Syv

Flying in/out of Orlando next month & would like to drive to the Tampa/Sarasota area, then to Punta Gorda & possibly Naples. Then to Jupiter and back to Orlando. Have 8 days.

This is a fact finding mission (looking for possible areas when we retire) & combination vacation. We were going to New Port Richey but after reading posts, decided against that town.

Is there anywhere we should not miss? Have never been to west coast of Florida. Any suggestions?

CarolB

Depends what you like! We did a similar tour, for similar reasons, last year. My personal thoughts:
Tampa, though a genuine city, lacked charm.
Bradenton, though a little scruffy, was pleasant and laid-back.
Sarasota, justly famous for its beach and cultural attractions, was a bit too built-up.
Did not stop in Punta Gorda but would do so next time.
Cape Coral was depressing and almost scary. Would like to hear from someone who saw something better there.
Sanibel was beautiful but I bet neither of us is going to retire there.
Ft. Myers seemed mixed; didn't get a good feel for it.
Skipped Naples because we heard from several people that it wasn't interesting, though as I said, it depends what you like! (We did visit the Corkscrew Swamp and loved it, though we're definitely not retiring THERE!)

Jupiter . . . now there's a nice town! We will probably end up on the East Coast when that great day comes.

Good luck . . .

ezvalet

South of Venice a little island called Boca Grande. It is a must see, quaint shops, beautiful beaches, great restaurants.

Candy210

We love both Sanibel & Captiva islands. They are both different. The sand has alot of Seashell treasures at Sanibel(1 of the 10 top beaches for shelling in the world).There are alot of shops & restaurants. Captiva is more secluded & tropical,has clearer water ,Mucky Duck restaurant is great for dinner & sunset

lib

We bought a 2nd home in Sarasota two years ago, looking forward to retirement. It's a small-city atmosphere with enough diversified activities, and locations, to be interesting. Beautiful beaches on Siesta.

Sharon44

My husband and I recently took a day trip to Punta Gorda while vacationing in Naples. Our mission was the same as yours -- considering various coastal towns for future retirement.

Punta Gorda looked great on the map -- right on the water, lots of little inlets. Unfortunately, we found that it was rather run-down -- even impoverished. We couldn't even find an appealing place to have lunch.

On the same trip, we were disappointed as we investigated Ft. Myers (too commercial), Venice (too cramped), and Sarasota (too crowded). We're beginning to wonder if we might find nicer communities a bit inland.

soccr

OK, let's get a little more specific rearasota. If you want to know what it's like to retire there, you'll need to understand that the closer you get to the water, the more expensive it will be, just like any other ocean-side area. But because Sarasota has been around for a long time, you'll also have the choice of living in somewhat older neighborhoods, which are lovely, just north and south of downtown or out toward I-75 in newer, walled communities.

As a tourist, go see the Ringling art and circus museums and the mansion, all on lovely grounds, and then the Selby Gardens, which are lovely and also situated near some of the nicest "older" parts of Sarasota.

Then go out to St. Armand's Circle (great shops and restaurants for touristim), from which you can turn north to cruise Long Boat Key (very upscale) or south to Lido and Siesta Key, more residential.

However, you can also get the flavor of what it's like to LIVE in Sarasota by driving on "the trail" (rte. 41) past all the malls, then east-west on roads like Bee Ridge or Fruitville.

For purely touristic purposes, the suggestion to go to Boca Grande is great, but you need to know the island is Gasparilla -- retreat for very very wealthy in the early 20th c. and still a charming hideaway with some great little shops and at least one great restaurant. A real trip into another era, not well known and we should probably keep it a secret!

mclaurie

Syv, Friends of mine are currently doing the same thing. They are in Long Boat Key right now (I've never been) and they LOVE it. They are staying at the Hilton there (not a huge typical Hilton according to them). They say the beaches in Long Boat are gorgeous & it's close to Sarasota which is "a real city" so- for them, the best of both worlds. I've been to Naples as a tourist & thought it was great but it looks very expensive & is getting as built up as the east coast.

LilMsFoodie

Boca Grande is remote, isolated and very expensive from a real estate and cost of living perspective. I think it is a great retreat to have as a vacation home but stop short of recommending it as a retirement place.

Punta Gorda is hell on earth to me. I lived there for a while before moving to Fort Myers. Beautiful location but horrible retail and entertainment. If you are a boat nut, you might tolerate the drive to Sarasota or Naples just to have Charlotte Harbor available to you.

dascobas

I am retired and living in the New Tampa area. Hunter's Green is like a private family style resort, with great golf, tennis, swimming, sports club, walking trails, parks, and a first class club with great dining. It is gated and guarded with a wide range of home prices. Tampa Airport and the Stadium are the best. USF and University Community Hospital are very close. The New Tampa area is inland, so you don't have to evacuate with every Hurricane warning. Check out: www.huntersgreencc.com