It would helpful if you could tell us what your interests are?
Restaurants, bars, nightlife, parks, museums, art, resorts, marinas or
anchoring.
The
west coast has all of that and probably a bit more. When we go down to the Keys, we day hop from one anchorage to the next, but also have stopped at a few marinas and resorts along the way.
A few notable places starting in the south heading north,
Stan's Idle Hour, Goodland, FL (only go here if your air
draft will allow to pass under the bridges that
head to Marco Island.)
Marco Island, anchor in Smokehouse Bay. Winn Dixie has a dinghy dock. (current coming and going at the entrance to the canals can be unnerving, but never had a problem)
Naples, some of the most expensive real estate in all of
Florida
Fort Myers Beach, tourist town, a few interesting things to do and see. You can anchor west of the bridge, or pick up a city
mooring on the east side. There are also a few marinas, We've stayed at Salty Sam's a few times, two restaurants/bars. Pirate
cruise leaves from there, as well as the
Key West Express
ferry.
Tween Waters Island resort, Captiva Island
South Seas Resort
As Mentioned Cayo Costa State Park. Also Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant. You can anchor SW of Useppa Island.
Someone mentioned Venice, you can actually anchor out in front of Higel Park and land a dinghy there. However, the holding there can sometimes make it difficult to get a good nights sleep. We have also stayed at the Crows Nest and also Fisherman's Wharf.
Marina Jack,
Sarasota, St Armands Circle, Mote
Marine Lab and Aquarium, Ringling Museum. Siesta Key Beach.
Egmont Key,
Passage Key (if want to see nudists), Desoto point, Gulfport.
Downtown St Petersburg.
Clearwater, two Muni marinas, interesting stuff always happening in that area. Lots of tourists and touristy stuff, Cleawater Aquarium.
I could keep going but this post would way to long to read..............