Florida's Gulf Coast

[claraquack]

Has anyone stayed on Florida's Gulf Coast (eg from Tampa area south down to around Sarasota) and if so what is it like? We are looking at hiring a cottage or house for a week in May next year but don't know which part would be the best - so far I have considered Indian Shores and Treasure Island. There seems to much choice it is almost overwhelming but ideally we would like to be in a child-friendly area, walking distance to shops and restaurants and near the beach. Thanks.

Sanibel and Capitva are lovely with great beaches, good food and easy to get around by cycle or walking.

We recently stayed in Bradenton which was good, near shops but needed a car. We also went to Sarasota but spent most of our time on Anna Maria Island which has lovely beaches, very good for small children and easy to walk around.

Thanks - I have just been looking at Anna Maria island, it looks great but seems a bit pricier than some of the other places. I'll keep looking as sometimes places just off the beach are cheaper. Sanibel and Captiva are probably just a little too far south for us as I think we will want to go to Busch Gardens etc.

we went to the most beautiful place last summer in indian rocks called scruggs harbour. We had a 2 bedroom cottage on the beach. It was amazing. Had to drive to restaurants but loads a 2 minute drive away.
Also only 7 miles from clearwater however didn't think it was worth a visit. everything i wanted was at the cottage.

i have stayed naples area and its lovely, some properties quite expensive though to stay there yet a nice area to walk around in, totally safe, clean beaches. seems to have quite a bit of money around there.