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If you’re at a loss for Valentine’s Day ideas, head to Sarasota, Florida for the annual Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. The Sarasota, Florida Fairgrounds’ three-day event attracts thousands of visitors and locals alike every year. This lively event attracts guests of all kinds who share a passion for music and motorcycles. As if you need any more reasons to attend Thunder by the Bay, all proceeds collected from admission fees are donated to the Suncoast Charities for Children. Join our Gulf Coast Property team and visit the beneficiary festival this year!

 

Previous Activities at Thunder by the Bay

The Thunder by the Bay’s staff works tirelessly to ensure a new and improved festival experience each year. While it’s difficult to predict the festival’s unusual, new activities, some events occur each time because they’re local favorites. Browse our favorite activities below; perhaps you’ll see them this year!

If the above three activities sound of interest to you, then Thunder by the Bay should be one of your top must-see Sarasota, Florida attractions.

 

Gulf Coast Property

Thunder by the Bay has activities to please everyone in your family https://www.thunderbythebay.org/. However, there are countless things to do in Sarasota that you can do before or after the motorcycle festival, such as snorkeling in Sarasota, dining at the best seafood restaurants in Sarasota, and even checking out Sarasota boat rentals. No matter what Sarasota, Florida attractions you hope to try, there will definitely be Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals nearby! Start planning your Thunder by the Bay experience today by browsing our available vacation rentals or talking to our staff at 844-548-5637.

We’re quickly approaching the start of winter as the holiday season is just three weeks away. Therefore, there’s no better time to book a family vacation at Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals so you can spend Christmas in Florida this year. Treat your family to a much-needed tropical getaway, before your inner Scrooge comes out with the cold weather. Every day in Florida, regardless of the season, is full of fun adventures for the whole family. Break up the monotony of holiday traditions and experience Christmas in Florida!

 

Benefits of Taking a Vacation During Christmas in Florida

Hopefully, after reading our list of reasons why you should celebrate the holidays down south, you’ll already be reserving your vacation rental. Must we remind you, there isn’t any snow in Florida?

 

Warm Weather

During the winter months, people don’t absorb as much vitamin D as during the summer months. Although, this doesn’t seem to be a problem down in Southwest Florida! Also known as the sunshine state, Florida typically doesn’t see temperatures colder than 55 degrees. Warm weather leads to more time outside, more exciting outfits, and all-around more smiles. Step aside Grinch, families that spend Christmas in Florida spread nothing but good vibes!

Don’t have to worry about bulking up in sweaters, hats, winter coats, etc.

 

Unique Holiday Attractions

When you celebrate Christmas the same way every year, the traditional games and activities may get boring. Spending Christmas in Florida means experiencing holiday attractions that you’ve never seen before!

 

Forget About Hosting Holidays

When is the last time you were able to have a relaxing holiday season when you were in charge of hosting? Probably never. When spending Christmas in Florida, you can leave the worries of cleaning, cooking, and people-pleasing behind. Southwest Florida has several top-notch restaurants to keep even the pickiest of eaters happy. As for cleaning, leave the mess behind. Mi Casa es Su Casa.

 

Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals

There are several reasons why you should spend Christmas in Florida this year; we just skimmed the surface! We offer the largest collection of vacation rentals between Terra Ceia Bay and Boca Grande, so we know whichever property you stay in, you’ll feel right at home! To learn more about spending Christmas in Florida, talk to our friendly staff at 941-877-5588. 

There are countless ways to experience a dreamy wellness retreat in Florida. The sunshine state is said to do wonders for your body, mind, and soul. Whether you love trying healthy restaurants, endorphin-releasing exercises, or surrounding yourself with uplifting people, you’ll find all of the above self-care activities on your wellness retreat in Florida! To escape the everyday hustle and bustle, add our favorite self-care activities to your list of things to do on the Gulf Coast.

 

Yoga on the Beach

Sarasota and Bradenton are well-known for their wide variety of yoga classes. You can almost guarantee that there’ll be a yoga class next door or on the nearby beach. While there are several Gulf Coast yoga studios, yoga programs, and yoga fitness gyms, our team here at Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals encourages our guests to have an authentic yoga experience on the beach. Professional yoga instructors regularly lead yoga classes on Siesta Key Beach and Turtle Beach. Believe us when we say that there is nothing more relaxing than doing yoga on the beach, with nothing but the Gulf’s waves filling your thoughts.

 

Salt Cave Therapy

While dousing your food in salt is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, sitting in the Salt Room of Sarasota is! Of the many Himalayan Salt Cave benefits, visitors frequently enjoy salt’s positive effect on your lungs, mental health, allergies, immune system, insomnia, and more. Since there is such a high demand for this salt cave therapy, there are several salt caves in Florida that are near our rental homes. All you need to do is sit, or lie, inside of the cave and let the salt do its job! Sarasota’s Salt of the Earth is a beautiful place to start your self-care retreat. The glowing, dreamy rooms will guide you into deep relaxation. You’ll leave feeling better than ever!

Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals boasts homes located near several popular self-care activities. You’ll have a perfect wellness retreat in Florida no matter where you stay. Start by browsing the available coastal vacation rentals on our website. Talk to our knowledgeable staff today for help with finding the best vacation rental for you at 941-877-5588.

Your days filled with sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, and crankin’ up the A/C are over. For most people, this means school is back in session and summer hours come to an end. But for Gulf Coast Property, it’s time for locals and visitors alike to migrate over to the best golf courses in Florida! Not sure which golf courses should be on your bucket list? We’ve got you covered; read the list below to note our favorite courses around. Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice have endless golf courses that will keep you smiling for days! So, no matter which Gulf Coast Property rental you’re staying in, you know that a top-notch golf course is somewhere nearby.

 

University Park Country Club | Bradenton

Voted number one golf course in Southwest Florida, University Park Country Club offers club members 27 scenic holes of championship golf. Don’t worry if you’re not a member; the course welcomes daily fee players if you give a three-day notice. End your day with a hot meal from The Park Grille & Cafe, which is also open to the public. 

 

Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch | Bradenton

Legacy Golf Club is best known for winning the Arnold Palmer Signature Design award. The course has one of the top premier golf course layouts in the Southeastern, US! Expect to play multiple elevated tee areas and holes framed with sand and water. This challenging, yet playable, layout will make for a truly memorable round of golf. 

 

Sarasota National Golf Club | Sarasota

For a luxurious golf experience, spend the day at Sarasota National Golf Club. This 18 hole championship golf course challenges players of every skill set. The course is surrounded by wetlands and preserves, which make for a beautiful, yet challenging, terrain. Once you’re finished playing golf for the day, check out the nearby beaches, shopping centers, and Sarasota restaurants. 

 

Misty Creek | Sarasota

Misty Creek Country Club is one of the only golf courses in Southwestern Florida that is located in the heart of a wildlife preserve. Oak forests and other vegetation borders each fairway. During your round, keep an eye peeled for the residential bald eagles. They enjoy the newly renovated golf course almost as much as we do! 

 

Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club | Venice

Golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, pickleball, and special occasions, Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club offers it all! Golf enthusiasts love this 27 hole course because it’s located amongst oak trees, flowing streams, wetlands, and protected wildlife. You’ll immediately feel relaxed after entering Pelican Pointe. This country club represents more than just a golf course; locals and visitors alike celebrate weddings, anniversaries, and special events at this club. Now you can create unforgettable memories here too! 

 

Gulf Coast Property

If you’re looking for a way out of traveling with your clubs, Gulf Coast Property has your solution for you! We recently partnered with Ship Sticks, a reliable golf club transportation company. Ship Sticks will pick up and deliver your clubs from your home to our office. Leave the days of oversized luggage and obnoxious airline fees behind! Our Gulf Coast Property team will make sure you have a great day on and off the best golf courses in Florida. To learn more, browse our available rentals, or give us a call at 1-844-548-5637.

They don’t call Florida the “sunshine state” for nothing! Our sensational, year-round weather allows locals and visitors alike to maximize their time spent outside. Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals offers rentals located in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Venice, and Palm Island, so you and your family don’t need to stray far from your home to experience all of our area’s activities. So, you don’t know where to begin? Follow our list of the top five water sports to help make your Gulf Coast experience unforgettable. 

 

1. Siesta Key Watersports

Siesta Key Watersports boasts themselves to be the best in the industry because of their 28 years in service. While they offer a wide variety of water sports, one of the favorite activities is renting a boat. The company’s boat rentals are allowed in the Gulf of Mexico; so, you and your family can explore Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, Venice, and Englewood. Renting a boat is the perfect opportunity to explore the many islands and sandbars in the Intracoastal Waterway. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll identify a celebrity’s home!

 

2. Coastal Watersports

Whether you want to jetski, paddleboard, kayak, or sail, this family-owned and operated company offers it all! Since 1982, Coastal Watersports has been sailing the Gulf of Mexico. Today, beginners can take free lessons on their Hobie Wave. If you consider yourself to be an intermediate or advanced sailor, opt for cruising around on the 18-foot catamaran. Come see for yourself why sailing the Gulf of Mexico is the perfect water sport regardless of your experience level.

 

3. H2O Watersportz

Come see Southwest Florida’s largest selection of fishing charters, boats, and jet skis at H2O Watersportz. Located in Cortez, H2O Watersportz is just a quick drive from Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria. If you’re interested in renting a jet ski while on vacation, you’ll be pleased to learn that H2O Watersportz is the only company that allows guests to have unlimited rides without a guide. This freedom offers you plenty of time to ride over to Egmont Key or Passage Key Inlet for a day of sandbar shopping or shelling.

 

4. Island Style Watersports

Island Style Watersports is Sarasota’s only Native Water Sports company in the area. Their team of sport and nature enthusiasts will take you on adventures that you’ve never even dreamed of. For starters, have you heard of kiteboarding? Picture a combination of wakeboarding or snowboarding paired with piloting, and voila you have kiteboarding. Our professional staff will teach you how to properly kiteboard in beginner classes (offered in private or small groups) all the way up to advanced courses. Who knows, maybe kiteboarding will be your new thing!

 

5. SUP Sarasota Paddle Sports

SUP Sarasota Paddle Sports offers guests all activities involving paddling; you name it! Toward the beginning of your vacation, opt for paddleboard lessons. You can choose to learn on a Surf SUP Board, Touring SUP Board, or Race SUP Board. Once you feel comfortable in your paddling ability, check out SUP’s race schedule. SUP hosts a paddling championship every year. The day is full of races, entertainment, music, food, and more! But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s see you and your family stand on a board.

 

Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals

Florida’s Gulf Coast is the perfect place to plan your fun, adventurous vacation. To ensure an unforgettable vacation, reserve one of Gulf Coast Vacation Rental’s 50 luxury vacation rentals. To learn more about planning your Southwestern Florida vacation, visit our website, or talk to our friendly staff at 941-877-5588. 

Planning a family vacation can be difficult, especially when there are so many things to do in Florida! Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals is conveniently located near the absolute best amusement parks and a considerable amount of popular beaches. When staying in our Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, you won’t have to sacrifice the excitement for the beach! Don’t miss these unforgettable amusement parks in Florida.

 

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This Tampa Bay amusement park has an activity to please everyone. For the thrill-seeking visitors, you must ride Busch Garden’s new ride, Tigris. This fiery orange attraction is Florida’s tallest launch coaster. Visitors will fly through Tigris’s twists at over 60 miles per hour and at one point, even shoot up 150-feet into the sky! For those of you looking for a more relaxing experience, tour Busch Garden’s zoo. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with over 200 species of the world’s exotic, endangered and extinct creatures. The Busch Garden Zoo is one of Northern America’s largest.

 

TreeUmph! Adventure Course

Put your agility to the test at TreeUmph! Adventure Course. There are over ten football fields of challenging landscape and hundreds of air-bound games. TreeUmph! Adventure Course is a blast for family members of all ages. During one portion of the adventure course, guests are challenged to swing through the woods using the course’s obstacles.

 

Adventure Island

Escape Florida’s heat to Adventure Island where the water is always cool. Guests of all ages will find enjoyment in the corkscrew water slides, waterfalls, giant wave pool, lazy river and more!  If you’re looking to scream, check out the Vanish Point. This slide sends guests free-falling down 70-feet. If you’re not interested in this thriller, head to your private cabana for some R&R. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!

 

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Enter the world of superheroes, beasts and magical creatures at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The park’s rides and shows are centered around classic movies that everyone loves. The top featured attractions are Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Jurassic Park River Adventure. It’s no surprise Islands of Adventure has been rated number one amusement park in the world for the last four years.

The travel time to each amusement park varies depending on which Gulf Coast Vacation Rental you stay in. We have properties located in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Venice and Palm Island. Whichever location you’re hoping to vacation, we have the perfect rental for you! To learn more information about how you can book your dream vacation, visit our website or dial 941-877-5588.

At Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals we offer vacation rental homes, townhomes, pool homes, and condos throughout Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice & Palm Island, which offers the perfect vacation destination for families. We provide a unique vacation experience, from challenging golf courses to glorious beaches, as well as wildlife spotting opportunities. With so many different things to do in Bradenton, you’ll love staying nearby all of the attractions at our Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals.

 

Snorkeling in Sarasota

The sapphire sea along Florida’s Gulf Coast beckons with some of the most exciting marine activities in the world. At the top of the must-do water list is snorkeling. With miles of shoreline and pristine beaches, conditions do not get much better than snorkeling in Sarasota. Grab a swim (or dive) mask, snorkel, and fins, and explore a world like no other – under the sea! The crystal clear, relatively current-free waters make snorkeling in Sarasota an excellent option for amateurs and professionals alike. Enthusiasts can practice their skills by wading off the beach, paddling to a cove, or by joining a charter tour group. All that is required to enjoy Florida snorkeling is some basic gear (which may be rented at any number of swim and dive shops) and maybe a couple of lessons! And don’t forget to combine your week of snorkeling, sunbathing, and dining with a stay with Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals.

 

Top 6 Florida Snorkeling Locales

The beach district encompasses the entire Sarasota County region.  The recreation area is made up of 150 public beaches, parks, and trails.  It includes six barrier islands, also called “keys.” Each key offers delightfully distinct water experiences, including snorkeling near Sarasota.

 

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is considered the best location for snorkeling in the Sarasota area. At the south end of the island at Crescent Beach a formation of flat, smooth, limestone rocks known as “Point of Rocks” is a snorkeling magnet. Catching clear water for snorkeling at the Point of Rocks is a challenge, but the rewards are worth the wait. Lucky underwater swimmers are greeted by a diverse sea-community of colorful fish, crustaceans, red-boring sponge, algae, shells, dolphins, and perhaps even a glimpse of an elusive manatee.

 

Longboat Key

Longboat Key offers prime snorkeling locations. It is listed on many excursion packages because of the clear water, sand bars, and excellent shelling grounds. Sea creatures like reef fish, eels, seagrass, and hermit crabs are abundant, and Longboat Key is a prime location for dolphin watching.

 

Lido Key

South Lido Beach is recommended for the best snorkeling from the key. When catching good water clarity, swimmers may encounter crabs, sand dollars, sea urchins, sea stars, and arrays of reef fish.

 

Casey Key

The “hidden gem,” Casey Key, is accessed off US 41. The best snorkeling from Casey Key is off the North Venice Jetty. When the water is clear and beautiful, unusual shells are visible along with many reef fish. An occasional sighting of the leatherback turtle is common in this area.

 

Manasota Key

Just a few feet offshore, snorkelers are treated with underwater finds like shark’s teeth, curious fossils, and collectible shells galore. The clear water around Manasota Key is teeming with a variety of tropical fish, crabs, and stingray, making it a popular area for swimming and snorkeling.

 

Bird Key

Bird Key is located just across the John Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota. It is the home of Bird Key Park. Waters along the shore of Bird Key are occasionally too murky for good snorkeling visibility. Bird Key Park is a popular destination for fishing, exercise, enjoying nature, and watching a glorious sunrise or sunset. After a full day of snorkeling, retreat to one of Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals’ finest cottages for a tasty meal, cocktails, and sunset relaxation.

Experience fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida, from modern architecture to reconnecting with nature, you’ll love staying with us at Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals. Adventure through various Sarasota tours, whether it’s an Architecture Tour around Sarasota, a visit at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Rainforest at Selby Gardens, Big Cat Habitat, or Mote Marine and Aquarium. You’ll enjoy all that and more while staying in one of our vacation rentals on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

 

Sarasota Tours of Local Gardens

There’s plenty to see and do in Sarasota, whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a fun place for the kids to play, the Rainforest at Selby Gardens is the place for you and your family. The Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden in Selby Gardens, opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm. This space allows children to discover, learn, and play with a Kids’ Corner that offers hands-on activities and programs for all ages. Whether it’s adult conversations in the shade of the century-old Banyan Tree or learning about the water cycle near the cascading waterfall, you’ll find plenty of fun activities for everyone. Another spot for the whole family is the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Hand-feed a flamingo or hold a parrot, before attending the Parrot Show. Or watch ring-tailed lemurs play, while the kids play on the playground. With so many fun activities and different Sarasota tours, you’ll have a blast making lasting family memories on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

 

Wild Animal Exhibits on the Gulf Coast of Florida

The Gulf Coast of Florida is home to a wide range of wildlife, such as seclusive alligators, beautiful water birds, and playful manatees, as well as lions, bears, and tigers at the Big Cat Habitat. Or, embark on a maritime excursion to help improve access to marine science and technology at MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. No matter what you do at Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, we have the perfect place to host your family vacation. With so many fun things to do in Sarasota, Florida; you’ll love our extended rental properties which give you the chance to live like a local. From premier beachfront rentals located near award-winning golf courses to seasonal properties between Terra Ceia Bay and Boca Grande by world-class restaurants. Don’t delay book your adventurous getaway to the Gulf Coast of Florida today! 

 

Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals 

Florida’s Gulf Coast is the perfect place to plan your fun, adventurous vacation. To ensure an unforgettable vacation, reserve one of Gulf Coast Vacation Rental’s 50 luxury vacation rentals. To learn more about planning your Southwestern Florida vacation, visit our website, or talk to our friendly staff at 941-877-5588. 

At Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals we offer vacation rental homes, townhomes, pool homes, and condos throughout Bradenton and Sarasota, the perfect destination for families. We provide a unique vacation experience, from challenging golf courses to glorious beaches, as well as wildlife spotting opportunities. With so many different things to do in Bradenton, you’ll love staying nearby all of the attractions at our Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals.

 

Florida’s Manatees

Manatees wander the waters of Florida from April through October, as soon as temperatures start to drop, they make their way to the freshwaters of Florida springs, where the temperatures remain constant throughout the year. It won’t feel warm to you, but 70 degrees is perfect for manatees who need that kind of warmness to survive. They are here for survival, so we ask you to observe them respectfully, whether you’re on a manatee swim tour or a solo kayaking trip, look, but don’t touch. There are many ways to interact with manatees; whether it’s by swimming and snorkeling, or boating and kayaking, you can get up close to these marine mammals. If you find yourself in Bradenton during these colder months, you have a good chance of catching a glimpse of these gentle giants. Whether in the wild or captivity, manatees are not a rare sight in Bradenton, Florida.

 

Manatees in Bradenton

There are various places to see Bradenton’s unique underwater mammals, such as platforms and lookout decks, as well as boardwalks adjacent to waterways. Many adventure outfitters specialize in manatee trips around both Sarasota and Bradenton, either by boat, kayak, or canoe you’ll get a chance to take a closer look at manatees. That being said, there are strict rules and regulations about keeping a safe distance from them because they are an endangered species. The expert guides leading your tours are trained to spot manatees and can answer any question you may have about safely observing them. Book your next vacation to Bradenton with us at Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals for a chance to get close to manatees.

Sarasota is well-known for its fine dining, arts, and culture, as well as many prime playhouses, museums, galleries, and the famous Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which showcases the very best in entertainment. Our Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals are conveniently located amongst some of the most beautiful museums and art galleries in Sarasota, Florida, so you won’t have to go far to explore the vibrant art culture around town. Regardless of what season you visit, there’s always something new to see here, so you’ll never run out of things to do in Sarasota!

 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is a pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota as it presents some of the world’s finest performers representing Sarasota‘s diversity in both visitors and residents. Each season they put on hundreds of events and they have carried on the long tradition of performing spectacular Broadway musicals, welcoming top national and international performers, as well as famous comedians and world-class symphony orchestras. Not to mention the compelling mix of classical, modern and ethnic dances. The Van Wezel also hosts over fifty events and performances by the Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Concert Association, Sarasota Ballet, and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series.

 

Architecture Tours in Sarasota

Enjoy the beauty of Sarasota’s buildings with Trolley Tours that show off the unique architecture that makes up our beautiful town. You won’t be the first to be enamored by the rich architectural history of Sarasota. The Architectural trolley tours led by alternating tour guides, Lorrie Muldowney and Harold Bubil, are offered weekly. Both visitors and residents enjoy these entertaining and informative tours about Sarasota’s rich architectural history. The Center for Architecture Sarasota is also offering Narrated trolley tours, which include “Sarasota’s Architectural Gems” and “Historic Neighborhoods of Sarasota.” There are plenty of impressive buildings to talk about throughout Sarasota, so don’t miss your chance to learn more about how they got here. Book your discovery trip to Sarasota with Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, for a chance to experience our rich history!

 

Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals 

Florida’s Gulf Coast is the perfect place to plan your fun, adventurous vacation. To ensure an unforgettable vacation, reserve one of Gulf Coast Vacation Rental’s 50 luxury vacation rentals. To learn more about planning your Southwestern Florida vacation, visit our website, or talk to our friendly staff at 941-877-5588. 

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