Journey Along Florida’s Gulf Coast

Including Tampa, St. Pete’s, Treasure Island, Crystal River & More

The Florida Gulf Coast is a stretch of stunning coastline renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and abundant natural beauty. From the vibrant city of Tampa to the tranquil shores of Naples, the Gulf Coast offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Destinations like Clearwater Beach and Siesta Key are famous for their soft sands and lively beach scenes, while places like Sanibel Island and Captiva Island boast unspoiled nature reserves and world-class shelling opportunities. The Gulf Coast is also home to charming seaside towns like Sarasota and St. Petersburg, where visitors can explore art galleries, dine at waterfront restaurants, and soak up the laid-back coastal vibe. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, the Florida Gulf Coast has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Same

Treasure Island

Treasure Island, located along the Gulf Coast of Florida, is a picturesque barrier island known for its beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and laid-back atmosphere. Situated just west of St. Petersburg, Treasure Island offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Growing up, our parents had a condo here so we spent our summer vacation here.

Treasure Island, Florida, offers a variety of activities to enjoy:

Treasure Island Beach: Relax on the wide, sandy shores and enjoy the warm Gulf waters. The warm Gulf waters are inviting year-round, and the soft sands are perfect for building sandcastles or taking leisurely walks along the shore. The waters are usually calm and shallow making it perfect for younger kids.
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk: Explore this quaint fishing village with shops, restaurants, and water sports.Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine with beautiful views of the bay.
Sunset Cruises: Take a boat tour to witness the breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets. They often have inexpensive beer onboard to enjoy a calmer type of booze cruise.
Fishing Charters: Join a fishing excursion for a chance to catch local fish species. Growing up we mainly stuck to the shallow water fishing cruises but loved being out on the water and usually brought how some fresh flounder for dinner.

Tampa

Tampa, offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. The historic Ybor City neighborhood is known for its Cuban and Spanish influences, with colorful buildings, lively nightlife, and delicious cuisine. The Tampa Riverwalk provides scenic views of the waterfront and access to attractions like the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, and the Tampa Bay History Center.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a thrilling theme park located in Tampa, Florida, known for its exciting rides, immersive animal experiences, and lush landscaping. Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Busch Gardens offers visitors a unique combination of adrenaline-pumping attractions and up-close encounters with wildlife. As kids we absolutely loved coming here. Fortunately or Unfortunately not much has changed over the years. The Dinks visited recently and it just seems to need some modernization. They added this park to a SeaWorld Package. See our Blog on Things To Do: Orlando, FL for more information.

The park is divided into several themed areas, each offering its own attractions and experiences. Adventure Island is home to some of the park’s most thrilling rides, including SheiKra, a dive coaster that sends riders plummeting down a 200-foot vertical drop, and Cheetah Hunt, a high-speed roller coaster inspired by the world’s fastest land animal.
In addition to its thrilling rides, Busch Gardens is also known for its diverse animal exhibits and live shows. The Serengeti Plain allows visitors to observe African wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roaming freely in a naturalistic habitat. The park also features interactive animal encounters, including opportunities to feed and learn about exotic animals like sloths, lemurs, and flamingos.
For families and younger visitors, Busch Gardens offers a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a colorful area featuring rides, shows, and meet-and-greets with beloved Sesame Street characters.

Crystal River

Crystal River, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a charming waterfront community known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and unique wildlife encounters. Nestled along the Crystal River and Kings Bay, this area is renowned for its crystal-clear springs, which attract visitors seeking adventure and relaxation alike. One of the main attractions of Crystal River is its opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the springs. Visitors can explore popular spots like Three Sisters Springs, where they can marvel at the clear waters and maybe even spot manatees during the winter months. In fact, Crystal River is one of the few places in the world where visitors can legally swim and interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

This was probably one of my favorite experiences we have had in the United States and something we feel any wildlife lover should add to their bucket list. In addition to swimming with Manatees, the DINKS stopped by The Crab Plant Restaurant, where they enjoyed fresh, locally sourced seafood with a stunning view of the water. They would recommend it if your looking for a quick bite to eat before or after your swim.

Local Cuisine

The Florida Gulf Coast offers a rich variety of local cuisine influenced by its coastal location and diverse cultural heritage.

Gulf Coast Seafood: Fresh seafood such as grouper, snapper, shrimp, and oysters prepared in various ways like grilled, blackened, or fried.
- The Saucy Crawfish in Tampa was a a hit with their seafood pasta and crawfish. Both dishes had amazing flavor and lots of spice.
Cuban Sandwich: A hearty sandwich filled with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed and grilled to perfection.
- Aguila Sandwich Shop had a decent Cuban maybe not compared to Miami but we have to have Cuban when visiting anywhere in Florida.
Key Lime Pie: A famous dessert made with tangy key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
Stone Crab Claws: A delicacy harvested from local waters, served chilled with mustard sauce for dipping.
Florida Citrus: Enjoy fresh oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines grown locally, used in juices, salads, and desserts.
Conch Fritters: Deep-fried fritters made with minced conch meat, often served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Grouper Sandwich: Grilled or fried grouper served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
Key West Pink Shrimp: Sweet and succulent shrimp caught off the Florida Keys, served steamed or in seafood boils.

The DINKs

Tampa – Yankees Spring Training

Sports enthusiasts can catch a game at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays. Yankees Spring Training in Florida is an annual event that takes place in the Sunshine State, specifically in the Tampa Bay area. Since I can remember, this has been on my bucket list and just recently was able to experience it.

Spring Training typically begins in late February and extends into March, allowing players to prepare for the upcoming regular season. The Yankees’ Spring Training practices and games offer fans a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite players, as well as to witness the development of promising prospects. George M. Steinbrenner Field, often referred to as “The Boss,” is a state-of-the-art facility that provides fans with an immersive baseball experience. For baseball enthusiasts and Yankees fans alike, Spring Training in Florida is an exciting time filled with anticipation for the upcoming season, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and tradition of America’s pastime.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, often referred to as St. Pete, is known for its charming downtown area, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful beaches. The Dalí Museum showcases the works of Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, while the Chihuly Collection features stunning glass art by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The downtown waterfront is home to the popular St. Pete Pier, where visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, recreational activities, and panoramic views of the bay. St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach, both located nearby, offer pristine white sands, clear blue waters, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

For about four years, I worked for a company that had a huge office in St. Pete’s. I would visit that office several times a year and enjoyed all the restaurants St. Pete has to offer. Over time, I discovered some favorites that I found myself returning to again and again.

Brick & Mortar offers a cozy atmosphere with creative dishes that blend locally sourced ingredients and unique flavors.
Noble Crust is known for its Southern-inspired Italian cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of comfort food and innovative culinary techniques.

The Family

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, located off the southwest coast of Florida, is a serene and picturesque barrier island known for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and relaxed atmosphere. Renowned for its beautiful shells and tranquil shores, Sanibel offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The island is famous for its shell-covered beaches, particularly Bowman’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park, where visitors can stroll along the sandy shores and collect unique seashells washed ashore by the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel’s unique geography and gentle Gulf currents create prime conditions for shelling, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to shelling, Sanibel Island offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, with its miles of scenic trails, diverse birdlife, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Captiva Island

Captiva Island, located off the Gulf Coast of Florida, is a charming and tranquil destination known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and relaxed atmosphere. This small island, connected to Sanibel Island by a short bridge, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland life. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the powdery white sands, shelling along the shoreline, and swimming in the clear, turquoise waters. Captiva is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. The island’s quaint village features delightful shops, art galleries, and seafood restaurants serving fresh, local catches. We also gathered buckets of shells, though most were fairly basic. Our oldest hoped for a huge shell, so Daddy dove into the ocean to find the biggest and prettiest ones. The kids enjoyed the ocean most of all, even though it wasn’t as calm as expected.

The Bubble Room on Captiva Island is a unique and whimsical restaurant known for its eclectic decor, and vibrant atmosphere. One of the standout features of the Bubble Room is its playful and eccentric design, which includes various vintage toys, colorful lights, and quirky memorabilia. Among these whimsical decorations, you’ll find the famous “Gorilla,” a fun and iconic part of the restaurant’s charm. While we found it to be tourist trap but even with a limited menu it managed to offer good food. The kids loved it, allowing us to enjoy our meals in peace as they eagerly finished theirs.

Summary

Both the Family and the DINKs have cherished memories of the Florida Gulf Coast, visiting Treasure Island and Tampa during their childhood. As adults, they both experienced the wonder of swimming with manatees in Crystal River. The DINKs enjoyed the thrill of Yankees Spring Training and frequently traveled to St. Petersburg for work, while the Family explored the natural beauty of Sanibel Island. Each journey offered unique adventures, showcasing the diverse attractions of the Florida Gulf Coast.

Who did it better? It’s hard to say, as both approaches allowed for unforgettable experiences and a deep appreciation for this beautiful region.

Doubletake Travel

From City Lights to Coastal Sights: A Journey Along Florida’s Gulf Coast