Florida Gulf Coast Family Guide

November 14–30, 2026 · St. Pete Beach and beyond

America’s Sunset Capital

Colorful illustrated Florida Gulf Coast Family Guide cover featuring sunset, dolphins, manatees and beach destinations
November 14–30, 2026 · Beaches, adventures & family memories

Your Gulf Coast adventure starts here!

The countdown to sunshine, sandy toes, dolphin sightings, waterfront discoveries, and unforgettable family stories starts here.

Picture warm sand at sunset, dolphins playing offshore, a cold drink at a beach bar, the excitement of spotting a manatee, and a day trip that turns into everyone's favorite story. From St. Pete Beach to Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Crystal River and Tampa, this is our invitation to explore.

Our home base is Mariner Beach Club. Thanksgiving is reserved for family time together. The rest? Pick an adventure, follow the sunshine, and make some memories.

Beach days & sunsets

St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Treasure Island, Clearwater and those unforgettable Gulf Coast evenings.

Wildlife & adventures

Dolphins, manatees, Fort De Soto, island beaches and excursions worth getting out of the lounge chair for.

Good food & good company

Casual beach bars, waterfront dining, local favorites and time with family—without a rigid schedule.

Choose your adventure

Where should we go tomorrow?

From easy beach afternoons to two-day escapes, pick the outing that fits the mood. Each plan includes suggested stops and a map route. Nothing is mandatory—especially on vacation.

Half dayPass-a-Grille Sunset EscapeEasy afternoon

Browse the little historic district, relax on the beach, then pick a waterfront spot for sunset. Great low-effort outing.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Historic 8th Avenue
  2. Pass-a-Grille Beach
  3. Paradise Grille
  4. Brass Monkey
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Day tripFort De Soto Nature DayBeach + wildlife

Pack water and sunscreen; choose a beach walk, birdwatching, or a short kayak rental. Keep kayaking optional and check equipment capacity.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Fort De Soto Park
  2. Fort De Soto North Beach
  3. Fort De Soto kayak launch
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Day tripTreasure Island & John’s PassShops + dolphins

Spend the morning on the sand, explore the boardwalk and shops, and consider a dolphin cruise if conditions cooperate.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Treasure Island Beach
  2. John’s Pass Village
  3. Hubbard’s Marina
  4. Caddy’s Treasure Island
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Day tripSt. Petersburg Art & WaterfrontCulture + food

Choose one museum rather than rushing both, then enjoy the Pier and an evening meal. Gulfport is an optional add-on.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Imagine Museum St Petersburg
  2. The Dalí Museum
  3. St Pete Pier
  4. Gulfport Florida
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Day tripClearwater to DunedinBeach + village

Start at Clearwater Beach, explore Dunedin’s walkable downtown, and decide where to watch sunset. Parking can take time.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Clearwater Beach
  2. Pier 60 Clearwater
  3. Downtown Dunedin Florida
  4. Dunedin Marina
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Day tripTarpon Springs Greek GetawayCulture + food

Walk the sponge docks, enjoy Greek food and pastries, then finish with a beach or park stop.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
  2. Hellas Restaurant Tarpon Springs
  3. Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs
  4. Fred Howard Park
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Day tripTampa & Ybor DiscoveryCity + history

Choose the aquarium or a Riverwalk museum, then head to Ybor City for architecture and dinner.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Tampa Riverwalk
  2. Florida Aquarium Tampa
  3. Ybor City Tampa
  4. Columbia Restaurant Ybor City
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Full dayCrystal River Manatee CountryWildlife focus

An early start helps. Manatee encounters are seasonal and never guaranteed; verify park access and tour rules.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Three Sisters Springs Crystal River
  2. Crystal River Archaeological State Park
  3. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

OvernightCrystal River Slow-Down1 night · 2 relaxed days

Day 1: travel north and explore Crystal River. Stay overnight locally. Day 2: visit springs or wildlife park before returning. Book lodging separately.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Crystal River Florida
  2. Three Sisters Springs Crystal River
  3. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

OvernightAnna Maria Island & Sarasota1 night · beach escape

Day 1: island beaches and waterfront dining. Overnight near Sarasota or Anna Maria. Day 2: explore Sarasota and return at leisure. These are proposed new guide areas.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Anna Maria Island Florida
  2. Bradenton Beach Florida
  3. Sarasota Florida
  4. St Armands Circle Sarasota
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Two daysSarasota, Venice & the Gulf2 days · coastal discovery

Day 1: Sarasota museum or waterfront, then overnight. Day 2: Venice beach and historic downtown. Check museum hours before planning.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Sarasota Florida
  2. The Ringling Sarasota
  3. Venice Beach Florida
  4. Historic Downtown Venice Florida
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Two daysOrlando With the Little Ones2 days · family option

Day 1: drive and settle in with a low-key outing. Day 2: choose one age-appropriate attraction; tickets and lodging require separate planning. This is a longer-distance option.

Suggested stops, in order

  1. Orlando Florida
  2. Disney Springs Orlando
  3. Lake Buena Vista Florida
Open suggested route in Google Maps

Flexible plan, not a reservation or verified driving-time estimate. Confirm opening hours, conditions and admission before leaving.

Thanksgiving Day, November 26, is reserved for family at Mariner Beach Club. Overnight and two-day ideas are optional additions, not booked trips.

Home base: Mariner Beach Club, 4220 Gulf Blvd. Thanksgiving, Nov 26: family time at Mariner. Explore by area; verify hours, access and excursions before traveling.