Florida Beach Vacation Rentals
When you’re considering a Florida beach vacation, you need to consider Florida’s west coast. Florida’s Gulf Coast has wonderful white sand beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re looking for kid-friendly beaches, then Florida’s Gulf Coast is where the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are very calm and very shallow compared to the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the time you don’t have to worry about the big waves and undertow that Florida’s east coast has. Children can play in the warm shallows looking for shells and watching the minnows swim by.
If you like to hunt for shells, Florida’s Gulf Coast has thousands and thousands as you stroll along the beach, if you’re lucky you’ll find a sand dollar or even a starfish. One of the most desirable things about Florida’s west coast is the sunsets, they are some of the most beautiful in the world. In the early afternoon, you will see everyone go down to the beach to watch the sunset. It’s a beautiful time to take a walk or just sit with a glass of wine and watch the sun go down. Mornings are also very serene, the Gulf is at its calmest in the morning and it’s a great time to wander in the shallows looking for shells.
When looking for a beautiful Florida beach vacation rental, you’ll be spoiled for choice, but take a close look at Florida’s Gulf Coast and you’ll find plenty of gulf-view condos that are family-friendly. Weekly rental rates are listed by season.
12/17/11 to 04/13/12 is high season
From 04/14/12 to 09/07/12 is low season
09/08/12 to 12/14/12 is the value season
When speaking with the tenant, ask about the condition of the condo, such as what is the condition of the appliances, has the flooring been updated, how old are the beds, etc. You’ll want to make sure the condo is set up with everything you need, like everything you’ll need to prepare meals, clean towels, beach chairs and loungers, beach toys for the kids, it’s nice to put an umbrella by the water. If you like to swim in a pool you may want to keep that in mind, you’ll want to ask if the pool is heated or not.
You’ll also want to check what kinds of shops and restaurants are nearby. Many Gulf Coast beaches have great fresh seafood restaurants as well as fun family entertainment like miniature golf. To help you get around, you’ll find the Beach Trolley an affordable, fun, easy and convenient way to get around. The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs from Clearwater Beach (north) to Pass-A-Grille (south) and stops at specially marked “Trolley Stop” locations along the entire Gulf Blvd. highway (except Belleair Beach and Belleair Shores) . The Beach Trolley picks up passengers every 20 to 30 minutes, from 5:05 am to 10:10 pm, Monday through Sunday (including holidays), with service until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Ask for lots of photos of the condo and the beach in front to make sure it suits your needs. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a beach hat as the sun in Florida is very strong.