Anna Maria Island is located in Manatee County. Along this beautiful seven-and-a-half-mile strip of white sand beaches you’ll experience Anna Maria Beach to the north, Holmes Beach in the center and Bradenton Beach to the south. All of the beaches on Anna Maria Island are connected and easily accessed by the local Island Trolley. Aside from the beaches, there’s much to see and do on Anna Maria Island, from outdoor explorations like fishing, kayaking, biking, horse back riding and eco-touring to waterfront shopping and eating adventures.

In Bradenton located in Manatee County you’ll have a real, authentic, Florida experience boasting with arts & culture, sugar-white sand beaches, museums, parks and miles of preserves. In Downtown Bradenton, you’ll find the RiverWalk and Village of the Arts, filled with galleries, shops and cafes vibrantly painted in fuschia, lime and violet colored themes. You’ll also want to explore Robinson Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial Park, the Cortez fishing village and the Manatee Village Historical Park. A collection of restored, historic buildings from Manatee County’s pioneer past includes a courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine and a Florida cowboy bunkhouse. Bradenton is full of Old Florida History.

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Brooksville located in Hernando County is an hour north of Tampa and was settled in 1845. Rich with history and old-world charm, Brooksville offers lots outdoor fun with camping, fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The Withlacoochee State Forest also offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the country. For the golfing enthusiast, Brooksville boasts a nationally-ranked 36-hole golf paradise known as “Americas Best Modern Course”, the Pine Barrens Course at World Woods.

Explore the waterfront City of Clearwater located in Pinellas County just across from one of America’s best beaches. Experience her walkable downtown, waterfront parks, great restaurants, and state-of-the-art Clearwater Marine Aquarium that’s home to two of the world’s most famous dolphins. You’ll also find the Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies as well as phenomenal entertainment venues – all within a short distance of amazing white-sand beaches. On the beach, sunseekers will love the sugary sand year-round, as well as the gentle Gulf water, perfect for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Clearwater’s arts scene is worth checking out. Nationally touring acts perform at the state-of-the-art Ruth Eckerd Hall. The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on Cleveland Street in the heart of downtown Clearwater was built in 1921 and restored in 2013.

Cross the nearby Memorial Causeway to reach Clearwater Beach and you’ll discover a roundabout leading to Pier 60, Clearwater Municipal Marina and Mandalay Avenue, where you can participate in a nightly sunset celebration, board a pirate cruise or fishing charter, and enjoy souvenir shopping and savory eats just steps from the Gulf.

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Dade City is a small town located in Pasco County about an hour’s drive northeast of Tampa. Rooted in citrus and boasting a walk-able downtown where pedestrians can browse antique stores, gift shops, boutiques and other haunts, and stop for a bite at one of Dade City‘s several fine restaurants. Dade City is home to the Pasco County Courthouse, renovated to its 1909 glory, and Church Street, lined with 19th-century churches, a 16-acre Pioneer Florida Museum that examines and illustrates the state’s history with a 1930’s school house among its collection of historic buildings.

Dunedin located in Pinellas County, along the Gulf Coast, just west of Tampa, is known for its annual Scottish celebrations and its quaint downtown. One of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida, Dunedin has a wooded and subtropical setting with almost four miles of picturesque waterfront. Offering the best-of-both-worlds; its charming waterfront downtown is packed with original restaurants, shops and art galleries. The 38-plus-mile Pinellas Trail cuts through, with access to Dunedin’s bike rentals and refreshments. Visit the Dunedin Brewery, Florida’s oldest microbrewery. For an off the coast experience, visit Caladesi Island State Park. Or, take the ferry or a private boat to explore Honeymoon Island State Park.

Englewood located in Sarasota County along Florida’s Gulf Coast – boasts miles of beautiful beaches,  several golf courses, beachfront dining, boutique shopping – all with a touch of Olde Florida charm.

A popular sun-seeking destination, Manasota Key is a beautiful barrier island (straddling both Charlotte and Sarasota Counties) where a variety of vacation rentals can be found along a stretch of white sand beach reveling boutique shopping, eateries, night life and all types of watersports activities such as paddling, kayaking and parasailing. Some of the area’s most memorable sights exist inside three state parks along its barrier islands: Stump Pass Beach State Park – At the southern tip of Manasota Key, Stump Pass has 1.3 miles of shoreline perfect for shelling, picnics, sunning and surf fishing. The soft sand is practically untouched and very secluded. Nearby nature trails provide short walks through subtropical vegetation. Don Pedro Island State Park – located between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro can only be accessed by boat and has approximately one mile of white beach and elevated sand dunes. There is swimming in the Gulf. In the summer, you can see the nests of Loggerhead sea turtles, but take care not to disturb them. Boca Grande Beach – Set on the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, this park overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, and comes equipped with picnic areas, grills and restrooms. This is a nice place to rest and perhaps spot a tarpon rolling through the summer waters

Indian Rocks Beach located in Pinellas County, just a brief drive from Tampa, is part of a larger, sprawling metropolitan area which includes both St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and many other communities. Indian Rocks Beach offers nearly three miles of beautiful, sugary-sand beaches along the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Indian Shores is home to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, a non-profit agency dedicated to the care and release of injured birds native to the Gulf Coast. In the beach town of Indian Shores you’ll find a colorful bar and a high-end restaurant. don’t miss the nightly sunset celebration at Clearwater Beach Pier and be sure to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of the famous movie star, Winter the Dolphin.

Longboat Key, with 12 miles of white sand beaches, is divided between Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This charming waterfront community offers a championship golf course and tennis club, fine dining and luxury resorts. Long Boat Key is an island respite known for its luxurious appeal. Chef-owned and operated (and oh-so-sophisticated) Euphemia Haye and The Haye Loft are loved locally for their globally inspired selections, dessert lounge and live music. Longboat Key brings you an elegant and scenic environment that offers the rare combination of breathtaking beaches and cultural activities – all within a relaxed and elegant lifestyle.

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Madeira Beach located in Pinellas County is just west of St. Petersburg and is best known for the sea-themed John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk. Here you’ll find a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal waterway offering a variety of shops, boutiques and eateries. Just across the street is Madeira Beach’s 2.5-mile white-sand beach attracting sun-seekers, boaters and fishing enthusiasts. In January, Madeira Beach hosts the Seafood Festival at John’s Pass, that attracts as many as 130,000 visitors to its celebration of food, music, and arts and crafts.

New Port Richey located in Pasco County is about 35 miles northwest of Tampa. With a small town feel, New Port Richey offers a riverfront landscape blending nature and beaches, shopping and eateries, culture and business, festivals and special events. Make it personal with a walking tour of the town and, while in the beautiful Downtown Historic District, you might want to visit the Richey Suncoast Theatre for some amazing shows. For water fun, you’ll want to experience the Pithlachascotee River, often called the Cotee or “Cootie” River, and a 320-foot-deep spring bubbling inside Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. New Port Richey has become a popular tourist destination best known for major attractions, recreation, sports and culture.

Nokomis located in Sarasota County is bordered by two beautiful cities, the City of Sarasota and the City of Venice. Here you’ll find beautiful Gulf shore beaches and lots of shopping and eateries mixed with cultivated residential areas. Nokomis is home to the Venice Jetties which are great for fishing and, known as “ground zero” for the Gulf Coast surf scene, they are great for surfing too. Visitors can enjoy small-town living and a relaxed beach town atmosphere, while also experiencing all that Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer.

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North Port located in Sarasota County is conveniently nestled between Tampa and Fort Myers. North Port is rich with archeological history, beautiful natural springs and lots of parks and open spaces. In fact, North Port is the only city in Florida with an entire state forest inside its city limits – here you’ll find the 8,000-acre Myakka State Forest. With several miles of horse trails, mountain bike trails, natural hiking paths, and bird watching opportunities, the outdoor explorer is sure to be satisfied.

Palmetto located in Manatee County is a quaint little town just south of Bradenton. Here you’ll find several spectacular places to visit such as Mosaic Park perfect for exploring or Bishop Harbor Nature Trail ideal for picnicking; locals gather yearly at the Palmetto Pig Fest celebrating local culture with music and art. Tour the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, the 1914 Carnegie Library and a 1935 schoolhouse at Palmetto Historical Park. Emerson Point Preserve where the Manatee River meets the Gulf of Mexico; paddle or bike past beaches and canals thick with mangroves or climb an observation tower and see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Redington Shores and North Redington Beach located in Pinellas County is quaintly tucked between Madeira Beach and Indian Shores. Both are residential beach communities with more than a mile of broad beachfront fringed by gorgeous emerald Gulf waters. While the beaches here never really draw a crowd (despite their natural beauty), residents and repeat visitors love these locales for their intimacy as well as their beach side boutiques, great restaurants and cafes.

Redington’s causeway invites fishing, and several small parks show off native plants. North Redington’s beach has easy access and plenty of parking. Or you can catch a ride on the Suncoast Beach Trolley that transports sunbathers between the two beaches.

The City of Sarasota located in Sarasota County is one of Florida’s primary Gulf Coast cities, offering visitors an eclectic blend of culture and fine dining, circus thrills and pristine beaches, and a wide array of shopping opportunities. Here you can experience the opera, ballet or theater at the Asolo Repertory Theatre Company, a 19th-century opera house originally from Dumferland, Scotland. Visual arts, paying homage to the Ringlings – the family behind America’s most famous circus, are a cornerstone of The John and Mable Ringling Museum, where the awe-inspiring Rubens Galleries are part of a large collection and display of European art.  Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringlings’ Venetian-style winter mansion, is another look-don’t touch stunner, and a circus museum on the grounds tells of Sarasota’s big-top heritage. You will surely appreciate the city’s historic architecture; bright-hued buildings of Towles Court Artists Colony house galleries and studios. Downtown, Pineapple Avenue and Main Street are known for its restaurants and annual events. At St. Armands Circle, shop and dine on your way to the beach.

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Siesta Key located in Sarasota County is an open invitation for relaxation and rejuvenation. The lush, 8-mile long barrier island of Siesta Key is tropical living at its best, with watersports, nightlife, and the nearby Gulf State for eclectic shopping and dining with an international flavor. You can plan your whole trip centered around this gorgeous Key thanks to the large parking area, concession stands, and free trolley to get around on the island. You can always find fun and entertainment at the nearby Siesta Key Village.

St. Pete Beach located in Pinellas county is a friendly, laid-back beach town – part family destination and part low-key haven for aspiring beach goers. Wherever you are in St. Pete Beach, you’re never far from great spots to eat, drink and shop. Spend some time along Corey Avenue, browsing boutiques, sampling cuisine and mingling with the locals at events such as wine tastings and annual arts and crafts festivals.

St. Petersburg located in Pinellas County is known for its white sand beaches and crystalline water. Here you’ll find a variety lunch and dinner tours and cruises on Tampa Bay. Visitors can also cruise the Bay waters on a vintage paddleboat to the raucous southern rhythms of Dixieland Jazz. Downtown St. Petersburg is where the arts are found, with several galleries and five museums (the Salvador Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of the surrealist’s work outside of Spain). There’s plenty boutiques to shop, but the performing arts and music venues really keep things dancing. The excitement amps up during the Firestone Grand Prix in March, racing past glittering Tampa Bay and green spaces that host regular fetes like the Mainsail Arts Festival. For all of its sophistication, St. Petersburg is just as revered for its beaches. For fishing try the Skyway Pier any time of day or night.

The City of Tampa located in Hillsborough County offers a mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks and a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors, vibrant business districts and beautiful waterways. Downtown is alive with urban parks, including the gorgeous Tampa Riverwalk, hip bars and innovative restaurants, shopping, and amazing restorations of turn-of-the-century buildings. Ybor City, with its signature street lamps, wrought-iron balconies and brick streets, is a sight to be seen. By day, you can experience a walking tour from Ybor City Museum State Park. By night you can see flamenco dancers at The Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905. Downtown is a sight from the mystical turrets of the circa-1891 Tampa Bay Hotel (now known as the Henry B. Plant Museum and The University of Tampa) to attractions like the Channelside District, where you can watch NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena or visit the Florida Aquarium. North of downtown, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bring NFL action and Busch Gardens adds theme park thrills to the mix.

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Tarpon Springs located in Pinellas County is just 45 minutes north of St. Petersburg. Tarpon Springs‘ charming downtown center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the Historic District can stroll along brick streets while browsing in art galleries, antiques stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s. Greek sponge divers later developed Tarpon Springs‘ famed sponge diving industry in the very early 1900s. In addition to the sponge diving industry, Greek culture and delicious Greek cuisine, Tarpon Springs is emerging as a diverse cultural destination, rich in art, museums, performing arts, eclectic shopping and dining experiences, and many outdoor recreational activities. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a replica of St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, welcomes visitors, too.

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The City of Venice is located in Sarasota County just south of the City of Sarasota along Florida’s Gulf Coast – boasting 14 miles of white-sand beaches from Casey Key to Manasota Key. Here you’ll find a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating. Well-preserved Mediterranean Revival structures and beautiful water views are responsible for the Venetian vibe. In Historic Downtown Venice – dating back to the 1920’s – you’ll find an array of locally owned boutiques, restaurants, bars, sweet treats, and services. Explore the museum at The Triangle Inn and tour the Venice Train Station, both restored since their 1927 completion. If prehistory is your passion, make plans to visit in April during the annual Shark’s Tooth Festival. North of Venice you’ll find the Oscar Sherer State Park, with an abundance of nature and wildlife.

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Zephyrhills located in Pasco County is 30 miles northeast of Tampa is recognized for its pure spring water. The town is home to Skydive City, one of Florida’s largest skydiving facilities. However, Zephyrhills maintains a pastoral feel, with ranch, farm and citrus groves all around. Emphasizing the unchanged, the Zephyrhills Depot Museum shares city history and railroad memorabilia inside the restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot. And yes, the spring water is bottled here.