Action-Packed Activities and Relaxation on the Gulf Coast
Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and it’s so easy to see why if you’ve spent even a few minutes of your time in one of its many gorgeous, East Coast cities. Because it is essentially a peninsula, Florida is surrounding by beautiful ocean waters on three sides, so there are endless miles of beautiful coastline territory for you to explore.
Of course, most of the waters belong to our friend, the Atlantic Ocean, but the western parts of Florida are actually part of the Gulf of Mexico, meaning the waters are even warmer and clearer there! The many towns and beaches on the Gulf Coast offer myriad activities for all types of holiday-maker – whether you prefer adventure or relaxation, there’s something here for you.
The Forgotten Coast
Near the “panhandle” part of the state, way up north, you’ll find Florida’s Forgotten Coast. With more than ten different beaches, the possibilities for sandy fun are endless. You can visit the St. Mark’s Light, Florida’s second oldest lighthouse station, and the surrounding Wildlife Refuge which is home to a variety of migratory birds and spots for fly fishing.
Head to Apalachicola National Forest for some great walking routes, or go for a swim around St. George’s Island. For something unique and memorable, why not visit the smallest police station in the world? You’ll find it in Carrabelle.
For a truly unforgettable sight, go on a guided tour (by boat!) of Wakulla Springs, where you’ll see the world’s largest fresh water springs.
Hunting in the Handle
In the actual panhandle area (just north of the Forgotten Coast), there are many opportunities for fishing, both fresh and salt water varieties. Go to the Dead Lakes near Wewahitchka for the best fresh water catches, as the fish (including the famous bass) are plentiful.
The area also lends itself well to hunting – come in duck season for hundreds of wood ducks, but teal are plentiful too. Also, if you’re interested in apiculture (that’s beekeeping to you and me), the locals harvest the world’s only stock of pure Tupelo honey.
The Waters of the West
Book your Florida flights and get yourselves down to West Central for a great day out (or two… or three…). You’ve got the famous cities of Sarasota and Clearwater, and of course you’ll find the gorgeous Tampa Bay here. These are great in themselves, but there’s another reason we’re here – the scuba diving!
Pinellas County (right in the heart of the Gulf Coast) offers some spectacular scuba spots, with 13 artificial reefs available for your diving please. Underwater photography is a specialty here, so get down there and try it out for yourself!
There will be plenty of interesting things worth a photo or two – some of the reefs are made from old boats, one contains a number of sculptures and another is home to a whopping TEN United States Army tanks! Once you’re tired of all that underwater exploration, you’ll be pleased to know you can spend the rest of the day fishing to your heart’s content. Perfect.
