For the last two years we have chosen to spend our winter holidays on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida with its sugar white 
sand beaches. With depths of snow measuring in multiple feet already burying some northern states, our choice seems well advised. We have experienced during our time in this beautiful holiday destination that the really cold weather seems to generally stop just north of Tampa, so we looked for an RV park within a 50-mile radius of Sarasota. A quick check of the Good Sam Travel Guide and Campground Directory online lists over 75 parks to choose from within minutes from Gulf Coast beaches, Sarasota Bay and the Manatee River.
While sun and sand may not sound like your usual holiday visions of Thanksgiving’s colored leaves and turkey dinner or a crackling fire with Santa arriving on a snow covered roof, the festive atmosphere here will surprise you. There are decorations galore and holiday themed entertainment is abundant no matter what genre you prefer.
When you tire of the beach (is that even possible?), fresh and salt-water venues are available for fishing and boating. With the mild weather, outdoor opportunities abound in this beautiful area like tennis and golf. Enjoy the outdoors even if it only entails sitting outside your coach or camper in the sun to read a book. Are you up for a day trip? Jump on a tour boat and take a two hour ride to Key West, enjoy your day there and then watch the sun set over the Gulf as you ride the tour boat home.
Situated about a 2½-hour drive from the theme parks of Orlando, a stay in this area also makes travel by car easy to those venues. The theme parks go all out creating beautiful holiday events amid a gorgeous holiday décor. You can spend the day and travel home to your RV before it is time to turn in for the night. If shopping is your thing, a new, regional Mall has just opened between Sarasota and Bradenton with any shopping option you can imagine. Throw in some cultural events, the Ringling Circus Museum and a concert or two and you will hardly find time to look for shells on the beach. The opportunities here are countless.
As I write this, the Sand Festival at Ft. Meyers Beach is in progress. The phenomenal beaches here lend themselves to sand castle building. With more than castles, the creative and often life sized renditions are a sight to behold. Anyone can imagine the feeling of being a kid again while walking among the artistry the participants form from mere sand.
So think “South” and plan a beautiful holiday destination along the Gulf Coast of Florida. From RV resorts to simple camping, any type of accommodation can be found here. We’ve even discovered a Camping World in Tampa for whatever camping supplies we need just an hour’s drive north of us. The only danger is that you may end up wanting to stay here forever!
