Some well-kept secrets are upstaged by the old world charm of this Mediterranean-influenced city on the Gulf Coast, conceived as one of Florida's first planned communities in the early 20th Century. The shady lanes and manicured boulevards showcase the Northern Italian design envisioned by its...

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Kaylee Sturm sat in the low surf, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping around her. The University of Tampa senior had never been to this barrier island north of Clearwater, but she and her mom were immediately impressed. "I like that it's natural," said Sturm, adding that she preferred...

Clearwater Beach is a barrier island off a peninsula, so it takes some bridge-hopping to reach it. But three miles of powdery white beach and abundant family attractions await in this reawakening old shore town. Mom 'n' pop hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions have kept that cluttered, Old...

For an escape from the hustle of normal Tampa Bay civilization, set your sights on Fort De Soto Park, an absolutely stunning retreat. It's part of St. Petersburg, but seems to be from a faraway world. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it bears a military name but has a spiritual heart. Fort De Soto...

Treasure Island, Florida is located on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast and is blessed with miles of gorgeous white sand beaches that boast that "Old Florida" feel yet Treasure Island is part of the Tampa Bay region, one of the nation's fastest growing metro areas. With its rich history, today Treasure...

St. Pete Beach is a barrier island in Pinellas county with award-winning, beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. With miles of pristine white sand, St. Pete Beach offers visitors a variety of views, activities and Florida sun. St. Pete Beach is nestled on Long Key. Upham Beach, located on the...

It's a warm afternoon at Gulfport's beachfront park. Several parents are perched on palm-shaded benches, chatting, while their offspring curl themselves around the playground equipment or wade out into the gentle waves. Couples recline nearby on sand-edged beach towels; eyes closed, they soak up...

Siesta Key is a narrow, 8-mile long, crescent-shaped Gulf Coast barrier island that manages to be busy and restful at the same time. It boasts sugary white beaches that sand snobs love for being 99 percent pure quartz. Accommodations run the gamut, but rooms can be tough to find in high season....

Anna Maria Island -- a slender 7-mile slip of Gulf sand balanced atop the crooked crab claw of north Longboat Key -- is a slow-motion kind of place. Sit a spell and taste the brine of the sea air as it bites softly at the back of your throat. Kick off your shoes and feel the sand sucked from under...

Longboat Key, Lido Key, and St. Armands Key are ideal beach and bayfront settings for the ultimate Florida vacation. Stretching between the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and serene Sarasota Bay, these keys attract many visitors who come to enjoy the average year-round temperature of 73 degrees. The area...

My wife and I are hardly big-time adventurers, our lives being better summarized by into the mild than Into the Wild. But one year, while pedaling bikes around a national wildlife refuge on this Gulf Coast barrier island, we looked up and saw a bald eagle harassing an osprey. The eagle wanted the...

Fort Myers, near Florida's southwest coast, has a mix of beautiful beaches, historic attractions, museums and recreation such as golf and water sports. Its proximity to the Everglades makes it easy for visitors to find beautiful scenery, nature trails and wildlife areas. There are myriad resorts,...

The pelicans know. Even simple sea birds can sense tranquillity. That must be why these large-billed creatures like to float on gentle waters that lap softly along Vanderbilt Beach. Serenity also attracts two-legged creatures of the human variety to this special place on Florida's Gulf Coast. Gentle...

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