Anna Maria Island is a laid-back, natural island that is located just 20 minutes away from Bradenton. The white-sand beaches span miles and miles, and there’s far more to do than just sunbathing and watersports. Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach are full of dining opportunities and night life as well. The island is quite unspoilt, as there are some strict regulations about building in the area. In terms of things to do, you will find that the island is quite diverse. From fishing on the Anna Maria City Pier, to relaxing at the beach, exploring the community gardens, shopping at the marketplace, or exploring the ‘Old Florida-esque’ streets of Anna Maria City, there is truly something for everyone.

Where some areas of Florida traditionally attract a more mature tourist base, or are more luxurious, Anna Maria is a more sporty and relaxed place. It is cosy, with an easy-going vibe, and it offers beautiful views and a chance to hop over to the other islands for a little extra variety if you wish.

The cosy vacation rentals at Sunset Terrace are great for couples and small families. If you’re arranging a family get-together and are looking for somewhere a little more spacious, then the Ocean Sunrise house in Bradenton Beach features five bedrooms and three full baths, and a great pool too!

Marco Island Florida

Marco Island is the largest of the barrier islands just off Florida. It is a magical, mystical island with sun-washed beaches and lots of dolphin-spotting opportunities. This is a great place to go to enjoy water sports, or just for sunbathing. There are some wonderful restaurants to visit, with fresh seafood being a common sight on the menu as you would expect. There are a number of fun tours leaving from the island as well so if you would like to go fishing, or take a helicopter tour to see not just Marco Island but the rest of the Florida Ten Thousand Islands, then Marco Island will make a good base of operations for a long, adventure-packed winter holiday.

Families with young children will enjoy hunting for shells and playing on the beach. Adults will enjoy playing golf, and anyone can have some fun exploring the everglades in a rented buggy, or hiking across the Rookery Bag nature reserve. The scenery and wildlife must be seen to be believed, and there is plenty of opportunity for relaxation and pampering after a busy day.

Couples and small groups will find some lovely, affordable condos at Anglers Cove in Marco Island, while families will find that South Seas Tower and Sea Winds are great options thanks to their large size and reasonable prices. If you’re looking for a more luxurious property, then a house on Rockhill Ct could be a great option, with a beautiful garden and a spacious, well-equipped kitchen with an oversized island/bar. This amazing house is ideal for booking out for a party or a girl’s big getaway.

Naples Florida

Naples is a small city located in Collier County, Florida. The area where Naples is located today was the home of the Calusia indians for thousands of years. The city of Naples was founded in the 1880s, by former Confederate General John Stuart Williams. The settlement was named Naples because promoters described the area’s bay as surpassing that of Naples, Italy. The city grew in the 1920s when the railroad reached the area, and today it is a popular tourist hotspot thanks to its relatively unpsoilt scenery and its proximity to Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. If you are a winter songbird looking for somewhere to visit during the colder months, but traditional island vacations don’t appeal to you then the bay of Naples is a great alternative. The city is bustling and pleasant, and you will find that there is no shortage of attractions. Plus, the central location gives you the freedom to go and explore other areas of Florida at your leisure.

Naples is one of the higher end, more luxurious areas, and it definitely attracts more mature and discerning travelers. If you’re hoping for a romantic break then you’ll find this is the perfect destination with some top quality restaurants, tranquil sunset views, quiet private beaches, and so much more to enjoy.

There are many vacation homes that would suit those looking to escape the cold this winter. Saratoga in Lely Resort is a two bedroom monthly vacation home that feels like a miniature palace, and is not far from the waterfront. Solo travelers and those looking for a short break may appreciate the Fifth Avenue Beach Club single bedroom condo which can be hired on a nightly basis , and groups looking for a bigger place to go for a longer getaway may enjoy spending the winter in a luxury vacation home in Quail West. No matter what your budget, you’ll find something amazing in Naples.

Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach is located in Baldwin County, Alabama and is a picturesque city with a small population. It has a humid, sub-tropical climate, making it a great place for winter snowbirds. It has a thriving sports scene, and is popular with those who are looking for a getaway that involves water sports, golf, tennis or basketball. Dolphin cruises depart regularly from the city, and there are a number of islands just off the coast – Robinson Island, Bird Island, Walker Island and Gilchrist Island. These islands are easy to reach by boat, jet ski or paddleboard, but the strong currents of the waters mean that it is not safe to swim over to them.

Orange Beach is most popular as a family holiday spot. During the summer, when the schools are out, you will find it’s quite busy. It is popular as a winter getaway for families hoping to escape the cold, but not quite as crowded as it can be during what would be traditional/peak time for school holidays. There are plenty of amenities, and there are lots of things to see and do. A lot of tourists opt to stay in national hotel or motel chains, so those who are savvy enough to pick up a longer term vacation rental will find that they get a great deal on prices, and also get to enjoy the beauty of the destination while escaping the crowds.

There are numerous vacation rental options around Orange Beach. Whether you are travelling alone or with a large party you will find some stunning properties, and at some incredibly affordable prices compared to Naples, too. Choose from cosy, comfortable and affordable accommodation in Gulf Shores, such as Happy Clam , or one of the bigger Prickett Properties with three bedrooms and four full bathrooms for a big group or family vacation this winter ( https://www.findrentals.com/vacation-rentals/alabama-gulf-coast/orange-beach/l2129051). Orange Beach combines a convenient location with great weather and a wealth of options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Dauphin Island Alabama

Dauphin Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a picturesque island, which is home to some incredible wildlife. There are several bird sanctuaries on the island, the biggest of which is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which covers 66 ha of land. The island is the first landfall that many birds encounter as they migrate northwards, and as such the sanctuary sees a wealth of birds passing through during migration season. There are several beaches on the island. Two of the main beaches charge for access now – the central public beach, and the privately owned West End Beach. There are still plenty of other, free to access beaches on the island and you will find that there are lots of things to see and do. Fort Gaines is an historic walled fort. You can also use the ferry to reach Fort Morgan. In addition, not far from the ferry dock you will find the Estuarium – a fresh and sandwater aquarium which highlights many of the species that are native to Alabama.

There are many condos and vacation homes on Dauphin island. Goin’ Coastal has some lovely vacation houses for small groups , and Surf Club offers waterfront and ocean view properties in a range of sizes to suit most budgets . Those looking for a smaller beach house may appreciate the Sunset Beach vacation property, that offers wonderful sunset views.

Whatever type of vacation you are planning, there are some amazing options in Florida. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway for a few days with your friends and family, A week or month long vacation where you really let your hair down, or even a much longer trip, there are vacation rentals to suit you. Many retirees will book out a seasonal vacation home and spend several months enjoying the sun and the change of pace. Who wouldn’t want to leave behind rain or snow and spend the winter months playing tennis and golf at their leisure? The beauty of Florida is that it has it all. Night life, fine dining, water sports and more – all in one place.

If you want to get the best possible deal, try to book well in advance. This will help you to avoid disappointment, and give you time to shop around and reserve an affordable spot too. For bigger groups, staying in a condo or a large beach house gives you freedom and privacy, and can be a much better price than booking several hotel rooms. You’ll have your own private, luxurious home and can come and go as you please without worrying about disturbing, or being disturbed by, other guests.

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