Keys and Gulf Coast

[Stef_Everill]

Flying into Orlando in July and spending 4 days there before travelling to the Keys for 5 nights. Then working our way along the Gulf Coast, before having our penultimate day at Busch Gardens.

Would anyone be able to recommend places to visit/stay – both resorts and accommodation?

Cheers.

[baloo1992]

This year, we are staying at the Polynesian in Orlando and always add a week at the Tradewinds Islands Grand on St Petes Beach on the gulf coast. The beaches really are something else. Have a great time. :cool2:

[livsmum]

We stayed at the TradeWinds hotel last August had a lovely time touring the area.

[lausan]

We stay at the Dolphin Beach resort St Pete’s Beach; its right on the Beach has a beach bar, good restaurant, entertainment at weekends sports bar
As it’s in walking distance of bars, restaurants, opposite is a shopping village with Liquor store, Publix, Gift shops, CV Pharmacy, $ general, Hallmark etc, and behind the Shops is the Harbour for dolphin watching Cruises
Up the road is the Famous Don Caesar Hotel (Pink Cake) has a great ice cream parlour
Around the corner is Pass a Grille which has the famous hurricane restaurant you can sit and watch the sunset being rung in on the famous Pass a grille Bell by the Locals
For a day out visit the Spanish Fort at fort De Soto wonderful beaches north is the best, Picnic area, Bike rental, Kiaking wildlife it has it all

[xXxArielxXx]

This year, we are staying at the Polynesian in Orlando and always add a week at the Tradewinds Islands Grand on St Petes Beach on the gulf coast. The beaches really are something else. Have a great time. :cool2:

I have also stayed here an would definately recomend it!:D

[Harry]

We have got 5 days staying at the South Beach Condo's on Treasure Island (in between St Pete's and Clearwater)... number one in the area by Tripadvisor and some glowing reports.

[robbinsretreat]

Hey Stef

We returned from the keys a couple of weeks ago and it was fantastic! the only draw back was how expensive every thing was in the keys (from grocerys/petrol/parking to attractions)
Key west has a fantastic aquarium worth a visit (as is the blonde giraffe - sells key lime pie mmmm)
My advice would be to do some research into what you are going to do and costs!!
The drive across the everglades isnt that exciting either! (tamiami trail) there is a visitors centre. You could also stop off at billy bobs swamp tour (we didnt do it) kinda wish we had now

We were going to stay in key west and drive north, but opted for a suite near to key lago on the 'key' of tavernia. Nice place, but if i went again i would look into staying on Islamorada. The theatre of the sea is very good - they do a 4 hour boat tour $$$$ agian we hadnt budgeted this so didnt do it (but wished we had)
Hope this helps
Phil

[Mrs_Dazzle]

The Keys are a great taste of the 'real' Florida :grin:

We stayed at the Cheeca Lodge on Islamorada - very nice if you can get it for a good price. We really enjoyed our time down in the Keys - did a fab snorkelling trip and saw loads of different sea creatures, coral etc. Visit Robbie's Marina to feed the Tarpon - these fish are HUGE and great fun to do.

We drove half-way to KeyWest across the 7 mile causeway.

There aren't many natural beaches in the keys, but plenty of man made coves etc.

There's some great restaurants and bars on Islamorada - including an Outback Steakhouse :spin:

For the Gulf coast, we love the Marco Island/Naples area - easy to get to the Everglades where an airboat ride is a must. We've stayed at the Hilton Marco Island which is in a superb location on the beach with great facilities. We loved sitting in the oversized wooden rockers on the deck, sipping cocktails/beer, watching the sun going down. Pop along to Naples for a city tour on the trolley bus (getting on and off as you fancy). Loads of shops and outlet mall. Plenty of nature, too.

I'd end up in either St Pete Beach (Tradewinds or Sandpiper hotels) or Clearwater (Sand Key Marriott).

Wow - what a great trip :d: :thumbs-up