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An East or West Coast Florida Beach Getaway

Central Floridians will find some of the finest beaches in the nation right in their backyard, and only an hour or two drive away. If you’re thinking about planning a beach getaway, but are short on ideas, we’re introducing you to popular destinations on each coast – Florida’s historic East Coast along the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater along the Gulf of Mexico. Either choice is packed with exciting experiences for the entire family.

St. Augustine

Your children will hardly realize that they are learning valuable history when you visit St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. The city’s history began with exploration, and now, you and your family can explore its history.

Where to Stay
St. Augustine has a variety of lodging choices to fit every budget. If you’re getting away without the kids, there is a nice selection of bed and breakfasts in the area. Couple that with a romantic dinner at the Columbia Restaurant and a carriage ride through the narrow brick streets of the ancient city for a romance-inspired getaway.

For the family, hotels, motels and short-term vacation rentals (cottages and condos) are available in St. Augustine and on the beach. Take this link to review your choices – http://tinyurl.com/4kdqre4.

Where to Eat
While there are several good restaurants in town, typically the kids will want pizza or a hamburger. Thankfully, at Pizza Garden and Pastabilities you will find the best pizza in town, and a variety of other menu choices as well, in a casual restaurant setting. Additionally, the American Graffiti Restaurant & Bar serves the best burgers in a fun atmosphere. Both restaurants can be found across the Bridge of Lions on Anastasia Island.

Things to Do
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine, Florida picturesSt. Augustine offers two tour experiences – both allow you to board and disembark at several locations throughout St. Augustine. Ripley’s Sightseeing Trains are tram-like red trains providing a narrated tour of the city. Old Town Trolley Tours are trolley-like buses that also provide narrated tours of the ancient town. Both tours offer multi-day passes and packages. These tours are an easy way to get around the narrow and often confusing streets of the city and learn about its history.

The best beach experience in the area is across the bridge at Anastasia State Park, which offers four miles of pristine beach. The designated swimming area has a lifeguard present from Memorial Day through Labor Day and facilities include a bathhouse. Other activities available in the park include nature trails, boat ramp, fishing, a volleyball court, beach equipment rentals (umbrellas, beach chairs and canoes), picnic areas, concessions, gift shops and playgrounds. There is an entrance fee of $8 per vehicle (2-8 occupants). Camping enthusiasts will find great campground facilities at Anastasia State Park.

While there are numerous attractions in the area, a visit to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument brings history to life with exciting reenactments (check schedules). Think you can climb the 219 steps of St. Augustine’s Lighthouse and Museum? It’s worth it for a spectacular view of the city. (Small children may find it difficult to complete the climb and cannot be carried.)

Don’t miss St. Augustine’s Alligator Farm for an up-close-and-personal look at Florida’s wildlife. And if you want the maximum hands-on interaction with animals, make sure you plan a visit to Marineland and the Dolphin Adventure. Getting into the water with these gentle mammals is an unforgettable experience.

Once you check out of your hotel, you don’t have to rush home. Stop and stretch your legs on the way at St. Augustine Premium Outlets, where you’ll find plenty of name-brand stores and bargains, or take a tour of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater

The beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, some of the nation’s best, stretch from Anclote Key southward to Fort DeSoto Park, and provide 35 miles of oil-free, sugar white sand and the aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Where to Stay
Plentiful lodging choices are available to fit every budget – costs range from $40 to more than $200 a night, depending on location and amenities. Hotel, motel and short-term vacation rentals (cottages and condos) are readily available. Take this link to review your choices – http://tinyurl.com/4kcom2o. Note: Fort DeSoto Park offers reasonable camping, but its popularity makes advance reservations a must.

Where to Eat
While there is a wide variety of eateries and restaurants along the beaches, Frenchy’s, with four restaurants in Clearwater – Frenchy’s Café, Salt Water Café, Rockaway Grill (on the beach) and South Beach Café – are good bets any time. They offer a signature Grouper sandwich that can’t be beat!

Things to Do
Sunsets on Florida’s Gulf Coast are spectacular… and free! So spectacular that they are celebrated each evening at Pier 60 in Clearwater. The celebration begins about two hours before sunset and includes live music, craft vendors, street entertainers… and, of course, a spectacular sunset!

Ahoy, me Hearties! If you have a pint-size pirate-fan in your family, this is one experience not to be missed. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise sets sail from Clearwater twice a day (weather permitting) on a fun-filled adventure filled with pirate antics, treasure hunts, face painting, water gun games, stories and music and dancing for all. Save $2.00 by making your reservations online 24-48 hours in advance.

If you’re looking to take a break from the sun, try a mid-afternoon ice cream break at John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach, where you’ll find several of the sweet treat shops. Stroll the boardwalk of this unique waterfront shopping area and choose from one of their restaurants for a relaxing dinner. Or visit the Clearwater Aquarium, where portions of the motion picture Dolphin Tale, the story of Winter, a dolphin that swims with the help of an artificial tail, have just been filmed. The movie is expected in theaters in September.

And finally, packing up for home doesn’t have to elicit complaints from the kids. Cap off your trip to Florida’s West Coast with a stop in Tampa on the way home. Expect to spend an entire day if you visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; or spend an afternoon at The Florida Aquarium or Glazer Children’s Museum.