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Hi we fly into Tampa airport and staying for around 16 nights. We will be working our way down the South West coast towards Key West. We may even pop to Miami before driving all the way back to Tampa for our flight back to the UK. Ideally we would have flown back from Miami but split flights from the UK are really expensive. We plan on stopping at some places on the way down and some on the way back. We have been to Clearwater before and loved it. Any suggestions of anywhere to stay for a few days would be great. We are not usually interested in big cities but if there is a smallish area you could recommend to stay in Tampa or Miami. Anywhere you could recommend in-between we love beaches and scenery rather than culture. Any activities you could recommend? We usually go to Greece and love snorkeling is it safe there....sorry Jaws film have ruined it for me. Thank you in advance sorry this is soo long Michelle

Answer

Hi Michelle, your trip sounds amazing! Driving down Florida’s west coast to Key West and back gives you a great mix of beaches, small towns, and scenic spots. Since you prefer smaller areas and beaches over big cities, I’ve outlined some recommendations for stops, accommodations, and activities.

Starting from Tampa:

Clearwater Beach: You’ve been before and loved it, so it’s worth another night or two. Plenty of beachfront hotels, calm waters, and beautiful sunsets.
St. Petersburg / Fort De Soto Park: Smaller town feel, lovely beaches, great for kayaking and birdwatching.

Along the Southwest Gulf Coast:

Anna Maria Island: Quaint island town with white sand beaches, small restaurants, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for 2-3 nights.
Siesta Key: Famous for its powdery white sand. Nice small-town feel with boutique hotels or rentals. Great for swimming and sunbathing.
Longboat Key / Lido Key: Less crowded than Sarasota or Siesta, excellent for a quieter stay.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands: Ideal for shelling and nature walks. Small resorts and vacation rentals right on the beach. Great snorkeling near the bridges and causeways.
Fort Myers Beach: Small, easy-going, with options for water activities and dolphin-watching tours.

Heading further south toward the Keys:

Key Largo: First key you’ll hit; great for snorkeling and diving. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a highlight.
Islamorada: Excellent for backcountry fishing and some quieter beaches. Plenty of small resorts or B&Bs.
Marathon: Mid-Key location, more relaxed, and close to Sombrero Reef for snorkeling.
Key West: Historic, busy, but worth at least a couple of nights. Enjoy snorkeling, sunset cruises, and the laid-back vibe.

Activities & Tips:

Snorkeling: Florida Keys are very safe for snorkeling. Sharks are generally not a risk in the shallow waters you’ll visit. Use tour operators for guided trips.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Popular along Anna Maria, Siesta Key, and the Keys.
Wildlife watching: Look for manatees in Crystal River or Tampa Bay areas and dolphins around the Keys and Sarasota.
Relaxing on beaches: Take your time between stops, especially on less crowded islands like Longboat Key or Captiva.

For Tampa & Miami stays:

Tampa: For a small-town feel, try Dunedin or Safety Harbor instead of downtown Tampa. Close to beaches and quieter.
Miami: Consider staying in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove for safety, walking access to restaurants, and smaller, quieter areas with boutique hotels. Bal Harbour has luxury resorts but may feel more resort-focused and less walkable.

Overall, splitting your nights between beach towns and Keys gives a good mix of relaxation and scenery without needing to navigate big city traffic too much. Make sure to book accommodations in advance for the Keys, as mid-March can be busy. Renting a car is perfect for this type of trip.

Enjoy your Florida adventure, and don’t worry—snorkeling is very safe, and the Jaws scenario is pure Hollywood fiction! Florida waters are calm and well-patrolled, especially around popular snorkeling spots.

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