Gulf Coast Road Trip with Sun!

Attractions and RV Destinations to Fit Every Budget!

Are you thinking about heading south in your RV this winter? Well, Sun Outdoors is here to share with you some incredible Gulf Coast road trip ideas that are too fun and affordable to pass up!  

Crystal River Area

Starting on the west coast of Florida, Rock Crusher Canyon and Homosassa River RV resorts both sit in the middle of beautiful lush Florida wildlife, right around the corner from Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and Crystal River State Park. These state parks remain open to visitors all year long, so you will have plenty of time to see West Indian manatees and even the occasional alligator and river otter. The crystal clear water makes boating a blast, so bring your own, rent one for the day, or take part in one of the many river cruises. Enjoy lunch on the Homosassa River and laugh out loud watching the fun happening on Monkey Island.  

Clearwater & St. Petersburg Area

As you continue down I-19, which runs parallel the Gulf Coast, you can make a slight detour to view the world famous sunsets at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, which hosts nightly celebrations featuring street performers, artisans and crafters.  Within 30 minutes of the pier, you'll find Dunedin and Rainbow Village of Largo RV resorts nestled in this popular vacation destination. Just south of these two parks, right on I-19/I275, you'll eventually make your way across the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge, an iconic landmark of the St. Petersburg/Tampa area. Traveling in an RV will give you an even grander view of Tampa Bay as you ride almost 200 feet above the ocean.  

Bradenton Area

Make your way into Bradenton, where you are at the perfect jumping off point for enjoying a variety of Bradenton and Sarasota beaches as well as the Gulf Islands that line the coast. Anna Maria Island sits right off the Gulf Coast and is an ideal stop for some good ole' R&R. The island offers visitors seven miles of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters with a range of leisure activities such as golfing, fishing and dining. With fresh seafood caught daily and a variety of shops and family owned businesses, visitors may never want to leave. For the active traveler, there are bikes, paddleboards, boogie boards and kayaks all available to rent in this area too. Keep your home base close with a great variety of nearby RV resorts that include Ellenton Gardens, Horseshoe Cove, Pleasant Lake, Arbor Terrace, and Vista Del Lago while you explore this popular area.  

Ft. Myers Area

Continuing south on your roadtrip,  follow I-75 along the Gulf Coast to the popular area of Ft. Myers, known for its deep-sea fishing, golfing, white-sand beaches and, of course, shelling at the nearby barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva! The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, located less than thirty minutes from the world-class RV accommodations available at Indian Creek, Siesta Bay and Groves, is a historic Ft. Myers gem that gives you a glimpse into the personal lives of two great minds of the 20^th century. The estate boasts over 20 acres of botanical gardens with nine historic buildings, including Edison's Botanic Research Laboratory and the Edison Ford Museum.  

Naples Area

But your Gulf Coast road trip doesn't end there! Just south, in lovely Naples, is the historic Naples Pier located right on the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This pier is a favorite for sightseers and fishermen alike with plenty of room to cast your line – and there's no need to buy a fishing license since a bulk license is provided for the pier by the City of Naples. Take in gorgeous views of a spectacular sunset or enjoy lunch under the covered eating area with a convenient  concession stand on the pier. Centrally located near many Naples attractions, including the pier, you'll find Lake San Marino, Club Naples, Marco Naples, and Naples RV resorts to relax at after a day of fun-filled activities.  

Don't forget to check out the famous Florida Everglades while you're in the area too! Select from a variety of nearby parks and preserves, such as the Big Cypress National Preserve, and explore an inspiring ecosystem with a multitude of Florida wildlife species to see. There are also a number of air boat adventures and guided tours for a more intimate and in-depth experience.

And if you're looking to extend your road trip in Florida or beyond, be sure to check out our full list of RV resorts!   Save Save