Husband and I are planning a driving trip at end of Jan. into Feb that follows the Gulf Coast from Pensacola to Sarasota. I know that the weather at this time of year will be cool but the purpose of the trip is to see a part of Florida that we have missed over the years. So far I have looked at a map and thought something like the following would be reasonable. But please tell me if we could combine stays and which places have interesting sights, walks, drives, parks, historic things to see.
Day 1--Coming from Biloxi and staying on Pensacola Beach

Day2 & 3--Apalachicola area

Day 4--Steinhatchee (what to see here?)

Day 5--Cedar Key

Day 6--Tarpon Springs

Day 7--On to sister's place on Siesta Key

I really would appreciate suggestions and if I could combine days but still not have too much driving in a day. Also places to eat (oysters?) and interesting places to stay.
Thanks so much, Margo

You will have a great and senic drive on Hwy 98 out of Pensacola to Port St Joe and then catch 30E - this follows the coast and is quaint and a lovely drive. If you're hungary by the time you hit Mexico Beach, TouCans right on the water to your right is great for oysters. Driving on to Port St Joe, if you've not eaten yet the Sunset Coastal Grill is an upscale restaurant with wonderful everything. Taking 30E on to this great little B&B recommended by Starrs, a fordorite here, is: http://www.turtlebeachinn.com/
We stay near there on Cape San Blas which has beautiful beaches but I would recommend this b&b on the beach in Indian Pass. A great place to eat just right down the road from the B&B is Indian Pass Raw Bar: http://www.indianpassrawbar.com/ and do recommend their oysters!yummmmmmm Apalachicola is about 30 min from this location. Restaurants that are good for oysters there would be: Boss Oyster on the river, Owl Cafe and Seafood Grill in the small charming town.

Have fun!

Thanks, cd, for the suggestion on a place to stay in Cape San Blas. We are hoping to keep motel costs below $125 per night with all the taxes and that b&b is more pricey than we want to pay. Do you know anything about the Gibson Inn in Apalachicola as a place to stay? It is on the National Register of Historic Places, something that I like to support. BTW what do you think we will find in the area this time of year, will most places be closed?

Another area that we are interested in is Cedar Key. Is that area worth an extra day or should we continue on to Homosassa? I am just not sure how much time to devote to this area?

Thanks for any suggestions,
Margo

Agree with cd about the Owl Cafe http://www.owlcafeflorida.com/ in Apalachicola. Don't miss it!

We have driven past the Gibson Inn and it seems very nice, well kept and clean but have never been inside. You might also check out this little Inn on Cape San Blas: http://www.capesanblasinn.com/ we have been inside and it was exceptionally clean, it's on the bay side and you would have to walk a ways or drive to the gulf side but if it's a pleasant day they have complimentary kayak's that looked like fun. Also, this hotel on the river has rooms that are right ON the river, I kid you not, you can sit on your balcony and the river is right below you. http://www.apalachicolariverinn.com/ It is right beside Boss Oyster where we ate often. It did not look bad but the Gibson looks more upscale.
Sorry, I don't know anything about Cedar Key but I'm hoping someone will post on it cause I would like to know something about it.

Margo, I just remember a darling Inn in Port St Joe, which you will be driving directly past! It is: http://www.portinnfl.com/ We have had drinks in their bar during happy hour and sat on the porch. We were so impressed with their bar area we asked to see a room and it was equally as clean and well maintained. This is very, very close to the Sunset Coastal Grill we liked. So many good restaurants in this area!