Holiday ideas in Florida's Gulf Islands

Situated just off the south-west coast of Florida, the Gulf Islands – composed of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Island – are considered to be among the best kept secrets in one of America's most popular states.

Home to 150 miles of coastline – and featuring some 27 different beaches - the region, based around the city of Sarasota, is detached from the gaudy theme parks which characterise some areas of the state.

Instead, the Gulf Islands offer a sedate holiday destination in the warmest of climates.

But what is it that draws visitors to the region? Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at some of the attractions upon which the Gulf Island's reputation is based.

Beaches & watersports

Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, represents a glorious throwback to the Old Florida – in contrast to the monolithic resorts which characterise the east coast of the state.

Instead the region is characterised by charming little beach towns and long, secluded stretches of brilliant white sand.

Among the finest are the Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Coquina Beach and Palma Sola Causeway, which has covered pavilions and a picnic area; all of which offer a colourful canvas of beach towels, umbrellas, lifeguards, pick-up volleyball games and cookouts.

Most beaches offer free parking, are just a short drive from each other and feature shore-side activities including nature trails, piers, and plenty of beachcombing for shells, shark teeth and sea turtle nests.

A full list of tourist beaches in the area can be found here, as well as details of the facilities available at each.

The Gulf Islands are also a world class fishing destination.

The splendidly scenic recreational Rod and Reel Fishing pier at the mouth of Tampa Bay is among the most sedate of locations. Regular visitors include seabirds, dolphin and manatees, with breakfast, lunch and dinner available along with bait and tackle sales.



Rod and Reel Fishing Pier

Kayaking is also popular on the islands, with Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures offering a variety of kayak eco-tours that illustrate some of Florida's significant natural habitats and eco-systems, as well as Kayak tours.

World class golf courses

There are around 20 championship quality golf courses within a 30-minute drive of the Gulf Islands – allowing guests to play 365 days a year. Among the most prestigious are the Ted McAnlis designed Waterlefe Golf & River Club and Arnold Palmer’s Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch.



The Legacy Golf Course

Pristine semi-private Florida golf courses and wallet-friendly municipal links also offer additional options for players of all ability, including the Imperial Lakewoods Golf Club in Palmetto and the Manatee County Golf Course.

Guests can also count on seeing some of the region's local wildlife, from bald eagles and birds of prey to white-tail deer and even alligators.

Attractions

Among the most popular attractions on the Gulf Islands are the South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium - home to the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida's Gulf Coast.

In addition the Planetarium presents astronomy programs daily, while the Aquarium is home to Snooty, the oldest known living manatee.



Snooty, the world's oldest manatee

The local city is also home to the Circus Sarasota, which presents arts at the highest level. Circus acts from around the world amaze guests throughout the year, as part of some of the best family entertainment on the whole coast.

Taking place between March 27th and April 5th next year, the Sarasota Film Festival is also sure to draw the crowds; featuring ten days of film screenings, premieres, conversations and parties with filmmakers.

Finally, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hopes to build an understanding of local plant life, and is among the world's leaders in the study, conservation, and display of epiphytes and their canopy habitats.

Where to stay

There is a wealth of accommodation on offer for those wishing to stay on Anna Maria Islands. For those looking for stay on a destination resort, the Beach House and Seaside Inn & Resort offer some of the finest lodging, while more modest rooms can be found at the Bamboo Apartments.

Over on Longboat Key, the Cedars Tennis Resort is nestled amidst twelve miles of white sandy beaches to the west and the glassy waters of Sarasota Bay to the south.

More information

All the information visitors need for a successful trip to Florida's Gulf Islands can be found on the official tourist website. Sarasota also has a wealth of information available on its site.

Chris O'Toole