From Apalachicola we traveled 130 miles northwest to Bonifay/DeFuniak Springs to explore rivers, springs and beaches. However, the recent above average rainfall for the season made us reconsider our plan as the rivers and springs were roiled up and cloudy, not the pristine clear water that natural springs usually at are, so we chose to mostly venture the 1-hour drive to the beach areas.
Adventures we embarked on and would recommend when in the area are:
Soaking in the warm gulf breezes on white sand with emerald waters lapping at your feet might be the main attraction but there is so much more to this 2,000 acre piece of paradise.
- Western Lake offers fishing and paddling.
- Biking and Hiking trails through coastal forest.
- Campgrounds or cabins.
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
This is a quaint seaside community with streets lined with artisans and unique shopping destinations, plenty of dining options, charming walking paths, sun-bleached sand and soothing surfs.
We chose to ride our bicycles through the quaint streets to view the homes, including the “stage” for Jim Carey’s hit The Truman Show, we hit the quaint and diverse shopping opportunities, enjoyed a food truck lunch at an outdoor table in the square and then headed to the beach to soak up the Florida sunshine.
Our favorites in Seaside:
- Food Truck: Wild Bills Beach Dogs
- Restaurant: Great Southern Café
- Highly recommend the Grits A Ya Ya and the 5 Alive fresh squeezed juice.
- Brewery.: Grayton Beer Brewpub
- Refreshing brews and yummy food. We did a mashup of fries covered in pulled pork that was delicious.
This 2,225 acre lake has 90% of it’s surface area covered by cypress trees. It’s a true paradise to paddle through the marked trail and lose yourself to the calm and tranquility. We saw very little wildlife on our excursions however, I’m certain there are times it is teeming with bird life.
The access can be located at N30.6567 W-84.9733 or on Google Maps as Ocheesee Pond Landing, Grand Ridge Florida 32442.
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
This 2,900 acres of protected land in the heart of Panama City is a wonderful opportunity for hiking, off-road biking and a paradise for nature lovers to view wildlife. With 24-plus miles of trails and over a mile of boardwalks that lead through cypress domes, you won’t be disappointed.
On a cool Thursday morning, we started with a 5+ mile hike on the yellow loop. We loved it so much, we picked up our bikes and rode the 9.5 mile orange loop on hard packed limestone.
If you are looking for a way to clock some exercise enjoying the Florida landscape before you relax on the beach, this is your opportunity!
Huge trees and fern-covered sinkholes line Sink Hole Trail, a boardwalk trail that leads to Florida’s highest waterfall at 73 feet. This is a pleasant park with boardwalk trails, a lake for swimming, picnic areas and a playground. Perfect for the whole family and all skill levels.
SANTA ROSA BEACH
Located along the 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. Believe me when I say ALL the beaches along the Emerald Coast are beautiful and you simply cannot make a bad decision on whichever one you choose.
On a Monday, we drove to Dune Allen Beach Access in Santa Rosa Beach and strolled the sandy shores to Topsail Hill Preserve watching fisherman, swimmers and sunbathers enjoying Florida’s best all along the way.
Topsail is a marvelous gem to camp, it will be our destination next time we visit the area.
Tucked between Grayton Beach State Park and Seaside, it’s one of the newer communities along idyllic 30A. There is an extensive woodland trail system with miles of scenic nature trails that course through preserved state park forests over coastal dune lakes by charming wood bridges. Sticking to the paved paths, you can take in the gorgeously designed homes.
West of Panama City Beach, Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and by Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida it provided a very nice walk through the Oak Canopy Trail down to the beach.
FORT PICKENS – GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE
This is a MUST, definitely one of our favorite places to visit. The historic fort always provides Mike with limitless photo opportunities and the miles and miles of seashore are breathtakingly beautiful. The many fisherman and the bird life provide entertainment.
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
THIS PICUTRE AND OTHERS FROM THIS EMERALD COAST VIST CAN BE PURCHASED HERE
We discovered this gem by means of a google recommendation years ago. We couldn’t wait to go back and savor the tasty seafood this local favorite dishes out. We were definitely not disappointed. Some of our favorites are their hush puppies, collards, cheese grits, fried shrimp, fried grouper BUT everything they serve is very tasty .
We are now in Arkansas exploring the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo River. Stay tuned for more details on our adventures.
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Nspired Adventures 