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- Tampa Bay on a Budget
Florida’s Gulf Coast is one of the top family destinations in America. It is easily accessible, showcases some of the best white sand beaches in the United States, and offers more fun family entertainment that any other destination in North America.
Why take the kids in this downtrodden economy?
A family vacation on the Gulf Coast of Florida doesn’t have to destroy your pocketbook. Not only does the stretch of coast from Clearwater to Sarasota have accommodation for every budget, many of the family activities are free or nearly so. So load up the van and road-trip it or search the net for cheap plane tickets.
The following cost saving tips will help keep it cheap.
Lodge Inexpensively
Trade daily maid service for location and space. The once hot Florida real estate market is feeling the same pinch as you. Many beachfront rentals are cheaper than back road rooms.
Get Around Cheap
Forget name brands. Book your mini-van – with complimentary airport pick up and return - from one of the cheapo rental car companies like Alamo for as little as $300 for an entire week.
Walk rather than drive
Both Tampa and St. Petersburg have free public trolleys, and many beachfront abodes are within walking distance to almost anything you’ll need.
Eat on the Cheap
If you book a beachfront place with a kitchenette, you’re likely to be near one of the many Publix or Sweet Bay supermarkets, so you can cook many of your meals. And, there are tons of affordable beachfront joints and restaurants on every corner.
Thrifty Fun
Disney and Dolphin cruises (maps available at the visitor center include discount coupons for these) aren’t the only fun family activities on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here are a less expensive alternatives:
Traveling to St. Petersburg? The Pier Aquarium and Sunken Gardens are great nature adventures. Try Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and The Cupcake Spot are fun places to take the kids for an afternoon treat.
Tampa’s Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo (rated #1 zoo in the U.S. by Child magazine!) make great afternoon trips.
The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota offers families an opportunity to learn about a real live circus as well as sneak a peek at an often-filmed site. Ringling Mansion, where major films, such as Great Expectations with Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft and Ethan Hawke have been shot, sits next door to the museum.
Anna Maria Island boasts some of the whitest beaches in the world! Spend a day building sandcastles and frolicking in the water.
Longboat Key – an 8-mile stretch of island on the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay – is a great place for a full-day outing. Enjoy shopping, dining and, of course, white sand beaches.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue, rehab and release center for dolphins and sea turtles, is home to a rare dolphin with no tail!
Copyright © Rhonda Crone. All rights reserved. Rhonda is the author of the blog momwhodrinksandcusses.
