With nearly 200 miles of Gulf coastline, more than 500 miles of freshwater river, thousands of acres of lakes and mangroves, and the vast sawgrass plains of the Everglades, Florida’s west coast brims with things to do. Thousands of visitors arrive each year to explore the area’s many attractions. More than any section of the Sunshine State, the west coast has put its foot down to wanton development, so in addition to the spectacular water-based activities found state-wide, here you can cycle along miles of maintained bike trails, don mask and snorkel and follow underwater pathways, and head out with an experienced naturalist guide to look for birds or animals. This top-selling guidebook covers a slice of the shore along the Gulf, beginning in the quiet rural setting of Citrus County, north of Tampa Bay, and ending in the south at Naples and the utter wilderness of the Everglades, which covers 2,100 square miles and claims over 99 miles of canoe trails. Hike Gasparilla Island, explore historic Ybor City and dine on the freshest seafood at one of the hundreds of restaurants reviewed. The author has done it all, so your information is first-hand.
