The 10 Best West Coast Florida Beaches

The proximity to a large number of great Florida gulf coast beaches is one thing that makes living in the Villages of Citrus Hills so attractive.

Here are TEN of the most commonly referenced west coast beaches that you are definitely going to want to check out sooner, rather than later.

1. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida

After being named TripAdvisor’s #1 beach in the country back in 2018, the secret is officially out on one of our all-time favorite beach destinations. With a perfect combination of silky-smooth white sand and a small-town atmosphere, Clearwater should continue to be at the top of just about everyone’s list of favorite beach destinations for years to come.

2. Destin

Known as an ideal destination for families, Destin is one of our favorite options located up in the panhandle along Florida’s Emerald Coast. If renting a condo for a week and kicking back on the beach with just a bit of snorkeling mixed in is your idea of a good time, Destin is a perfect fit.

3. Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island, Florida

Located just north of Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island features the same stunning white sand beaches in a more remote setting. This option is known for being a place that locals prefer when Clearwater is a bit too busy, and it is also a fantastic place to explore by kayak.

4. Lido Key

Another popular island destination along the Gulf Coast of Florida is Lido Key, which sits just west of Sarasota. This spot has a reputation for ecotourism, deep-sea fishing, and sunset cruises, and it is also home to a first-class beach resort, as well as plenty of exciting street performers.

5. Marco Island

Marco Island, Florida

If we head all the way down to the southern end of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Marco Island is the place that stands out as a must-see destination for beach lovers. This island is located just off of Naples, and it is home to some fabulous beach resorts, as well as the Briggs Nature Center and its half-mile boardwalk.

6. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach might have a reputation as a spring break destination for college students, but it is about as laid back as the rest of the Gulf Coast throughout the rest of the year. With more than 27 miles of white sand beaches, you can always find a little section to enjoy all by yourself here, and the artificial reefs located just offshore are perfect for snorkeling. 

7. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Located just 45 minutes east of the iconic Flora-Bama beach bar, Pensacola is the farthest west of the panhandle beaches on our list. This destination offers a bit of everything, including shopping, restaurants, and a fishing pier.

8. Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Seashells are the primary attraction down on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and the amount of them spread across these popular beaches just west of Fort Myers is astounding. True shell lovers will also want to check out the nearby Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum while they are in the area.

9. Siesta Key

Siesta Key, Florida

Just south of Sarasota is where you will find the romantic beach destination of Siesta Key. In addition to white sand beaches and calm blue water, this eight-mile-long island paradise is also known for its resorts, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

10. St. Pete Beach

After kicking off our list with Clearwater Beach, it seems appropriate to close it out with St. Pete Beach, which is located just 30 minutes south. Just like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach is one of the most gorgeous beach destinations in all of Florida, and it offers the added appeal of almost always having beautiful weather.

No matter which one of these beaches you choose to explore, it really is hard to find a bad option up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast.

In fact, we highly recommend that you make your way through all ten of these beaches and decide for yourself which ones are your favorites.

7 Inexpensive Destinations for Flights Out of Orlando

Because it is “The Theme Park Capital of the World” and one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, Orlando is notoriously easy to get to from just about anywhere in the country.

And while that is already a huge selling point for anyone looking to host visitors here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, it also offers a wide range of crazy cheap flights that residents can jump on for a quick getaway pretty much any time they want.

So, if you’re looking for something other than the weekend getaways here in Florida we’ve written about to plan your next trip, here are seven destinations that you can fly to on the cheap this year.

New York City, New York

Manhattan Bridge in New York city

While most domestic cities have direct flights to Orlando, there is an astounding amount of international air traffic that flies to Disney World by coming through New York City. And for that reason, you can always grab a quick flight to New York City for as little as $130 round trip.

There is an endless amount of sightseeing to do all over the city, so start with one of those popular double-decker bus tours and feel free to spend your time at any location that excites you.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago River

Chicago is another major hub that is constantly scheduling flights to and from Orlando, and that means that you can shoot up there for a weekend trip for about $140 round trip.

One of the best things about visiting Chicago is that you can take the train right from the airport to your hotel, so you don’t even have to worry about paying for a taxi or Uber.

Denver, Colorado

Rocky Mountains

The gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains that you will see in Denver are a stark contrast to what we are used to looking at here in Florida, and you can grab a round trip flight to visit the mountains for as little as $116 right now.

If the great outdoors isn’t really your thing, there are still plenty of things to see and do right in downtown Denver to keep you busy for a fun-filled weekend in the Mile-High City.

Memphis, Tennessee

Beale Street

Memphis is an iconic destination for barbecue lovers around the country, and Florida residents can hop on a direct flight to get there for about $150 round trip.

Not only is Memphis known for great food, but there are also a lot of fun sightseeing options here including a plethora of Elvis-related attractions.

Dallas, Texas

“Jerry’s World”

Another fantastic destination for barbecue lovers is Dallas, and you can find round trip direct flights heading that way for $131 right now.

In addition to the food, this is also a popular trip for Cowboys fans making their annual pilgrimage to the breathtaking AT&T Stadium, better known by locals and fans as “Jerry’s World.”

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan

While many of these destinations are heading to the north, there are also plenty of flights out of Orlando that head south into the Caribbean. One of the best ways to see the islands without a passport is a quick trip down to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Round trip flights to San Juan can cost as little as $173, which is a crazy cheap way to start any Caribbean getaway.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Las Vegas Strip

Round trip flights from Orlando to Las Vegas usually come in just under $200, and when you combine that with all of the discounted hotel rooms and fabulous amenities in Sin City, it can actually be one of the cheapest getaways you will find anywhere.

And you don’t even have to be a gambler to enjoy a trip to Las Vegas. With all of the things to see and do at each casino, all of the fantastic restaurants to choose from, and all of the amazing shows, you can actually spend an entire weekend there without ever even touching a slot machine.

No matter where you plan to go, having such close access to Orlando International Airport is a huge advantage for residents here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Make sure that you are doing the most to take advantage of this great nearby amenity.

48 Hours on Amelia Island

If a relaxing beach getaway is something that your body is craving, then Amelia Island is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Between the gorgeous beaches, dolphin sightings, first-class golf courses, and the nice touch of history, this popular destination is one of the best options in all of Florida for a quick getaway.

And when you add in the fantastic collection of local restaurants to choose from, it’s actually hard to avoid having a Wonderful experience during a quick 48 hours on Amelia Island.

If you are thinking about planning your own getaway weekend to Amelia Island, this itinerary for a 48-hour adventure is one of the best ways to get to know this paradise by the sea.

Day One - Seafood, History, and Cucina South

Timoti’s Seafood Shak

Assuming that you are going to be hungry following your travel to Amelia Island, our first stop is going to be lunch at Timoti’s Seafood Shak. They are best-known for their seafood baskets, which come grilled, blackened, or fried. Then there are the other equally-delicious options like fresh fish tacos or a poke bowl.

Our lunch at Timoti’s is going to have us situated right in the heart of Amelia Island’s Historic District, so our first activity in town is going to be exploring that area a bit more. It’s hard not to appreciate all of the historic buildings you will find here in the downtown area, but the more time you take exploring the area, the more impressive you will find it to be.

For dinner on our first night, we are going to go with a casual Italian bistro meal from Cucina South. This place is all about doing your favorite Italian comfort food dishes the right way, and they always stock you up with plenty of salad and breadsticks.

Depending on how you feel at this point, it would be perfectly reasonable to call it a night and rest up for your second day on the island. However, if you are in the mood for a nightcap, the next place we are heading is The Green Turtle. This is a classic Florida-style tavern where you can always grab a pint or a cocktail and usually find some live music.

Day Two - Golf, Kayaks, and Salt

The Golf Club of Amelia Island

Our second day on Amelia Island is going to be all about enjoying the gorgeous natural beauty of the area. For some, that means scheduling a tee time at one of the dozens of local golf courses. For others, it is going to mean spending the morning kicking back on one of the area’s pristine beaches.

Whether you choose to enjoy the island from a golf course or a beach, everyone is going to love swinging through Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen for a delicious seafood lunch after a morning of fun in the sun. This one-time BBQ restaurant is now serving some of the most interesting seafood bites in all of Florida, so let yourself get adventurous here.

During the afternoon of our second day on Amelia Island, it is finally going to be time to get out on the water. There are plenty of options for kayak tours around the area, so pick the local company that seems most interesting to you and get your arms ready to paddle.

Following a full day of activities on Amelia Island, we are going to cap off the second day of our trip with a fabulous dinner reservation at Salt, which is located inside the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. You can choose from excellent selection of meat and seafood dishes here, or you can really get adventurous with one of the chef’s tasting menus.

If you are still in the mood for a few cocktails after dinner, we are going to make the most of the fact that we are already at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and explore the rest of the property. Whether you prefer the lobby bar or the pub, there is always room for a nightcap here.

Day Three - Fort Clinch, Brunch, and Shopping

This wouldn’t be a true Florida getaway without a visit to a historic state park, and the one to visit on Amelia Island is Fort Clinch. This is a popular destination for Civil War buffs, but it is also an awesome location to spot local wildlife like gopher tortoises and a wide range of native birds.

We always like to finish out our weekend getaways with a delicious brunch, and the place to do that on Amelia Island is definitely The Patio Place. Known as a bistro, wine bar, and creperie, this popular local spot serves up a dynamite brunch every weekend that you don’t want to miss.

Before we admit that our 48-hour getaway has come to an end, we are going to allow just enough time for a quick shopping spree. This might mean heading back to the area’s historic downtown district, or it could mean hitting up one of the local outlet malls. Either way, make sure that you get yourself something to remember your adventure on Amelia Island.

After spending a quick 48 hours enjoying everything that Amelia Island has to offer, you are going to be heading home with a relaxed attitude and a full stomach, which is the definition of success for one of these quick weekend getaways. When are you going to book your trip?

10 Favorite Weekend Getaway Destinations in Florida

Over the years, we have published dozens of articles highlighting some of the best weekend getaway destinations in Florida. But one thing that we have never done is put together an article highlighting the best of the best when it comes to getting out of town for a few days.  

If you are thinking about planning a weekend getaway of your own, we believe these ten destinations are the best places to start. So pick whichever one that you haven't been to yet and start planning your next trip! 

Daytona Beach Pier

Daytona Beach 

Everyone knows that Daytona Beach is home to the famous Daytona International Speedway. And if NASCAR is your thing, this is definitely a trip that should be on your list. But there is also a lot more that Daytona Beach has to offer for a weekend getaway.  

You can choose to stay at a wide range of excellent resorts located right along the "World's Most Famous Beach," and you won't want to leave without taking a stroll out onto the Daytona Beach Pier. 

Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale 

Fort Lauderdale is known for two things: it's iconic beachfront and the equally iconic shopping available on Las Olas Boulevard. This is a perfect destination for anyone who is passionate about arts and culture mixed with beachfront living.  

While you are in Fort Lauderdale, make sure that you take the time to drive, ride, or stroll through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and stop for burgers and beer at the park restaurant.  

Jacksonville 

The Jaguars put Jacksonville back on the map, but Florida residents have always known that this is a great spot for a weekend getaway. If you’re looking for an affordable way to stay at a luxury beachfront hotel, this is your destination. Jacksonville is also home to more than 20 miles of beautiful beaches, and they have the largest urban park system in the country.

Key West 

You might think you know what to expect from a weekend in Key West, but you honestly haven't lived the complete Florida experience until you’ve explored some of the outstanding bars and restaurants that are located just off of the famous Duval Street.  

Miami Sunset

Miami 

Miami is best known for the late-night club scene you will find in South Beach, but this popular tourist destination actually has something for everyone. And because there are so many tourists that frequent the area, you can always find an Uber driver, and there are often some great deals on last-minute hotel rooms. 

While you are in town, make sure that you head down to Joe's Stone Crab. They offer two versions of the Joe's experience with the casual take-out side and the formal restaurant side.  

Disney World Magic Kingdom

Orlando 

It's all about the theme parks in Orlando, and since Florida residents get discounted admission, this is the type of getaway that will make all of your friends and relatives around the country jealous.  

While you are in Orlando, head over to one of the interesting seasonal events at Epcot, and don't forget to check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. 

Gallery Night

Pensacola 

When you are ready to start exploring the Panhandle, Pensacola is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Here you will find lots of history that you can explore through walking tours. Plus, the city is also home to a thriving community of artists with galleries.  

Pensacola is also home to the National Naval Aviation Museum and the world-famous Blue Angels.  

St. Lucie Trail Golf Club

Port St. Lucie 

Most of our favorite weekend getaway destinations are cities or towns that are filled with fun things to do and great places to eat. But if you are looking for a getaway that is focused on golfing in a relaxing environment, Port St. Lucie should be at the top of your list.  

Port St. Lucie is also the winter home of the New York Mets, so make sure you plan your trip around Spring Training! 

Nights of Lights

St. Augustine 

In terms of history, no city in the country can match what you will find in St. Augustine. Known as the "Nation's Oldest City," it is here that you will find landmarks like Castillo de San Marcos, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth, and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.  

But don't let the history make you think that St. Augustine doesn't have a modern flair as well. The city is also home to a thriving restaurant scene where you will be hard pressed to run out of options.  And now is the perfect time to visit as they have the Nights of Lights running nightly November 23rd, 2019 through February 2nd, 2020.

Palm Beach Zoo

West Palm Beach 

Don't let the name fool you because West Palm Beach is actually located on the east coast of Florida, just north of Fort Lauderdale. This classic "Old Florida" community is home to stunning white sand beaches, as well as four different retail districts to keep all the shopaholics happy.  

West Palm Beach is also home to the Palm Beach Zoo and the Norton Museum of Art.  

When you live at the Villages of Citrus Hills, you may never feel the urge to leave the community. But if you decide to venture out, you can’t go wrong with any of the destinations we’ve mentioned here.

5 Fun Things to Do in Clearwater

Located on the Gulf Coast just west of Tampa, Clearwater is a little more than 90 minutes away from the Villages of Citrus Hills. And while those 90 minutes might not seem like much, spending time in this beachside paradise will make you feel like you are miles from anywhere resembling your normal life.

If you are looking to plan a weekend getaway to the beach or simply want a fresh day trip destination, the Clearwater area is packed full of things to do. Let’s jump right into the warm water and check out five fun things to do on your next trip to this white sand paradise.

Hit the Beach

When a destination is known around the world for its beautiful white sand beaches, spending some time enjoying those beaches should be at the very top of every visitor’s list.

Clearwater Beach is the most popular beach destination in the area, and it offers an absolutely gorgeous stretch of pristine sand and crystal clear water. This is the perfect place to lay out, walk with your feet in the water, or go for a swim.

So grab a towel, kick off your shoes, and get ready to hit the beach.

Beach Walk

When you are ready for a break from the beach, the Beach Walk pedestrian area offers a nice place to stroll along a paved sidewalk under the shade of palm trees.

The road is pushed back a bit from this area, which is also filled with local shops, restaurants, and an old-time ice cream parlor.

You won’t believe some of the cool things you will find in the boutique shops along the Beach Walk, so this is the perfect way to get your shopaholic fix in Clearwater.

Pier 60

Another popular destination that isn’t far from the beach is Pier 60. This 1,080-foot fishing pier is the perfect place to cast a line in Clearwater, day or night.

There is a small fishing shop right on the pier that can fix you up with everything you need to catch local fish like Spanish mackerel and spotted trout.

The pier also features a constant flow of entertainment from local musicians and jugglers, so there is always something to see and do here. It’s also a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

Kayaking & Standup Paddleboarding

Whether you prefer to kick back in a kayak or do your paddling while standing up, there are a number of fantastic paddling options around Clearwater for anyone who prefers to relax out on the water.

Spending some time exploring the waters around Sand Key Park, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, or Cliff Stephens Park is an activity that you could base an entire trip around.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

In addition to everything there is to do outdoors, Clearwater is also home to the famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This massive aquarium features all kinds of marine life on display, including Winter, the dolphin who served as the inspiration for the movie Dolphin’s Tale.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium specializes in marine rehabilitation, so you can also learn quite a bit about how they are working to improve conditions for marine life along the Gulf Coast.

From kicking back on the beach to paddling kayaks through untouched nature parks, everything in Clearwater is focused on relaxation. So the next time you feel the need for a day or two of recovery, let Clearwater help you reconnect to nature in whatever way works best for you.