Luxury Gulf Coast Holidays

Overview

Florida's Gulf Coast is a beach lovers’ paradise. This sun-kissed coastline features powdery white sands and tranquil waters as well as vast nature parks and charming towns that ooze sophistication. You’ll also find many impressive museums and art galleries as well as great boating, fishing and scuba diving opportunities. Luxury Gulf Coast holidays offer a magical retreat.

Stretching from north to south, Florida’s Gulf Coast encompasses St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Naples and Everglades National Park. At the twin cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, you'll find some of the best beaches in America such as the iconic Fort de Soto Park. You'll also get to explore an hundred-year-old botanical garden at Sunken Gardens, admire masterpieces at Museum of Fine Arts, and escape into nature at Weedon Island Preserve, a well-known birding and fishing nature reserve.

Travel south to Sarasota. Known as a cultural centre this city thrives with art institutions, museums and high-end designer boutiques. Here, you can visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of over 40,000 artworks. Also, make sure to spend a day at one of the region’s golf courses which are quickly gaining an international reputation.

Siesta Key Beach with its extraordinarily white pure quartz sand is also worth a visit. From Sarasota, head south to Naples, a city known for luxury shopping, refined culture and elegant dining. The city's historic downtown is a shopping hotspot with exclusive stores and quaint pastel-coloured buildings that capture the beauty and charm of old Florida. Relax on one of the many white sand beaches, visit the nearby Everglades wetlands and interact with exotic animals at Naples Zoo.

When To Visit

The Gulf Coast of Florida experiences hot weather in the summer and warm, mild winters. From December to May high temperatures linger around 22 degrees Celsius, getting hotter from March to May with highs peaking into the 30s.

Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, is a fantastic place to visit at any time to year. More rainfall occurs from August to October, but these showers often quickly turn into sunny skies. Regardless of when you visit, Florida's Gulf Coast is the ideal luxury holiday destination.

Food & Drink

You'll get to taste gourmet foods and award-winning restaurants at your luxury Gulf Coast hotel. Enjoy the freshest local seafood and try lobster coconut bisque, snapper served with lemon risotto and pan-seared salmon.

Sample aged steaks, bacon wrapped filet mignon, rib-eye steaks and all-American favourites like juicy burgers, crispy french fries, or fluffy pancakes. Choose from a la carte menus serving authentic Italian pasta and classic Mexican taco dishes. Dine in beautiful settings surrounded by a 15,000-gallon aquarium filled with colourful tropical Florida fish. Unwind with fine wines and cocktails.

Passport & Visas

As with any holiday, it's a good idea to carry some identification with you at all times. British citizens need a Visa Waiver Programme or visa to enter the USA. Visit GOV.UK for more advice on passports, visas and travel.