If you’re thinking of heading to Florida in the winter, you’ll want to explore Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. From the “Emerald Coast” in the Upper Peninsula to the southern Florida Keys, you’ll hear the crash of waves, find friendly bars on the beach, and smell the warm, aromatic sea-salt air. Sounds like the perfect winter vacation, doesn’t it?

Here are the top 10 tourist activities along Florida’s sunny Gulf of Mexico side.

#1 Shell and Shark Teeth Hunting on Sanibel Island

While Sanibel Island is known for its superior shelling, you’ll also be able to find beautiful shells along any shoreline due to the Gulf of Mexico’s calm tides. Hunting for shark’s teeth is a nice change of pace if you’re looking for a challenge while combing the beach.

#2 Picturesque Beaches

All the Gulf Coast beaches are beautiful, but Bean Point Beach’s secluded, crystal blue water and white sand is just begging you to stop and lounge.

#3 Adventures Under the Gulf

Gulf Island National Seashore, St. Andrews State Park, and Destin-Fort Walton are all known as “designated snorkeling areas”, so go for a swim and explore what’s under the water.

#4 Arts and Culture

Florida’s Gulf side has a fantastic arts and theater scene. For example, Sarasota has several local live theatres and St. Petersburg’s Morean Arts Center has a spectacular permanent collection by sculptural glass artist Dale Chihuly.

#5 Self-Guided Kayak Expeditions on the Gulf

If you’re into kayaking, this is the spot for you. Offering calmer tides and warmer waters than the Atlantic side means a safer and more fun on the water. Plus, no waiting in line on a boat dock. Just find a safe spot to get in the water and you’re on your adventure.

#6 Farmer’s Markets 

For the foodie vacationing along Florida’s Gulf Coast, you can’t beat the areas Farmers Markets. Seasonal fare is practically year long and extremely abundant. This a great way to fully experience the local foods and take advantage of your vacation rental home’s kitchen.

#7 Catch Your Own Fish

Mahi Mahi, grouper, shrimp, and more. The seafood available from Florida’s Gulf is undeniably fresh. Feeling especially lucky? Try to make the catch of the day yourself with a chartered fishing excursion.

#8 Local Breweries

If sampling delicious brewskis is your idea of a good time, be sure to check out the area brewers like Jdub’s, Point Ybel, or Rip Tide. Please, always enjoy responsibly.

#9 Theme Parks and Amusements

Just a short jaunt from the Gulf side finds a variety of world-famous theme parks choices. Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, and LEGOLAND are all are designed to entertain the young and the young at heart.

#10 The amazing weather

High temps generally range from the mid 60′s to the 80′s between November and March, depending on the area. Sounds better than below freezing, right?

Florida’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline is special because of these 10 things and more. The area’s variety of activities and attractions make it your best bet to beat the winter blues. Whether you’re touring the traditional shops on a boardwalk or observing the natural beauty of the beaches, you can be sure you made the right choice in vacation destination.

Instead of shoveling snow this winter, how about shoveling sand to make castles under that warm Florida sun.

For a look at a cornucopia of options, browse Paddle Florida for any and all options for those that want to gain a deeper connection to nature and its wildlife in the Central Florida region. Depending on your ideal excursion, you can cater your Florida vacation to your group and its needs. Whether it is watery creatures, historic forests, or a glimpse back in time, Florida offers a multitude of places to visit when not enjoying a relaxing time at your vacation villa.

Meet the Manatees

The Blue Spring is the largest spring that feeds the St. John’s River, offering beautiful scenery for kayaking throughout. Adjacent to the Blue Spring State Park, this river offers fishing, paddling, and boating, so use caution when motors are nearby. After a short paddle, find yourself amongst manatees that glide through the water gracefully. From there, the Blue Spring State Park provides a number of family activities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and river boat tours after a day of paddling.

Take the Scenic Route

The Dora Canal provides one of the most picturesque paddling experiences in Central Florida. Linking Lakes Eustis and Dora, this short journey is flanked by striking cypress trees, perfect for aspiring photographers and nature lovers alike. Multitudes of water birds, alligators, and otters live in the area adding to the pristine landscape that only nature has touched. Mount Dora, a nearby town, is most desired for its Victorian airs, restaurants, and antique shops. Spend the night at the Lakeside Inn, built in 1883, for a taste of vintage charm.

Disney’s Hidden Gem

Located along the border of Disney property in Kissimmee, Shingle Creek lies within Shingle Creek Regional Park. Flanking its borders are beautiful cypress trees and a myriad of wildlife, including alligators, water birds, and turtles. Voyaging on this seven-mile journey, the peaceful area gives a sense of relief and tranquility in nature, before mankind made its mark on the world.

Danger – Gators!

Before any adventurous excursion, it’s essential to know the best ways to remain safe from predators. To avoid unwanted contact with alligators, consider contacting the local Fish and Game department for the latest information regarding mating season and times of day with increased predator activity. This is usually around dawn and dusk, but can vary slightly from region to region. When encountering an alligator, it’s recommended to stay 100 feet away at all times for safety. If the reptile runs into the water suddenly and appears to be charging, it’s most likely getting into the water to feel safe as quickly as possible. Continue to maintain as much distance as you can and remain calm. If you see a smaller alligator with yellow stripes, it’s a juvenile and it’s almost certain that its mother will be nearby. Although these may be tempting to approach, a territorial mother with rows of teeth is not the ideal opponent to tangle with, especially while on vacation!

Follow these simple tips and you and the whole family will enjoy your Florida adventure happily and safely.