While the Atlantic coast has its devotees, the Gulf of Mexico is the favourite for those preferring soft white sand and gentle surf. At the northern entrance to the bay lie Clearwater and St. Petersburg which both boast fine beaches and, in the case of St. Pete, a lively waterfront area and its Pier.
Within the bay itself lies Tampa with its bustling cruise port and popular attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and the Raymond James Stadium "" home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
All these places are all close together and are well worth a visit. Savvy Florida visitors who know their way around, tend to base themselves around the southern entrance to the bay in the Bradenton, Sarasota area.
Anna Maria Island at the very mouth of the bay is particularly popular with afficiandos. The 7 mile stretch of upmarket waterside properties is ideal for those who want to stay right on the beach or enjoy the convenience of a private dock.
Visitors enjoy balmy days relaxing on the beach, fishing or golfing on the mainland which is easily reached by 3 different bridges. Then, in the evening, they can choose to stay put and sample succulent lobster, shrimp or char-grilled steaks which they can obtain from excellently stocked local stores. However, when they want to leave it all to others, there is a wide variety of restaurants specialising in cuisine from all four corners of the globe.
If you want to relax and enjoy spectacular views of Anna Maria Island, you must experience what it"s like to go Parasa If you want to relax and enjoy spectacular views of Anna Maria Island, you must experience what it"s like to go Parasailing 500 feet above the Gulf of Mexico. Dry take-off and landing makes it safe and fun for all ages.iling 500 feet above the Gulf of Mexico. Dry take-off and landing makes it safe and fun for all ages.
While it may sound like a bustling holiday destination with only 8000 inhabitants on the Island, it is far from being crowded.
