Need Advise on FL West Coast by Car

[copb8tx]

We recently purchased a place in Port Richey a few months back and will be visiting there for the second time shortly. We have some Texas friends coming to stay with us for a week and would like to take 2-3 days to drive down the coast to visit some of the other towns such as Sarasota, Fort Myer, or ???. Probably want to stay within 150-200 miles of our place.

Which towns would you recommend we visit and stay in. We're not too interested in sitting on a beach as we have that right outside our condo. More interested in interesting walking areas, like marinas, shops, water-side restaurants, etc.

Also will have an eye out into possible future plans to move in a few years.

Thank you

 

[FootballFan]

After fort Meyers it’s alligator alley.

Some very nice places on the way.

 

[Creekwood]

Naples is about the nicest place on that coast if you are looking for really good higher end restaurants.

 

[carterchapman]

Downtown Ft. Myers is walking and restaurant friendly.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Walking shopping? Armand circle between Sarasota and Longboat key great restaurants and shops.
Siesta key just south of longboat is Also good for shopping, eating

 

[copb8tx]

If you had to pick one to stay at overnight would it be Ft Myers or Sarasota?

 

[copb8tx]

Walking shopping? Armand circle between Sarasota and Longboat key great restaurants and shops.
Siesta key just south of longboat is Also good for shopping, eating

I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

I’m not familiar with Ft Meyers much but downtown Sarasota has large high rise hotels and a great view. The Westin has a roof top bar with pool we drive there valet park the car just for a cocktail and watch the sunset

 

[Ididntdoit]

I'll check it out. Thanks.

+1 on St Armands Circle

 

[marty51]

You are very close to downtown St Pete and the newly opened Pier.

 

[Todd320]

+1 on st pete, pier, several marinas, hundreds of boats, several parks, great restaurants in downtown and on Central ave, many have outdoor seating. Easy walk to most, or short Uber/lyft if needed. Went to the pier a few weeks ago, had a great time.

 

[Steve S]

Nice selection of restaurants and things in Ft Myers Beach also.

 

[copb8tx]

Sounds like there's more to do than I expected. That's great to hear. Thanks all.

 

[copb8tx]

Looks like the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota will be our base camp for a few days. Probably hit Clearwater on the way down and St. Pete on the way back. Do day trips from there.

Thank for all.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

Ritz has a cool tiki bar on the beach. When will you be there?

 

[copb8tx]

Sunday September 20th through Tuesday 22nd.

Odd days but we had other plans for the beginning of the weekend.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

We won’t be back till October was going to suggest a drink together well enjoy your trip let us know how it goes.

 

[PatSea]

Check out Punta Gorda. Beautiful downtown and Fishermens Village

 

[copb8tx]

We won’t be back till October was going to suggest a drink together well enjoy your trip let us know how it goes.

Would've really enjoyed that. Sorry we'll miss you.

 

[copb8tx]

Check out Punta Gorda. Beautiful downtown and Fishermens Village

Sounds very interesting. Will definitely check it out.