It used to be that the western side of the Florida peninsula was not quite so built up as the eastern side, but that is changing as Tampa, St. Petersburg, and the cities south of them grow. Still, the beaches are just as white, the breezes just as fresh, and the people just as friendly. At the northern edge of this coast, is Manatee Springs State Park. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or dive into the underwater caves fed by the springs. Hikers and bikers can take advantage of miles of trails. In the winter months, tourists can see manatees drawn to the relatively warm waters of the springs.

Tampa/St. Petersburg

These two cities, across Tampa Bay from one another are the center of the Florida Gulf Coast population center. St. Petersburg made its reputation in the 1880s, when the elderly and afflicted came here to what was known as the "healthiest place on Earth. "It also has the reputation as America's sunniest city -- on average, there is sunshine here 361 days of the year. The city features a number of attractions including the Salvador Dali Museum, which contains the world's largest collection of works by the Spanish surrealist painter. One of Tampa's favorite tourist spots is is Bayfront District, an area of old homes and modern charm. Another attraction is Busch Gardens, which started as a brewery, but has become a combination of zoo and theme park. South of Tampa Bay is Sarasota, winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. The Ringling estate, and the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, are premier attractions of the area.