Towns & Villages near Sandbar Vacation Rentals

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters. Trip Advisor named it the nation's #1 beach in 2018. Caladesi Island, off the north end of the beach, was recognized as the nation's best by Dr. Beach in 2008.

Besides the beaches, there is Clearwater Beach's inviting, small-town atmosphere. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you will find Winter the Dolphin, star of the movie Dolphin Tale. Winter swims with a prosthetic tail and the movie about its triumphs has struck a chord with adults and children who identify with the young dolphin's struggles.

With Clearwater Beach attractions such as these, fine restaurants and family-friendly lodgings, as well as exciting beach activities, Clearwater Beach's many options will have the whole crew smiling.

Crystal River

When the water temperature drops in the Gulf of Mexico, manatees move to the warmer waters of the Crystal River, followed closely by nature-loving tourists and other visitors. Located along Central Florida’s "Nature Coast," Crystal Springs is one of the few places where you can swim with manatees. The springs flow at a constant 72 degrees, making the waters attractive to all sorts of swimmers in the winter. While there, consider a stop at the Plantation on Crystal River, previously known as the Plantation Inn, a place of stately white buildings and true Southern charm. Here, water, golf, and fine dining are the primary calling cards.

Dunedin

Located along the Gulf Coast, just west of Tampa, Dunedin is known for its annual Scottish celebrations and its quaint downtown. One of the oldest towns on the West Coast of Florida, Dunedin has a wooded and subtropical setting with almost four miles of picturesque waterfront, a relaxed lifestyle, and activities for all ages, making Dunedin a truly delightful place to visit. In Dunedin, you will find a charming and active downtown, beautiful parks, recreational activities for all ages, history, culture and educational opportunities. Also, just off the coast of Dunedin are Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands, both renowned for their unspoiled beauty.

Homosassa

On Florida's Gulf Coast, near the southern end of what we call the Big Bend, Homosassa serves as home to several state parks including Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where you can view manatees from an underwater observatory. At the Yulee Sugar Mill State Park in Homosassa, you can visit a sugar mill used to supply troops during the Civil War. In the nearby Citrus County seat of Inverness, don’t miss the historic county courthouse, now more than 100 years old. It recently underwent a complete restoration and continues to look wonderful today.

Madeira Beach

Legend holds that a pirate named John LeVique was the first European to "settle" the Madeira Beach area. Today, Madeira Beach, a Gulf of Mexico beach city just west of St. Petersburg, is best known for the sea-themed John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, which serves up shops and eateries and a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal. Madeira Beach's 2.5-mile beach attracts devotees of sun and sea, fishing is the primary sport activity. More grouper is brought into John's Pass than any other place in the state. In addition, each October, Madeira Beach hosts the Seafood Festival at John's Pass, which attracts as many as 130,000 visitors to its celebration of food, music, and arts and crafts.

New Port Richey

Located along the Gulf of Mexico about 35 miles northwest of Tampa, New Port Richey’s riverfront landscape blends nature, beaches and terrific shopping with restaurants, culture, and business – all with a small-town feel. Rich in history, New Port Richey frequently comes alive with special events. In addition, New Port Richey is considered part of the Tampa Bay area, a popular tourist destination with major attractions, recreation, sports, and culture.

Tarpon Springs

Just 20 minutes from Sandbar Vacation Rentals, this gem of a town is found along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, Tarpon Springs was named for the fish found in abundance in nearby waters. But it also is known as the "sponge capital of the world," and for its 51 miles of waterfront allure. In addition, Tarpon Springs' charming downtown center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the Historic District can stroll along brick streets while browsing in art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops housed in buildings dating from the late 1800s. For the culturally-minded, the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts and Cultural Centers offer theater, art and historical exhibits, concerts, and other quality programs.

Ybor City

A richly personable neighborhood of Tampa, Ybor City retains the Cuban, Italian and Spanish influences that remain from its heyday as the hub of Tampa's cigar industry, now reflected in its culture and cuisine. Ybor City is a place where brick-paved streets and wrought-iron balconies frame historic buildings that reflect another place in time. Every visit to Ybor City (pronounced EE-bore) requires a stop at the Ybor City Museum State Park and a meal at the historic Columbia Restaurant or any number of other wonderful restaurants that spice the area. Whether strolling down historic 7th Avenue, sipping a café con leche at a sidewalk café or staying late for the entertainment and nightclub scene, Ybor City offers visitors a connection to the past.