We're considering a vacation in a few months. The Wife hears that the mid-Gulf coast can be nice; Lakeland, Plant City, that general area inland from Tampa and St. Petersburg. Would definitely prefer to avoid the major population centers as much as possible. What are your thoughts? Any and all insights welcome, thanks in advance.
To avoid population, come a bit further in look forward Haines City/ winter haven. Your further from the beaches, but closer to Disney area.
I live in Lakeland. Why? Because I think it is a great area and property taxes are very low. A lot of it depends on what you want to do. If you want to avoid crowds, then in between Tampa and Orlando is a good place. It is about 1/2 hour to Tamp and 45 minutes to Orlando, which makes it easy to get into either for a night out. If you are looking to hang out on the beach you would be better off on either of the coasts, but then you will need to deal with crowds, traffic, etc. All things being equal, I suggest that you fly into Tampa, not Orlando. You will get in and out of the airport quicker and there are no road tolls. Drop me a line if you have some specific questions.
We love Pensacola Beach in the spring and fall. Beautiful white sand beaches, great weather, minimal crowds, fantastic seafood, and not touristy compared to other parts of Florida we've visited. We've stayed on Pensacola Beach in October for years, and we've only had to relocate inland for one night during that time. And we had plenty of time and sufficient warning to do so safely. So much for avoiding the area during hurricane season.
Lakeland and surrounding area is not the quite area it used to be. But it is not like Orlando and Tampa. Lakeland is a great walking town, especially in off-season. One of my favorite area is Sanibel and Captiva by Fort Myers. Can be very expensive during season but affordable off-season. Like being on a tropical island. Where ever you go in a few month, it will be hot.
I live in Lakeland and have been here for 11 years. I do not see myself living anywhere else for the rest of my life. Definitely fly into Tampa as already has been posted . I have been to the Mediterranean and back, and have lived in many US States, but here I am in Lakeland and never shall leave.
My folks live in central Florida. If you are looking for off the beaten paths, I would recommend Flagler beach. It is rich in history and my favorite beach to go to. It is up close to Jacksonville, so maybe not the part you ar looking for however.
