Florida from Tampa

[shaunboxer]

Other than doing Busch Gardens we have never really ventured out to the gulf coast. We have just booked for a cheeky week in Feb 2019 flying into Tampa. We want to stay over that side but find things to do too. Therefore any recommendations where to stay and what to do would be greatly appreciated.

[scooby99]

You may find prices on the Gulf Coast higher than you're expecting at that time of year & busier too.
The peak season for the Gulf Coast is Jan-Apr (it will be packed with snowbirds) with Feb & March being the very peak of peak season.
However, anywhere on that Coast is beautiful; lots to do too along any stretch of it.

[sheluk]

Sarasota and Naples both beautiful

[Melvin Pearce]

Stop off at Apollo beach and go to the Manatee Viewing Center, a free afternoon/morning watching a mass of Manatees by the Tampa Power Station

Also go to Clearwater Beach and also Clearwater Aquarium and meet Winter

Melvin and Lesley

[Ninnybobs]

Anna Maria Island and Fort DeSoto would be a must for me.

Agree with the above comment on the Manatee Veiwing Centre and Apollo Beach.

[pos69xxx]

Naples is lovely but as someone has already stated will be busier and more expensive at that time of year.

[tim17]

We've just had three weeks near Tampa and found plenty to do.

The Tampa CityPASS gives you a day at Busch Gardens, entrance to two aquariums, a zoo and either a glass gallery or the science museum.

There are two outlet centres at Tampa and Ellenton and we combined a trip to Ellenton with several hours on Anna Maria which we love.

Downtown St Petersburg is great with loads of wacky shops, cafes and restaurants.

If you love sport then ice hockey in Tampa is a cheap night out.

[wanye]

a trip to the International Independent Showmens Museum?

showmensmuseum/

also, some inspiration here: atlasobscura/things-to-do/florida

[shaunboxer]

Thank you for all the replies. I will now look into all of these suggestions and make a priority list. Not sure a week will be long enough :-)

[Redsox77]

Check out music venues too - lots of big bands playing in the area next Spring. 👍