Where to stay, Florida West Coast
 

We're newbies to Florida and are looking for a base on the West Coast in the second week of March. Good gulf views, not overwhelmed by spring breakers, cultural/natural atttractions between Tampa and Sarasota. What are your favorites?

Anna Maria Island.

Siesta Key. Especially if the beach is important to you.

Siesta Key. Don't come to Anna Maria. Too crowded.

Do you need a beach? Our favorite spot is St. Pete, not the beach but the city, one of the most walkable places in Florida. It's a city that selected parks on the waterfront rather than buildings. It has had a renaissance the last 5 years or so. Lots of outdoor restaurants. Several world class museums (Dali plus a new western art museum and by next year a new arts and crafts museum and the replacement of the city's iconic pier). Something always going on. March 8-10 is the Grand prix race that opens the Indycar racing season each year. March 15-17 Reggae concert in the park with names like Ziggy Marley. And, there is a small sand beach adjacent to one of the parks just north of the downtown. Still a nice, fairly uncrowded downtown, with a bit of a European feel. You can ferry to Tampa for the day, and, of course, drive to Fort DeSoto Park if you want a big stretch of beach.