Let’s face it. Sometimes there is just not enough time to catch up with old friends or spend time with new ones. Like anything else in life, you have to dedicate some time solely for that purpose. Hence, the idea of a girlfriend getaway. Yep, this one is just for the girls. (Sorry, guys! We’ll plan something for you later. Stay tuned.)
What comes to mind when you think of a girls’ getaway? For us, we envision plenty of relaxing, girls’ nights out on the town, some pampering, plenty of shopping, and time to just sit back and chit chat with your BFFs. Add to that a beautiful tropical backdrop with coastal breezes blowing through your hair, umbrella drinks in hand, and gorgeous water views as far as the eye can see.
Sounds perfect, right? That’s why you should plan your girlfriend getaway to Florida’s Gulf Coast!
There’s no better time than the present to start planning your girls’ getaway to the Gulf Coast. In order to help with you that, we have compiled a little guide to get your started. It’s filled with some awesome recommendations on what to do and how to spend your time here.
Our Gulf Coast Guide to the Perfect Girlfriend Getaway
Where to Stay
Finding a place to stay that reflects what you and your friends want in the form of location, accommodation size and style, and amenities is really, really important. You’re going to spend a good portion of your time here, so make it the best it can be. We find that vacation rentals offer personalization and customization that just can’t be found during a hotel or motel stay.
Don’t settle for a cramped motel room or spend money on a block of rooms when you can get more bang for your buck in a Florida Gulf Coast vacation rental. Whether you need a condo or house or something in between, you’ll have plenty of options. And as mentioned, you get to choose the amenities that suit your needs and desires. Want a grill? Pool? Sun deck? Washer/dryer? Wet bar? You got it.
We also recommend staying where you have an ambiance of peace and quiet. Part of the reason you and your friends are here is to relax, remember? We highly suggest staying on the more secluded shores of our local islands. Of course we’re going to put in a good word for Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores. Gorgeous uncrowded white sandy beaches and stunning Gulf of Mexico waters are right outside your doorstep. You’re still close to many of the other bigger cities on the Gulf Coast including Clearwater and Tampa as well as the surrounding attractions; but far enough away to find a tropical oasis that is not overflowing with other vacationers and tourists.
It’s the best of both worlds! We love it here and we know you will, too.
Where to Relax
Relaxation is key to any vacation, and a getaway with your girlfriends is no different. Our top pick for finding relaxation is a place where your feet can sink into the sugary sand, your skin can feel the warm sun and where you can hear the rhythmic undulation of the tides. Aaahh, it’s the best. You’ll find your cares melting away almost instantaneously.
Other relaxing locales on the Gulf Coast can be found on our walking and biking trails, in our parks, on our Intracoastal waterfronts, and in our coastal coffee shops, local watering holes and in our area restaurants. Locally in Indian Rocks Beach, we love Guppy’s on the beach if you’re in search of relaxing al fresco dining with lovely waterfront views. Jimmy Guana’s sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway and is another top pick for a relaxing bite to eat, tropical boat drinks and free dolphin watching.
Where to Get Pampered
The Gulf Coast offers spas and salons that make for a perfect girls’ day of pampering. A new ‘do, mani, pedi, massage or complete spa package await you.
ZEN Healing Massage is located right in Indian Rocks Beach. Spend some time on the table and you’ll find yourself relaxed, refreshed and renewed. Crystal’s Nails & Spa is a great place to go for manicures and/or pedicures. We promise you’ll come out looking and feeling fabulous. Massage Envy in Largo offers a nice selection of spa services including facials, massages, salt scrubs, deep muscle therapy, hot stone massages and aroma therapy, just to name a few. Pampering at its finest, Gulf Coast style!
Where to Find Sizzling Hot Nightlife
If you and your friends do decide to stay right in Indian Rocks Beach, you’ll find so many beach restaurants and bars that pair gorgeous scenery and stunning views with amazing food, fabulous drinks and live entertainment. Your girls’ nights out can be spent at one of our favorite places or you can sample them all. Why not plan a crawl-style evening where you hop from place to place enjoying a beverage or two before moving on to the next? Totally fun and best shared with friends! We’d recommend Crabby Bill’s, PJ’s Oyster Bar, JD’s, The Pub and Slyce. You can read about more our favorite local establishments here.
Where to Shop
A girlfriend getaway on the Gulf Coast would not be complete without some shopping! Lucky for you, there’s plenty of that here. In addition to the fun local beach shops, there are a few other places you might want to check out during your time here.
International Plaza in Tampa offers over 200 stores, three huge department stores, and a nice selection of restaurants along with an outdoor open-air village on Bay Street at the Plaza. You can easily spend an entire day here! It’s conveniently located adjacent to the Tampa International Airport.
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach offers quintessential beach shopping at it finest. It’s our favorite local recommendation for shopping. Explore over 100 quaint shops with a unique style all their own, buy some souvenirs to take home with you or to give as gifts, and enjoy the beach vibe as you’re surrounded by opportunities to fish, try a new watersport adventure, embark on a shelling cruise or sail off on a dolphin watch. Highly recommend!
Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm. We can’t forget the sweeter side of town to complete any day or evening adventure. Check out Sweet IRB (weekends only), Tropical Ice Cream & Coffee and Pinky’s Ice Cream & Candy Shop. Whatever your sweet tooth craves, you’ll find it at one of these local favorites. Don’t forget to bring something back to your vacation rental for later. Yum!
And More…
Well, the only other things we’d add to your getaway with the girls include plenty of time for fun in the sun and toes in the sand, and if time allows, you could also pencil in some of our favorite Florida Gulf Coast attractions. You will not lack for things to do, and you’ll find that the Gulf Coast is the ideal place to plan your girlfriend getaway.
What are you waiting for? Click here to begin your vacation planning now. Gather up the girls and head out on your big adventure together. We know you’ll have a blast and come home with some memories that will last a lifetime.
What would you add to our Gulf Coast Girlfriend Getaway Guide?
