Three is Better than One: Madeira/Treasure/Redington Areas

It may sound like a lot to handle, but visiting a destination triumvirate that presides over the lovely Central Gulf Coast of Florida will be the easiest thing you ever did. It’s all about kicking back and truly enjoying a slow-paced, high-quality life.

Madeira Beach is home to the quintessential beach attraction: John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, a charming little spot with one-of-a-kind shops and a handful of tasty restaurants as well as the means to book a boat trip in order to feel the salty breeze up close and personal. Nearby are a host of other amusements that involve sand, swimming and lots of lounging; visit Archibald Beach Park, Bicentennial Park and County Park to sample what public beaches should be.

South of Madeira is Treasure Island, equally ready to accept you into its warm embrace. A vacation condo or beach house will not only set you up with all the modern amenities of home, it will offer up a smorgasbord of diversions and even more reason to put your feet up. Check out the ample eateries and bars where the dress code is dictated by comfort level alone; sipping a drink with bare feet is an experience that can’t be missed.

Redington Shores is similar stuff - cute condos and plenty of opportunity to shop, dine and stroll on the beach. One more thing worth mentioning: all three of these regions are reasonably close to fun, famous spots you might be tempted to visit, including St. Petersburg, Busch Gardens, Tampa Aquarium, Disney World and Sea World.

Up, down, and all around you’ll find ways to stay occupied and simultaneously relaxed – signs that you’ve chosen the right place to spend your hard-earned vacation days.