4 days in Florida Gulf Coast

Are you planning a trip to the Florida Gulf Coast and wondering how to spend 4 days exploring white-sand beaches, wildlife-rich parks, and charming seaside towns?

The Gulf Coast surprised me in the best way. My husband and I visited in January for our anniversary weekend, and within just a few hours, we were wondering why we hadn’t done this trip sooner! Between spotting alligators in Everglades National Park, shelling on remote islands, watching sunsets on Clearwater Beach, and finding manatees in crystal-clear springs — these four days quickly became some of our favorite memories in Florida.

In this travel guide, I’m sharing exactly how to spend 4 days in the Florida Gulf Coast, including where we stayed, the best things to do, how to plan your route, and helpful tips for visiting Florida in the winter. Whether you love nature, beaches, scenic drives, or wildlife, this Florida Gulf Coast itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking for a relaxed yet adventure-filled getaway.

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4-Day Florida Gulf Coast Itinerary

Day 1: Everglades National Park + Shark Valley

We flew into Fort Lauderdale early in the morning, picked up our rental car, and immediately drove toward Everglades National Park.

Our first stop was Everglades Safari Park, where we joined a guided airboat tour that took us deep into the marshlands. It was such a fun way to start the trip, and we saw several alligators relaxing in their natural habitat.

After the tour, we drove to the Shark Valley Visitor Center, one of the most popular sections of the Everglades. You can either rent bicycles or take a tram tour along the 15-mile loop. Just keep in mind that the last tour leaves at 4 PM, so it’s worth planning your timing in advance.

By evening, we checked into Everglades City Inn and headed to Camellia Street Grill for dinner. This outdoor restaurant sits right on the water, and we arrived just in time to watch the sky turn orange as we enjoyed fish tacos, chicken tacos, and cold beers. It was the perfect ending to our first day.

Day 2: Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island, and Sanibel Island

We started the morning with breakfast at Havana Café in Chokoloskee, where we had amazing Cuban coffee and sandwiches. After breakfast, we joined a three-hour Ten Thousand Islands tour, which ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

The tour passed through the mangrove islands, took us near the famous Domes of Cape Romano, and even included a stop at a remote island known for shelling. We saw dolphins searching for food and learned so much about the ecosystem from our guide.

From there, we drove to Marco Island and stopped at Tigertail Beach State Park. Even though our visit was short, it was a beautiful place to stretch our legs before continuing north. By late afternoon, we reached Sanibel Island, checked into Island Inn, and went straight to the beach to catch the sunset.

Later that evening, we had dinner at Traditions on the Beach, a beachfront restaurant with live music and great cocktails. It was such a relaxing and memorable night on the island.

Day 3: Sanibel Island Morning + Clearwater Beach Evening

We woke up early to watch the sunrise from the beach at Island Inn, and it was every bit as peaceful and beautiful as we imagined. After enjoying the morning light, we picked up a quick breakfast from Lighthouse Café and visited Lighthouse Beach Park. Sanibel is the kind of place where you can easily spend hours wandering, shelling, cycling, or simply enjoying the slow coastal lifestyle.

By midday, we started our drive toward Clearwater Beach, arriving just in time to check into our beachfront hotel, the Hilton Clearwater Beach. Being so close to Pier 60 and the ocean made everything incredibly convenient. That evening, we grabbed cocktails from Tommy’s Tiki Bar, which is located right on the sand behind the hotel.

Watching the sun go down with the ocean breeze and a drink in hand felt like the perfect anniversary moment. After sunset, we walked over to Badfins Food + Brew for dinner, where we enjoyed fish tacos, chicken bowls, and great craft beer.

Day 4: Clearwater Beach, Crystal River, and Tampa

On my last morning in Clearwater Beach, me and my husband took a peaceful walk along Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, enjoying the soft white sand that this area is so famous for. We then had breakfast at Clear Sky Café before driving north to Crystal River, one of the best places in Florida to see manatees during winter.

We joined a kayaking tour and spent the morning paddling through the calm waterways, hoping to spot manatees along the way. Wildlife sightings always depend on weather, but just being on the water was a beautiful experience. After kayaking, we visited Three Sisters Springs, where we finally saw several manatees resting and swimming in the clear blue spring water.

It was such a special moment and a perfect way to end our Gulf Coast trip. From Crystal River, we drove to Tampa, returned our rental car, and caught our flight back home, feeling grateful for such a memorable four-day getaway.

Where to stay

We split our trip into three different stays so we could explore more of the Gulf Coast without rushing. Our first night was at Everglades City Inn, a small and convenient base for exploring both Shark Valley and the Ten Thousand Islands. It’s simple, clean, and located right where you need to be.

For our second night, we stayed at Island Inn on Sanibel Island, which quickly became one of our favorite places of the entire trip. We booked a studio room with a gulf view, and waking up to the sight and sound of waves was incredibly peaceful. The beach was only a few steps away, making sunrise and sunset feel effortless.

For the final night, we checked into the Hilton Clearwater Beach, mainly because of its prime location right on the sand near Pier 60. Being able to walk straight from the hotel to the beach, grab cocktails, or catch the sunset made our stay in Clearwater feel extra relaxing and memorable.

FAQs : Florida Gulf Coast Trip

1. Is 4 days enough to explore the Florida Gulf Coast?
Yes, 4 days is a great amount of time to experience the highlights of the Florida Gulf Coast . While you won’t see everything, this timeframe allows you to enjoy beaches, scenic drives, and coastal towns.

2. What is the best time to visit the Florida Gulf Coast?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. We visited in January and loved the cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer bugs. Winter is also the best time to see manatees in places like Crystal River, making it ideal for wildlife lovers.

3. Is winter too cold for beach time in Florida?
Winter weather on the Florida Gulf Coast is mild and pleasant, especially during the day. While the water may feel cooler, the beaches are still perfect for walking, relaxing, and watching sunsets without the intense summer heat.

4. Is renting a car necessary for this trip?
Renting a car is the best way to explore the Florida Gulf Coast. The destinations are spread out, and having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to stop at beaches, parks, and small towns along the way. It also makes the trip much more comfortable and time-efficient.

5. What should I pack for a Florida Gulf Coast winter trip?
Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for evenings. If you’re planning to kayak or snorkel with manatees, water shoes and quick-dry clothing are helpful. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and a camera for wildlife sightings.

Final Thoughts

Our four days on the Florida Gulf Coast ended up being such a memorable anniversary trip, filled with wildlife encounters, peaceful beaches, and scenic coastal drives that felt refreshing after a busy start to the year.

Each stop had something special to offer—airboats and alligators in the Everglades, dolphins and shelling in the Ten Thousand Islands, quiet coastal charm on Sanibel Island, glowing sunsets in Clearwater Beach, and gentle manatees in Crystal River.

What I loved most was how different each place felt, yet how seamlessly they came together to create a beautiful, well-rounded trip. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a warm winter escape, the Florida Gulf Coast has a way of surprising you with its simplicity, beauty, and natural charm.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure and gives you the inspiration to explore more of this underrated yet stunning part of Florida.