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Travel Guide

Florida

Florida may be most well known for its' gorgeous white sand beaches and Walt Disney World, but there are so many other worthwhile attractions including: gorgeous preserves, some of the country's top rail trails, world-class art museums, and an amazingly diverse food scene. While residing in Tampa for 3+ years, I experienced a bit of everything from the movie magic at Universal Studios, to relaxing at the Gulf's white sand beaches, to wildlife watching at the quaint preserves.

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Tampa
Tampa
Orlando
Orlando
Sarasota
Sarasota
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg
Clearwater
Clearwater
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs

FL Beach Guides

It's no question that Florida's Gulf side is home to some of the best beaches in the country. I enjoyed easy access to these gorgeous white sand beaches nearly every weekend during my time living in Tampa. From popular vacation destinations like Clearwater, to low-key gems like Indian Rocks, there is a beach for you no matter if your interests lie in swimming, watching a sunset, relaxing, or even playing volleyball.

6 Beautiful Beaches in Sarasota & Venice, Florida A Relaxing Evening at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs, Florida A Spectacular Sunset & Beautiful Natural Trails on Florida’s Honeymoon Island Clearwater: A Beautiful Florida Beach…If You Can Find Parking! Fall in Florida: Visiting Beautiful Anna Maria Island Amelia Island: A Historical Coastal Gem in Northern Florida A Hot June Afternoon at St. Pete’s Pass-A-Grille Beach Clear Water, Light Waves & Relaxation at Indian Rocks Beach Things to do and see in Indian Rocks Beach: The Hidden Gem of Florida’s Gulf Attraction of the Week: Pensacola Beach on Florida’s Emerald Coast Sand Key Park: A Beach-Comber’s Paradise on Florida’s Gulf Coast The Sea Screamer in Clearwater: The World’s Largest Speedboat Dolphin Watching in Madeira Beach, Florida Fun-in-the-Sun: A Day in Siesta Key on Florida’s Gulf 11 Gorgeous Florida Gulf Coast Beaches

FL Bucket List

It would be difficult to check everything off your bucket even if you vacation here every year. Fortunately, no matter which part of the state you travel to, you will be within easy reach of gorgeous beaches and iconic entertainment destinations. While I can never get enough of Universal and Disney, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions too that many tourists skip over.

17 Fun Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks Attraction of the Week: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando 19 Must-Do’s at Universal Studios Orlando The World’s Longest Continuous Sidewalk: Tampa’s Bayshore Blvd. 9 Fun things to do in Tarpon Springs: The Sponge Capital of the World Attraction of the Week: Silver Springs State Park A Stormy Ride along Florida’s Pinellas Trail Columbia: Florida’s Oldest Restaurant St. Augustine, Florida Vacation Guide 8 Must-dos in Naples, Florida Myakka State Park: One of Florida’s Largest, Oldest & Most Scenic Parks The Ultimate Tampa Bay Beach Guide The Most Beautiful Places in Tampa Bay The Best Attractions in Pinellas County, Florida Attraction of the Week: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Tampa

I really enjoyed my time living in Tampa. It's an underrated city that offers so much more than Orlando in my opinion. You get to enjoy easy access to the touristy white sand beaches without sacrificing the city vibe. There's plenty go do all year whether you enjoy recreation (the bike paths are amazing), hiking (alligator watching at the preserves is s lot of fun!), big city attractions (The Florida Aquarium & Zoo are fantastic) or dining (the city is home to the largest Spanish restaurant in the world!).

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Orlando

Surprisingly, I've found quite a few things to do in Orlando besides the major theme parks. While these parks are always predictably fantastic, there's a lot of general entertainment like mini golf, movie theaters, arcades, bowling, etc. to enjoy too. Plus, there are some great parks, bike trails, and museums in the area. Definitely take some time off from Disney to explore!

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Sarasota

Sarasota is my favorite daytrip from Tampa. Most famously, this area is known for beautiful Siesta Key Beach which features 99% quartz white sand. This beach features the smoothest sugar-like sand you will ever step foot on. I also recommend checking out the Jungle Gardens, Columbia in historic St. Armand's Circle, and Myakka River State Park - one of the state's oldest & best parks.

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St. Petersburg

There's much more to St. Pete than the famous beach of the same name which draws all the tourists. I come here mainly for the gorgeous preserves (especially Weedon Island where I've seen so many armadillos and gopher tortoises). This city also has a great food and art scene. The Dali and Chihuly are 2 of the best museums in the state.

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Clearwater

Clearwater Beach is the busiest of all the Tampa Bay beaches. I can see why all the tourists come here because it is so beautiful. You will also find a number of fun touristy restaurants, cruises, and a full lineup of events including a nightly Pier festival.

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Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs is my favorite small town near Tampa. First off, you will find the best Greek food here as the city is home to the high percentage of Greek residents in the US. Second, there is a nice old-school downtown lined with a lot of local shops and restaurants. Third, there is a wonderful dolphin cruise which offers access to the secluded Anclote Island. And finally, this area is rich in historical significance (it's the "sponge capital of the world."

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