Recommendations golf & beach stay.

Question

We've been enjoying our winter getaways in the Orlando area for the past couple of years, and now we're excited to explore a new destination! My partner is a huge golf fan, while I absolutely adore the beach. We're on the lookout for the perfect spot that can satisfy both of our passions, ideally without driving over an hour to reach either the beach or a great golf course. We’d love to focus on the beautiful west coast of Florida. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch!

Answer

The west coast of Florida offers a fantastic combination of world-class golf courses and stunning Gulf Coast beaches, making it an ideal destination for couples where one loves golf and the other loves the beach. Several areas and resorts stand out for providing easy access to both.

Top Recommendations:

Naples: Naples is known for its white sandy beaches and abundant golf courses. You can stay close to the beach while still having dozens of highly rated golf options within 20–30 minutes. Popular courses include Tiburon Golf Club, Naples Grande Golf Club, and the courses at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.
Bonita Springs / Estero: Located just north of Naples, this area offers access to beaches along Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach, while also boasting some beautiful golf resorts like Raptor Bay Golf Club and the courses at Miromar Lakes.
Sarasota / Siesta Key: Siesta Key Beach is famous for its soft white sand, while the Sarasota area has a variety of golf courses nearby, including the public Bobby Jones Golf Club and private options like The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Sarasota.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands: Slightly more laid-back, these islands have beautiful beaches and a few golf options nearby in Fort Myers. The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club and Shell Point Golf Club are excellent choices within a short drive from the islands.

Resort Stays Combining Golf & Beach:

Naples Grande Beach Resort: Offers beachfront accommodations plus access to a championship golf course, so you can enjoy both passions without long drives.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (Naples): Combines a beachfront stay with proximity to top-rated golf courses nearby.
Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota: Located near Lido Key and St. Armands Circle, it has golf nearby and easy beach access.

Tips for planning:

Look for resorts that either include golf as part of the package or have golf partnerships nearby, so you don’t have to drive far.
Consider splitting your stay between a beach-focused resort and a golf-focused resort if you want to maximize both experiences without compromise.
Check seasonal availability, as winter months are popular and courses can be crowded, so booking ahead is recommended.

Overall, Naples and Sarasota/Siesta Key are the sweet spots for your interests, giving you easy access to some of Florida’s best beaches while keeping a variety of quality golf courses within a short drive.

Recommendations golf & beach stay.

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