Away from Disney World, we arrived in paradise to explore the hidden beauty of Florida's West Coast for an island-hopping adventure with wild dolphin spotting and beachfront suites
Florida isn’t all Mickey Mouse ears and theme parks - it’s also a slice of paradise offering island-hopping adventures and beautifully vibrant beachfront hotels, well away from the crowds of Disney World.
It is home to the luxury golf coast resort of Longboat Key and the white sand beaches of Bradenton, where brightly coloured homes nestle alongside friendly beachfront restaurants. Here, we browsed the stores along the charming Pine Avenue, which spans the width of Anna Maria Island, and sipped fresh coconut juice in the sun, soaking up the sunny vibes.
We were joined by a pair of wild dolphins who put on a playful show alongside us, which was a dream come true to see. At the secluded 100-acre island of Cabbage Key - home to free-roaming turtles - we loved the buzz of the Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant where locals and tourists alike can enjoy live country music.
Heading for the nearby beach? We recommend contacting BeachSuites for chairs, parasols and cabana rentals at $250 for a complete set-up. To cool off, order a refreshing cocolemon or cocojito from Am I Coconuts? delivered directly to your sunlounger. We gazed into their country style homes full of untouched details and admired the work in the laboratory where original equipment and machinery remains exactly as they left it. We also headed out to the nearby islands.
Florida foodies We certainly made the most of the West Coast food scene. On the approach to Pine Island, we had a delicious Crabby Big Daddy omelette with a side of grits at the Perfect Cup Roastery & Cafe and a succulent prime cut filet mignon followed by mouthwatering homemade Key lime pie at Tarpon Lodge.
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