Florida's Gulf of Mexico coastline offers a wealth of villas and vacation home rentals located near the beach as well as outdoor recreational opportunities. Fishing enthusiasts will find Gulf Coast waters a great place to cast their lines, with 300 varieties of catchable fish, including snapper, mackerel and tarpon. You'll also find vacation rentals close to or on the beach, offering nearby access for swimming, boating, hiking and golfing.
About the Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast section of Florida includes the coastline on the west side of the state. You'll find communities such as Key West, Naples, Pensacola, Sanibel, Fort Myers, Sarasota and Clearwater. You'll find rentals ranging from standard to luxury villas and vacation homes. Luxury vacation rentals offer all the bells and whistles, with some offering oceanfront views and access to private swimming pools and nearby golf courses.
Making Reservations
Many Gulf Coast villas and vacation homes are managed by a property management company. The companies handle all arrangements, including all property reservations, fees and details. Some vacation rental property owners rely on companies that handle marketing and advertising to push prospective renters to them. The homeowner then handles the rest of the arrangements with the prospective renter, including property description, deposits and reservations.
Locations
For a luxury vacation rental, start your search in areas near Destin, South Walton and Panama City Beach. For a tropical feel, head to the south Gulf Coast area near Fort Meyers Beach and Naples, where the area resembles a tropical island. From Naples, the Everglades are located one hour away, or you can take the high-sped passenger ferry to hike around Key West. The area also offers great snorkeling along colorful coral reefs.
What to Bring
Plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and swimwear, so you can frolic and play along the beach and in the warm Gulf waters. Some vacation rentals include sports equipment, so ask before you pack. If you plan to fish, buy a Florida state saltwater fishing license. Buy the license online or at sporting goods or bait and tackle shops in the towns and communities along the Gulf.
What's Included
Most villas and vacation homes provide everything you need to enjoy your stay. You'll find full kitchens with all of the cookware, dishes and utensils needed to cook an array of healthy meals. Look for a local farmer's market for groceries. In Port St. Joe, located along the Gulf near the border with Alabama, try the SaltAir Farmer's Market from April through November. You'll find regional fruits and vegetables along with locally harvested Gulf seafood.
Best Times to Go
For the best rates, consider booking a vacation rental on the Gulf Coast during the off-season. During the off-season, you can still enjoy beach activities, golfing and hiking, but with far fewer people. The busiest season along the Gulf Coast occurs from March to April. Late July through August is also popular for family vacations. Off-season months are September through February.
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