Things To Do
The Florida Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast has so much to offer and Parrish is the center point to get to all of these great attractions! If you are extending your stay, we recommend checking out the following places to take a day trip. Remember to always use WAZE or Google Maps when traveling the Gulf Coast during "Snowbird Season." Timing is everything when getting to your destination of choice!
Bradenton
In Bradenton, visit Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. This beach is consistently ranked in the top 10 island beaches for perfect sand and is ranked 5th in the world! Strolling on the beach and roaming the island with its many shops and dining attractions, is the perfect way to spend a day. Holmes Beach itself offers changing rooms, chair and umbrella rentals, a beach bar, and beach cafe for dining. You never have to leave that perfect powdery white sand!
St. Petersburg
St. Pete Coastal Cruises most popular cruise is the Island Sunset and Skyway Bridge Light Show. Watch the sunset at a remote island with dolphins nearby. Afterwards, the tour stops at the Skyway Bridge with its stunning $15M light show. For more of a party, try their St. Pete Sandbar Party cruise; spending the day on a catamaran and wading in the water off Eleanor Island in John's Pass. Reservations required. The St. Pete Pier in St. Petersburg offers 26 acres of blue water, parks, dining, and shopping. The St. Pete Pier is especially beautiful in the evening with its Bending Arc netting sculpture lit up and blowing in the wind. At night, take in the view of the stunning city lights from the end of the pier with a cocktail at Teak's roof top bar! In walking distance, there is also the famous Dali Museum. Spend the day at the museum and the night on the Pier! The Pier is along Beach Drive that has many shops and dining choices. Parking is best done at the Sun Dial parking garage.
Sarasota
Sarasota's famous, St. Armand's Circle, is filled with shopping and dining and is next to another gorgeous beach, Lido Key. SRQ Kayaking (Lido Key location) is a favorite for kayaking among mangrove tunnels and the gorgeous bay. Reservations required for kayaking. For those that like to sit back and take in the scenery of the beautiful water and stunning homes along the coastline, LeBarge Tropical Cruises offers a variety of short day and night cruises. Rhythm of the Bay is one of our favorite LeBarge cruises with tropical drinks and relaxing to the sound of steel drums. The dock to board these cruises is located at the south parking lots for Marina Plaza in Sarasota. Reservations required.