In addition to being the day we honor fallen military personnel who have protected our way of life, Memorial Day is the day we think of as the door to summer. There is no better way to honor the sacrifices of our veterans than to celebrate what they protected—our land, our sea, and our way of life—in a beautiful coastal town on the edge of summer and the Gulf of Mexico. Celebrate America by bathing in her sun, her seas, and playing on her land. Here is a guide to some favorite activities and vacation rentals for Memorial Day Gulf Coast, Florida.
Browse Our Memorial Day Rentals Below
Why Visit Gulf Coast Florida?
One of the biggest reasons to visit Gulf Coast Florida on Memorial Day is simply because it’s a lot of fun! With a population of around 14,000, there is plenty of room for visitors. From beaches and watersports to wildlife centers and museums, there is something for everyone. Here are some great choices for your Gulf Coast Memorial Day vacation in Florida.
Watersports This Memorial Day at Gulf Coast
In May, the temperatures average the mid-80s in the daytime and mid-60s at night, so water fun is necessary. Companies that will help you get your adventure on pepper the Gulf Coast. In the southern end of the state, Suncoast Watersports, BouYah Watersports, Holiday Watersports, and Bonita JetSki and Parasail are all popular and highly rated.
If you’re going to the panhandle, Wet-n-Wild Watersports, Navarre Family Watersports, Fort Walton Beach Watersports, and Big Lagoon Jet Ski Rentals are all great choices. If you visit the famous Panama City Beach, Easy E Watersports and Bay Point Water Sports are all favorites, as are Panama City Beach JetSki Rentals and JetSurf Academy.
What will you do there? Lots of things! You can rent jet skis, jet surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks, take dolphin tours, sail a catamaran, and parasail. If you want to relax, you can just sit on the beach and watch someone else do it!
Be a Beach Bum
Spend some time in a beach chair soaking up the sun with family and friends. The whole Gulf Coast is beachfront, and you can take a drive or just walk out of your Vacations Perfected vacation rental and pitch your umbrella!
Some of the best-rated beaches are Siesta Key south of Tampa, Clearwater Beach just east of Tampa, Henderson Beach State Park in Destin (panhandle), Pensacola Beach (panhandle), and Panama City Beach (panhandle).
Theme Parks
Thanks to Disney, theme parks are the new black in Florida. Aside from the Orlando theme parks we all know and love, you can find local parks along the Gulf Coast. Coconut Creek Family Fun Park and Shipwreck Island in Panama City Beach are huge favorites in the panhandle. On the southwest Gulf Coast, Busch Gardens in Tampa and Zoomers in Fort Myers are huge draws.
Take a Nature Trip
Florida is brimming with natural wonders and beauty, so don’t miss an opportunity to get guided tours at ZooWorld Zoological Park in Panama City Beach. While you’re in the north end of the state, check out Shell Island, too.
In south Florida, Down South Airboat Tours in Everglades City offers fascinating nature trips in the Florida swampland. Another favorite is the dolphin experience at Dreamlander Tours in Goodland, which is south of Fort Myers. Punta Gorda is home to Babcock Ranch Eco Tours, which offers nature tours in swamp buggies or on foot. Stop in the Gator Shack Restaurant after your visit!
Eat!
There is a vast amount of delicious fare on the Gulf Coast. As you might imagine, quite a lot of it is seafood, but you can also find great Cajun, Mexican, and other cuisines.
In the panhandle area, some of the favorites are Gypsea Crepes in Panama City Beach, The Grand Marlin in Pensacola and Panama City Beach, Four Seasons in Pensacola, and Chanticleer Eatery in Santa Rosa Beach.
In the southern end of the state around Tampa and Fort Myers, try Mediterrano, Van Van Cuban Cafe, Lima Restaurant in Naples, and Masala Mantra in the Cape Coral/Fort Myers area.
Where to Stay
This region is so rich with natural wonders, delicious cuisine, beach life, and family-friendly activities, it’s the perfect place to go on national holidays. Vacations Perfected has Memorial Day Gulf Coast vacation rentals in Florida that will meet the needs of a family, a couple, a group of friends, or those who want to travel solo and get away from it all. Contact our experts today and book your Gulf Coast Florida vacation home before they’re gone. From studios with no kitchen to large beach houses with chef’s kitchens and spacious living areas, we’ll help you find the right size and amenities for your needs.