The 10 Best West Coast Florida Beaches

The proximity to a large number of great Florida gulf coast beaches is one thing that makes living in the Villages of Citrus Hills so attractive.

Here are TEN of the most commonly referenced west coast beaches that you are definitely going to want to check out sooner, rather than later.

1. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida

After being named TripAdvisor’s #1 beach in the country back in 2018, the secret is officially out on one of our all-time favorite beach destinations. With a perfect combination of silky-smooth white sand and a small-town atmosphere, Clearwater should continue to be at the top of just about everyone’s list of favorite beach destinations for years to come.

2. Destin

Known as an ideal destination for families, Destin is one of our favorite options located up in the panhandle along Florida’s Emerald Coast. If renting a condo for a week and kicking back on the beach with just a bit of snorkeling mixed in is your idea of a good time, Destin is a perfect fit.

3. Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island, Florida

Located just north of Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island features the same stunning white sand beaches in a more remote setting. This option is known for being a place that locals prefer when Clearwater is a bit too busy, and it is also a fantastic place to explore by kayak.

4. Lido Key

Another popular island destination along the Gulf Coast of Florida is Lido Key, which sits just west of Sarasota. This spot has a reputation for ecotourism, deep-sea fishing, and sunset cruises, and it is also home to a first-class beach resort, as well as plenty of exciting street performers.

5. Marco Island

Marco Island, Florida

If we head all the way down to the southern end of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Marco Island is the place that stands out as a must-see destination for beach lovers. This island is located just off of Naples, and it is home to some fabulous beach resorts, as well as the Briggs Nature Center and its half-mile boardwalk.

6. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach might have a reputation as a spring break destination for college students, but it is about as laid back as the rest of the Gulf Coast throughout the rest of the year. With more than 27 miles of white sand beaches, you can always find a little section to enjoy all by yourself here, and the artificial reefs located just offshore are perfect for snorkeling. 

7. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Located just 45 minutes east of the iconic Flora-Bama beach bar, Pensacola is the farthest west of the panhandle beaches on our list. This destination offers a bit of everything, including shopping, restaurants, and a fishing pier.

8. Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Seashells are the primary attraction down on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and the amount of them spread across these popular beaches just west of Fort Myers is astounding. True shell lovers will also want to check out the nearby Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum while they are in the area.

9. Siesta Key

Siesta Key, Florida

Just south of Sarasota is where you will find the romantic beach destination of Siesta Key. In addition to white sand beaches and calm blue water, this eight-mile-long island paradise is also known for its resorts, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

10. St. Pete Beach

After kicking off our list with Clearwater Beach, it seems appropriate to close it out with St. Pete Beach, which is located just 30 minutes south. Just like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach is one of the most gorgeous beach destinations in all of Florida, and it offers the added appeal of almost always having beautiful weather.

No matter which one of these beaches you choose to explore, it really is hard to find a bad option up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast.

In fact, we highly recommend that you make your way through all ten of these beaches and decide for yourself which ones are your favorites.

Major Sporting Events Coming to Florida in 2020

The biggest sporting event of the year just wrapped up in Miami when the Kansas City Chiefs edged out the San Francisco 49ers for Super Bowl LIV.

If you weren’t able to make it to this year’s Super Bowl, you will be excited to hear that next year’s game will be happening even closer to us at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa!

But that’s not even close to being the only major sporting event taking place in Florida this year.

The best part is that some of the remaining major Florida sporting events of 2020 are an easy drive from the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Let’s jump in and take a closer look at some of the major sporting events coming to Florida in 2020.

Daytona 500 - Daytona Beach

Known to many as “the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing,” the Daytona 500 is the annual kickoff to the new NASCAR season.

It also happens to be one of the biggest spectacles of the entire year.

With a history that dates all the way back to 1959, this legendary race has evolved into a week-long event that transforms the entire Daytona Beach community into one massive party.

This year, the Daytona 500 is set to happen on Sunday, February 16.

Grapefruit League Spring Training Baseball

Shortly after someone takes the checkered flag at this year’s Daytona 500, we will see pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training destinations at various locations around the state of Florida.

Half of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams make their springtime homes here in Florida, and our residents can catch spring training games happening in nearby Dunedin (Blue Jays), Clearwater (Phillies), Tampa (Yankees), and other places down the west coast and around the state throughout late February and early March each year.

Arnold Palmer Invitational - Orlando

Some of the best golfers in the world make their way to Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando during the month of March each year to compete in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Winners of this tournament on the legendary Bay Hill course receive a red cardigan sweater in memory of Arnold Palmer, as well as a three-year exemption, which is one more than standard tournaments.

The 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational is scheduled to tee off the week of March 2-8.

The Players Championship - Ponte Vedra Beach

Another iconic golf tournament that comes to Florida every March is The Players Championship. This tournament takes place on the TPC Sawgrass course, which features that legendary par-3 17th hole with the island green.

While it is not one of the four official major tournaments, The Players is often referred to as “the fifth major,” and it offers one of the largest prize pools of any tournament.

The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass will take place March 10-15.

Valspar Championship - Palm Harbor

The following weekend the PGA Tour stops a little closer to home at the Valspar Championships in Palm Harbor.

This is set to take place March 16-22.

March Madness – Tampa

Talk about a busy week in Tampa!

The same week the Valspar Championship is taking place, the Road to the Final Four comes through Tampa for the first time since 2011.

With First Round action taking place on March 19 and Second Round games being played on March 21, both at Amalie Arena.

Tampa is very easy to get to from Citrus Hills, but if you do plan to stay the night and partake in all the March Madness festivities, we encourage you to get your reservations (and your tickets!) early.

Miami Open - Miami Gardens

The best tennis players in the world are usually in Miami during the last week of March and the first week of April for the Miami Open.

This event was just moved to Hard Rock Stadium in 2019, and it is now one of the largest tennis tournaments of the year outside of the four Grand Slams.

In 2020, this 12-day tennis tournament will start on Monday, March 23 with a final match scheduled for Sunday, April 5.

Coke Zero Sugar 400 - Daytona Beach

After more than 50 years of being held around Independence Day, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be making the move to late August this year where it will serve as the final race of NASCAR’s regular season.

This second race at Daytona International Speedway will take place on August 29 this year, and it will be the last chance for any drivers on the bubble to qualify for the NASCAR playoffs.

Nearby Football, Basketball, and Hockey Action

As the 2020 calendar rolls into late summer and fall, local residents will have the pleasure of watching a wide range of local college football and NFL teams take the field starting in late August and early September.

Then, during the month of October, we will see our local NBA and NHL teams get back to work with their new seasons starting.

No matter what sport you are passionate about, there are huge events happening in Florida throughout the entire year, many of which are just a short drive from the Villages of Citrus Hills.

48 Hours in Fort Myers

Located about three and a half hours south of the Villages of Citrus Hills, Fort Myers offers everything a traveler could want from a South Florida town along the Gulf Coast.

Between the local wildlife, outstanding food, and history that is unique to the area, there is more than enough to keep you busy over a weekend trip to Fort Myers.

If you’re looking to plan your next 48-hour getaway, these are a few ideas we would recommend for exploring Fort Myers.

Day One - Burgers, Boats, Southern Food, and Ghosts

Assuming that you are going to be hungry when you first arrive in Fort Myers, our first stop is going to be Fat Katz for a delicious lunch. This fun and friendly gastropub goes all out to class up the typical sports bar favorites like burgers, cheesesteaks, and salads. Don’t skip the hummus dip!

Once we have our bellies full, the next stop on our Fort Myers getaway will be the History and Eco River Cruise from Pure Florida Fort Myers. This 90-minute cruise will get you out on the Caloosahatchee River where you can see tons of local wildlife, as well as unique views of all of the most popular Fort Myers attractions.

For dinner on our first night in Fort Myers, we are heading to Fancy’s Southern Cafe for one of the best southern-style meals you will find anywhere. This amazing restaurant plays all of the southern hits like Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, Chicken-N-Waffles, and Country Fried Steak in an upscale, white-tablecloth atmosphere.

After dinner, the plan is to head back out into the city to participate in the Haunted History of Fort Myers Walking Tours. These 90-minute tours leave at 8 pm on most evenings and take guests past some of the most famously haunted spots in Fort Myers.

Day Two - Wildlife, Crab, History, and Steak

After staying out late with the ghosts on our first night in Fort Myers, we are going to kick off day two by getting back out in nature at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. You can spend as long as you want exploring the trails that lead off of the 1.5-mile raised boardwalk here, and you can expect to see a wide range of South Florida wildlife as you venture through the preserve.

Now that we’ve worked up an appetite at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, we’re heading to Trap House Krab and Seafood for a unique lunch that will blow your mind with flavor. You pick your combination of seafood here, and everything is served in similar aluminum take-out pans topped with the most amazing garlic butter sauce you’ve ever tasted.

You can’t come to Fort Myers for the first time without visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, so that is where we are heading next. This gorgeous campus offers a collection of historic buildings surrounded by award-winning gardens, which is what makes this one of the most popular tourist destinations in Fort Myers.

Our second dinner in Fort Myers is going to take us to El Gaucho Inca, which serves Peruvian and Argentinian style dishes that will completely blow your mind. Definitely start with the Trio Ceviche, and then just order whatever meats and sides look most appealing to you from there. You will not be disappointed!

If you are looking for a nightcap following the meal, you can take a quick ride up to The 86 Room in the River District for a craft cocktail with a classic speakeasy-style vibe. The drink menu is always changing here, but feel free to ask for your favorite!

Day Three - IMAG, Crave, and Shopping

The IMAG History and Science Center is the first stop on our last day in Fort Myers, and you definitely don’t have to be a kid to enjoy everything that this place has to offer. With 60 different exhibits, live shows, a massive aquarium, and 3-D movies, there really is something for everyone to enjoy here.

We like to finish up our 48-hour getaways with a fantastic brunch option, and one of the most popular places for breakfast and brunch in Fort Myers is Crave. There are plenty of options to choose from on their locally sourced menu, but the best place to start is always going to be their selection of twists on Eggs Benedict.

Before heading back home, we are going to make one last stop in Estero to check out the shopping at Coconut Point. There are more than 100 unique shops to explore in this open-air mall, so you can grab plenty of souvenirs to remember your 48-hours in Fort Myers.

After spending 48 hours taking in all that Fort Myers has to offer, you will have just barely scratched the surface of what is possible in this fun South Florida town. So don’t think twice about planning what will surely be the first of many quick getaways to Fort Myers!

A Nature Lover’s Dream: Relocating to Florida’s Nature Coast

Florida’s Nature Coast

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what your life might be like if you were living in Florida?

If you’re like most people, the first things that come to mind probably involve beaches, great weather, and spectacular theme parks. While those are all great reasons for spending your retirement years in Florida, the area called the Nature Coast offers quite a bit more to its residents.

This nine-county section of Florida lies along the Gulf Coast as the northern peninsula bends into the panhandle. Residents here still have access to amazing beaches, great weather, and are under 1.5 hours from the theme parks. But they are also exposed to nearly endless opportunities to pursue their passion for nature in a variety of different ways.

A Storied History

Antebellum Home in Citrus County

Not only is Florida’s Nature Coast a great place to experience the outdoors today, but it has been that way for multiple centuries. Ancient American Indians have left shell mounds and other ruins that can be explored in a variety of state and local parks throughout the region.

There are also plenty of Antebellum-era homes to visit and explore.

Many of these old mansions have actually been turned into museums over the years, so in addition to appealing to nature lovers, there is also plenty here for history buffs.

An Abundance of Trails

Biking the Nature Coast Trail

The Nature Coast is filled with all kinds of trails that run through, and in some cases even connect, its parks. Many of these trails are part of the Rails to Trails program and are paved right over old railroad tracks.

Two of the most popular trails in the area are the Nature Coast State Trail and the Withlacoochee State Forest Trail. Both of these trails are great for walking, jogging, bicycling, and in some areas even horseback riding.

They give you the opportunity to do these things in some of the most beautiful natural environments you will find anywhere. The trails of the Nature Coast go much further than the standard paved variety. There are plenty of more involved hiking trails and just as many water trails as land trails.

If you are an avid canoe or kayak paddler, there are an amazing number of places to explore starting from either the Suwannee, Waccasassa, or Withlacoochee rivers.

Rare Wildlife Species

Swimming With Manatees

While you are out exploring the trails of the Nature Coast, you will be in close contact with the 19 rare or endangered species of wildlife that make their homes here. With as many parks and reserves as there are in this region, you will always have another opportunity to explore the habitats of different local wildlife.

One of the most popular endangered species in the area is the West Indian Manatee. These large sea mammals migrate to the warm waters along the Nature Coast every winter. You can find them floating all through the springs around Crystal River, or learn about them from dry land at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park.

Catch of the Day

Tarpon Fishing

If you prefer to be more active in catching wildlife than observing it, the Nature Coast also has plenty to offer. It is widely considered to be one of the best places in the entire world for tarpon fishing. There are dozens of different companies offering fishing charters throughout the region, but you can find just as much enjoyment fishing from your own canoe as well.

In addition to great fishing, the Nature Coast region also offers great scalloping and stone crabbing, which you just can’t do in most places. Whether you prefer to dive for scallops yourself, catch stone crab from a boat, or buy both from local vendors, the seafood along the Nature Coast is always fresh.

Your friends and relatives will certainly appreciate the close proximity that your new home in Florida’s Nature Coast will have to all of the tourist attractions they are interested in, but the outdoor opportunities are what many local residents’ value more than anything.

Luckily for residents of the Villages of Citrus Hills, they can have the best of both worlds right at their front door.

5 Reasons Your Grandkids Would Like You to Move to Florida

Everyone has a good idea why making the move to Florida would work for them, but one of the things that we often fail to consider is how that move could have a positive impact on the younger generations of our families.

No matter what ages your grandchildren might be, every young kid loves having the opportunity to brag about their “cool grandparents” living it up down in the Sunshine State. But even more than that, there are plenty of tangible benefits that those grandkids can enjoy on account of your Florida residency.

So, if you are still on the fence about whether making the move is right for you, take some time to consider these five reasons your grandkids would love for you to head south to Florida this year.

Theme Park Excitement

Disney World

The very first thing at the top of just about every grandkid’s list is going to be having easy access to the theme park capital of the world.

Whether we are talking about young kids that are excited to visit the Magic Kingdom or teenagers gearing up for a trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, there are major theme parks dedicated to serving all age groups here in Florida.

Having grandparents that live anywhere near Orlando makes the process of getting down to Florida and visiting those parks so much easier than it would be otherwise. Busch Gardens in Tampa is also just under 90 minutes away.

White Sand Beaches

Right behind the theme parks, is the fact that Florida offers beautiful white-sand beaches that can serve as a massive sandbox for those grandkids to play in.

Between building sandcastles, digging holes, and riding those mild Gulf Coast waves, you would be hard-pressed to find a youngster that doesn’t love heading to the beach.

And having grandparents that live down in Florida makes getting to those gorgeous beaches just a little bit easier.

Warm Winter Weather

Another reason that your grandkids would love for you to relocate to Florida is that you would be giving them an opportunity to escape the colder weather that they might be dealing with back home.

Many new Florida residents find that their grandchildren actually visit with them more after they move south than they ever did before..

Virtually Endless Golfing

If your grandchildren happen to be into golf, the warmer weather will give them opportunities to practice a bit more than their competitors back home in the north during the colder months.

Having the ability to get out on the course a few extra times each year could make a difference for developing college scholarship worthy skills.

Fun With Manatees

You can take your grandkids to the zoo in pretty much any major city around the country, but there is only one place where you can take them to swim with manatees. The Gulf Coast of Florida is proud to be that place.

Whether your grandkids are obsessed with animals or you are just looking for a cool way to impress them, it doesn’t get much better than swimming alongside our giant sea cows down here in paradise.

Between all of the things that you can do here in Florida and the fabulous climate that you get to do them in, it’s no surprise that grandkids from all over the country travel here throughout the year to visit their grandparents.

So if you aren’t totally sold on Florida being a great place for you to retire, make sure you consider the impact it could have on your grandkids!