WHAT TO DO ON FLORIDA'S WEST COAST? THE ULTIMATE LIST

 WHAT TO DO ON FLORIDA'S WEST COAST? THE ULTIMATE LIST

What to do on Florida's west coast? It's true that foreigners have a good idea of the east coast. However, the west coast is becoming Florida's real draw.

Foreigners and Americans come to this part of the Sunshine State to seek authenticity and a typically Floridian lifestyle.

Whether you're traveling with family or friends on a road trip, this part of Florida offers a variety of options.

From the ever-popular Naples, Tampa, and Pensacola to breathtaking beaches and federal parks, there are different options to suit every type of traveler.

what to do west coast florida

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Beer Can Island

This first recommendation is located in the city of Sarasota, so we dedicated an article to it.

Beer Can Island isn't just one of our hidden gems in Florida, it's one of the best things to do on Florida's west coast! If you're looking to discover a magical oasis, head to Beer Island (also known as Greer Island), not to be confused with Beer Island in Tampa.

Visitors often find the location a little difficult to find so follow our tips!

Almost like escaping to a deserted island with its crystal clear water and the absence of crowds like other nearby beaches! This beautiful island has, as you might expect, a fragile ecosystem, so be sure not to throw away or destroy any mangroves or driftwood trees.

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Myakka River State Park

This is an area we know particularly well because it is around this park that we operate on a short-term basis.

In addition to contributing to the attractiveness of the real estate market ( video on Port Charlotte ), the Myakka River is actually the only river to have been granted state park status. And believe us, the Myakka River is a breathtaking destination!

Throughout the park's 58 square miles, the Myakka River flows through diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and more. Visitors can expect to see a variety of Florida wildlife, including white-tailed deer, osprey, and of course, alligators during their canopy walk! The Myakka River is one of the best places to see wild alligators in Florida.

On the Birdwalk, you can see some of Florida's rarest birds. The best time to see the most wildlife is when water levels in the floodplain are low, usually between January and March.

Discover the most beautiful beach in Florida

We can't talk about the west coast of Florida without mentioning the beaches that line this part of the sunshine state.

The vast majority of the beaches are magnificent and worth the detour, but you should only keep one: Siesta Key beach.

For what ?

Quite simply because it offers a unique spectacle. It's a combination of white sand you won't see anywhere else and transparent turquoise water.

If you still have doubts, then know that this beach has been ranked many times as "  the most beautiful beach in the United States ."

The ultimate recommendation is to watch the sunset at least once while relaxing on this beach. It's the ultimate experience to enjoy a heavenly landscape that only Florida can offer.

To learn more, read the article below about our top 5 best beaches you can visit on the west coast of Florida.

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Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches on Florida's West Coast

Three Sister Springs

About 90 minutes north of Tampa Bay, Three Sisters Springs is part of a vast system of about 40 natural springs called the Crystal River

It's a perfect stopover for those taking a road trip down Florida's west coast.

Three Sister Springs originates in King's Bay before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Accessible only by boat, these springs are one of the best outdoor activities for families.

At Three Sister Springs, you can swim with manatees or dive into the crystal-clear water. January is one of the best times to see manatees migrating from the rivers to the natural springs to warm up during the winter months.

Another option for those who don't want to swim in the cold water is to rent a glass-bottom boat or kayak to get a breathtaking view of the springs without getting wet!

Fort De Soto

This is one of the best playgrounds on Florida's west coast! Made up of five offshore islands, they're the perfect blend of natural coastal beaches with unique history, including a fort and more!

Better yet, just minutes from St. Petersburg, one of the best cities on Florida's west coast.

You can explore the 7-mile waterfront, camp at one of the 238 campsites, hike or bike on paved trails, or swim.

You obviously always have the beach option.

It's the perfect little beach town on the west coast of Florida!

What to do on the West Coast of Florida with the family?

This is obviously a concern that many tourists have when traveling.

Good news, Florida's west coast offers wonderful family memories.

Among the multitude of options, we must tell you about the Naples Zoo.

The Naples Zoo has many fun exhibits to explore, including giraffes, alligators, and penguins.

This is a fun activity that's perfect for your kids. They'll be amazed, especially when the zookeepers feed the giraffes.

Ford and Edison Winter Estate

Here we go a little further north on the west coast and we offer you a cultural interlude.

Just three hours from Orlando, you'll find an area where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two of the most famous inventors of all time, used to winter.

Think about how many of our everyday inventions were invented here! This historic site will delight science and culture enthusiasts.

Once inside, take one of the tours offered of the grounds and the beautiful botanical gardens. You can even visit the laboratory used by Edison and Ford for inventions like Botanic Research.

Inside the houses, you'll get a glimpse into the lives of the two men with model cars and electrical experiments, as well as an innovation gallery.

An art museum in Sarasota!

For museum and architecture lovers, try a visit to the Ringling Museum. This historic Florida landmark is located in Sarasota!

Visitors flock to John and Mable Ringling's winter residence, Ca' d'Zan. The pink Renaissance-inspired building complex features a courtyard and garden accented by flowers, fountains, and bronze and stone casts of iconic sculptures like Michelangelo's David. Ninety-minute tours of the gardens are offered weekdays at varying times. For Instagram lovers, this is the time to get out your smartphone!

Built in the 1930s, it now houses 21 galleries showcasing masterpieces from across Europe. The Ringling Museum of Art houses the collection of circus co-founder John and his wife Mable Ringling, favorite artists of the Roman, Greek, Medieval, and Renaissance periods.

Admission to this state-run museum is $25 for adults. Reduced admission rates are available on Thursdays between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. It's only an hour's drive from Tampa, making it a must-see on a Florida West Coast day trip from Tampa.

Marco Island's Dome Houses

The houses are located approximately 100 meters off Cape Romano Island, just south of Marco Island. The houses are only accessible by boat or jet ski.

Built by Bob Lee, a millionaire seeking ocean seclusion, these six unusual-looking domes perched on slits above the water now serve as shelters for birds and aquatic life off the Gulf Coast.

After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the houses were left uninhabited and the dome structures began to erode into the ocean, creating an artificial reef.

Other hurricanes continued to sink the houses, making it one of Florida's most unique reefs. Divers are impressed by the diversity of aquatic life that calls the reef home.

Treat yourself to shellfish!

We couldn't leave you without addressing the topic of food. Because there's one specialty we really need to talk about: seafood, which is the region's specialty.

Two reasons why you absolutely must try restaurants like this:

-Quality: the products are fresh and you can't go wrong with the quality of the products.

-Sustainable consumption: You can do your best to eat seafood in Florida. Short supply chains, seasonality of the products—in short, there are so many reasons why you can devour these dishes.

A Florida classic: crabs

Most good seafood restaurants offer stone crabs during the season (mid-October to mid-May). A real treat in Southwest Florida.