Family Fun in Sunny Florida
Lets go back a few years (Ok quite a few) when the kids were not so self sufficient. This blog goes out to the parents who are looking for that trip to get their feet wet in family travel. Until these back to back spring break trips to Florida, we had been car bound travelers with the kids. Amanda and I had enjoyed much travel as a couple and it now felt like the right time to include the kids.
Florida seemed like a great place to get started. Arlines offered a nonstop, three and a half hour flight from Minneapolis, MN to Tampa Bay, FL. Amanda and I had been to the Tampa Bay area several times and were comfortable with the airport, getting around and the coastal area. A bonus for us was having great family friends that lived in the Madeira Beach area, just South of Tampa. It was a great place to stay for the night and let the kids run the beach and enjoy seeing the ocean for the first time ever!
Our decision on where to go was a big one. We wanted the beach atmosphere without all the people and high rise buildings. We wanted an easy drive and the possibility of being in the water in late March. We set our sights on the areas of Englewood and Boca Grande.
Palm Island Resort it is then! Palm Island Resort is located on what is now referred to as Palm Island, which was actually three separate islands (Knight, Don Pedro & Little Gasparilla) that filled in over time. There are no bridges to get to this island, a quick ferry ride from Palm Island Transit provides the only way on or off with the exception of private boats. Palm Island is considered more “Old World” Florida as commercial and building types/heights are in force to protect the island vibe.
The resort is definitely private, with on site concierge and 24 hour security. After parking your car, you are whisked into the resort via golf carts (no cars allowed) and into your accommodations.
Palm Island Resort is mix of small condo buildings, houses and duplexes set on the Northern two miles of the island. There are several exterior pools, hot tubs and tennis courts. All of the units at the resort are individually owned and some owners have allowed their homes to be placed in a rental pool.
They have an option to rent your own golf cart (we did not) there is a restaurant, ice cream shop and a shop to rent bikes, kayaks and paddle boards. Don’t forget about the kids activities and the resident favorite pirate, Red Beard! One year we even had the Easter Bunny show up for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. This is truly a place meant for relaxing family time.
The resort provides you with a free daily ferry pass to get on and off the island. We used the pass a few times to purchase groceries at the local Publix Super Market. There are several area restaurants to check out as well. If being on the water is you thing, Gasparilla Marina is a short drive away. Here you can book a fishing excursion or rent a boat. We rented a boat through Gasparilla Marina Boat Rentals. There are plenty of docks at the resort to leave the boat for the day or the week. We cruised up and down the inter coastal water way looking at all the sights. On one day we explored Cayo Coasta State Park.
The beach on Palm island is really incredible, miles upon miles of white sand and turquoise water. The water depth was gradual and the kids had no problems running and playing in the water. Shelling was probably the best I have seen and sharks teeth are found on the daily.
The sunsets are amazing and watching the storms creep in from across the ocean was cool to see. Every night was a relaxing time as the kids went to bed, Amanda and I sat in the lanai and listened to the waves roll in with a glass of wine.
I think one of the highlights of traveling from a cold winter climate is seeing the green grass and colorful flowers. What a break from the cold and snowy landscape, even if it’s only for a week or so.
How would I describe a week on Palm Island? Relaxing, fun, warm, family, low key………..
