In this article you’ll find lots of information on 3 different areas in Florida. I’ve included things like restaurants, things to do, and lodging recommendations.
Key West (if you’re young, single, or like partying)
Key West is a great place if you like to party and drink. It is a very social area and tons of fun. Here are some things you can do in Key West:
Go to Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. It is probably the nicest beach in Key West.
Bar hop on Duval Street. It is the main nightlife spot.
Take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. They offer day trips, but you can also camp overnight (if you’re into that). Camping reservations sell out months in advance, so you need to plan ahead if you want to camp. Snorkeling is included in the trip to the park.
Visit the Theater of the Sea if you want to swim with dolphins. It starts at $235 (includes general admission into the park). A bit pricey, but maybe worth it if swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list. If you just want general access to the park, then you can pay $47.95 (the price for ages 11+).
Honest Eco is a company that offers dolphin watch trips, snorkeling, and more (I am not affiliated with the company). Their Dolphin Watch & Snorkel trip is currently 99 dollars a person. It includes guided snorkeling and wild dolphin watching. It is 4 hours long. They also offer other trips like their Dolphin Search Sunset Sail, which lets you sail on the beautiful water and look for dolphins as the sun sets.
Another fun activity you could do is jetski. You can rent jetskis or go on a jetski tour.
Lastly, you can watch the sunset at Mallory Square. Their “Sunset Celebration” features live music, stunt performers, comedy shows, and local vendors.
Food Recommendations: Go to Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop. According to Food Network, they have the best key lime pie. Blue Heaven, B.O.’s Fish Wagon, and First Flight Island Restaurant & Brewery are all great places to eat. El Siboney is a great place to get Cuban food.
Recommendations for lodging: The Garden House, El Patio Motel, and the Blue Marlin Motel
Clearwater Beach (for a small town atmosphere with amazing beach scenery)
Clearwater Beach is a more family friendly beach (less drinking/partying). It is more known for its nice beaches. Here are some things you can do there:
-Clearwater Marine Aquarium ($37.95 for adults at the time of me writing this)
-You can walk around and explore the shops in Dunedin. There are tons of places to eat and drink there.
-Visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks (around 16 miles away). It’s known as the “Sponge Capital of the World.” Lots of shops and restaurants. There are also boat dolphin tours.
-St. Pete Pier (tons of shops, restaurants, and a lot more). It’s around 25 miles away from Clearwater Beach.
-Visit John’s Pass. It’s a village and boardwalk with restaurants, fun things to do like water sports, and shopping.
Restaurant recommendation: The Palm Pavilion is a great place for lunch and dinner. They have great seafood. It’s right on the beach, which makes it a great place to watch the sunset.
-Walk along Pier 60. It’s also a good place to watch the sunset. There is a nightly sunset celebration with dancers, musicians, and more.
Recommendations for lodging: Clearwater Beach Hotel is an affordable option.
Sarasota/Siesta Key Beach
Sarasota has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. Siesta Key Beach specifically is known to be one of the nicest beaches in the US. There is beautiful white sand and clear water. It’s peaceful and isn’t crowded with people like a lot of beaches. In Sarasota there are shops, restaurants, parks you can explore, and a lot more. I’ve included those things below.
-Snorkeling at Point of Rocks: A unique snorkeling experience which features underwater limestone rocks and lots of diverse wildlife.
-Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
-St. Armands Circle: A beautiful outdoor shopping mall.
-Myakka River State Park
-Marie Selby Botanical Garden
-The Mall at University Town Center: An upscale mall with name brand stores. One of the biggest malls in Florida.
-Ringling Museum of Art
Food Recommendations: Speaks Clam Bar (at St. Armands Circle, which I mentioned earlier), Owen’s Fish Camp, and Duval’s. New Pass Grill & Bait Shop has good burgers that you can eat while sitting on the dock. You can watch the boats as you eat.
Recommendations for lodging: Golden Host Resort is a good option that isn’t very expensive.