for a memorable experience. If you prefer to explore the backcountry roads, you can take an excursion along a peaceful hidden trail behind the farm.
Comb for seashells on Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island is one of Florida’s most popular parks, and with good reason. It’s pristine shoreline and crystal clear waters provide the perfect place to search for colorful shells, while those who want to relax in the sunshine will find plenty of sunbathing, swimming and birdlife watching opportunities. There’s also a three-mile trail where it’s common to spot osprey, bald eagles and great horned owls.
Appreciate Surrealism at the Salvador Dali Museum
The Salvador Dali Museum in Tampa is one of the most important museums in Florida, where art aficionados and budding art fans alike can appreciate the uniqueness that is Salvador Dali. You’ll find an impressive and comprehensive collection of work on display, including 8 of his “Masterworks”. Admire pieces of art that include oils, watercolors, sketches and sculptures, and let your imagination run wild as you learn all about Surrealism.
Sample traditional Greek cuisine in Tarpon Springs
Sitting near St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs is a hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico shore. It’s celebrated for its vibrant Greek community, where a scenic waterfront and reputation as the “sponge capital of the world” make for an alluring getaway destination. Explore the Historic District to discover art galleries, antique stores and buildings that date back to the 1800s, and make sure to sample the area’s collection of traditional Greek specialties on offer in its local restaurants.
Go underwater at The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium consistently ranks high as one of the top aquariums in the country, where animal lovers can interact with over 7,000 animal and plant species in its 150,000-square-feet of space. Both kids and adults alike will delight in the chance to get up-close to sea turtles, moray eels and stingrays, while the ring-tailed lemurs and otters exhibits provide hours of educational fun.
