Vacation Rentals by Owner

Overview of Florida Central West Vacation Rentals

Florida’s Gulf Coast is a popular vacation destination for families, couples and those looking for a beach vacation in the sun with plenty of optional attractions and things to do.

The Benefits of Choosing Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals

For a family vacation, a spacious vacation rental home helps the whole family enjoy each other’s company. Everyone can have their own private space for watching TV or reading. Several bathrooms avoid morning squabbles and the fully equipped kitchen means you can stock the refrigerator with soda and food and save money dining out. A vacation condo makes the ideal base for a family of any size; you can even invite the in-laws along as babysitters!

Things to do Around Your Florida Gulf Coast Lodging

The soft sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters are perfect for sunbathing or walking along the water’s edge collecting seashells. For those who want to get out on the water, the usual watersports are available including jet skis, paragliding, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and diving. The warm Gulf waters offer excellent fishing. Anglers can fish from piers or the beach. More serious sport fishing can be enjoyed on a half-day or full-day fishing charter.

Museums and historic homes such as the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford winter estates are great ways to enjoy Florida’s culture. Swamps, national parks, botanical gardens and boardwalks offer great opportunities to see birds, alligators, turtles, dolphins and manatees and can all be packed into your Florida vacation.

The theme parks of Orlando are within easy driving distance from your Florida Gulf Coast vacation rental. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios are in Orlando while the rides and entertainment at Busch Gardens are just southeast of Tampa.

Typical Vacationers to Florida’s Gulf Coast

Most people think of Florida as a family vacation destination, and it is perfect for families. With safe swimming, spacious beachfront vacation rentals, cheap dining and the perfect weather for enjoying the great outdoors, there is something to please everyone. In contrast, the quieter outer islands offer the perfect romantic spot for a wedding, honeymoon or romantic weekend away. With quiet beaches and amazing sunsets, the Gulf Coast of Florida draws many couples too.

During the winter, Florida is the “snowbird” hotspot as vacationers and retirees from the northern U.S. escape the winter cold. The Gulf Coast has plenty of museums, shops, botanical gardens and cultural attractions to suit older vacationers.

Tips for Getting Around Florida’s Gulf Coast

Most visitors to Florida’s Gulf coast fly in to one of the main airports serving the region. The busiest airport is Orlando International Airport but there are other major airports at Tampa and the Southwest Florida International airport at Fort Myers.

Although you may be planning to chill out on the beautiful beaches, a car will help you make the very most of your Gulf Coast vacation. The quieter islands and waterfront restaurants may need a car to get to, and missing out on visiting some of the attractions in the area would be a shame. Outside the cities, Florida’s roads are fairly quiet and easy to navigate so hiring a car on arrival at the airport is highly recommended.

Great Neighborhoods Offering Florida Gulf Coast Condos

Some of the most popular destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast are, from north to south, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and the Barrier Islands, colorful Venice with its delightful waterfront promenade, Fort Myers including the beaches around Cape Coral, and swanky Naples with its Fifth Avenue boutiques.

John’s Pass is a popular destination for those staying in the St. Petersburg lodging area. It has a historic boardwalk lined with small shops and restaurants and is a great place to book a fishing charter, sunset cruise, bicycles and watersports equipment.

Year-Round Sunshine for Enjoying Florida’s Gulf Coast Beaches

Florida’s tropical climate is its biggest attraction, especially during the winter months when it is cold elsewhere. Winters are dry and generally sunny with temperatures around 25 C (77 F) during the day. Nights can be cool so bring a light jacket just in case. Summers are hot and humid but you can cool off in the clear blue ocean. During July and August temperatures can reach 33 C (92 F) and higher, with a higher risk of heavy afternoon showers.