Page 105 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

BEACHES AND OUTDOOR GEMS concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in the Heading inland, Florida Caverns State
Northwest Florida’s beaches are world- country. Shuttle boat service to the island is Park is home to the only guided dry cave
renowned. Frolic on more than 227 miles of available during spring, summer and fall. tours in the state. Nearby is the Bellamy
white, fine-grained, sugar-sand beaches Other locations worth checking out include Bridge, said to be haunted by—who else?—
stretching from Apalachicola in the east to Pine Log & Point Washington State Forests, the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge. Visitors in this
Pensacola in the west. And often, they’re so Camp Helen State Park and the Florida Trail area enjoy paddling, birdwatching, hiking,
uncrowded that you may come to think of at Econfina Creek. horseback riding, and some of the best
them as your own private playgrounds! Gulf Islands National Seashore is one bass fishing in the state. For an incredible
The Apalachicola National Forest proffers gigantic playground, which includes the cave-diving experience, check out Cave
564,000 acres that are perfect for camping, barrier islands of Pensacola Beach, Perdido Adventurers to book dive lessons or trips at
picnicking, hiking, biking, boating, hunting Key and Okaloosa Island. Merritt’s Mill Pond.
and fishing. Offshore, St. Vincent National Among the best beaches in Northwest Falling Waters State Park in Chipley has
Wildlife Refuge is a 12,490-acre barrier Florida is the pristine five-mile stretch in the the tallest waterfall in the state, at 70 feet,
island accessible only by boat; the only charming little town of Mexico Beach, where and an observation platform from which to
residents you’ll see will be wildlife, such as the beach consists of fine, white quartz enjoy the falls and the surrounding forest.
nesting bald eagles, loggerhead sea turtles, crystals, which give the water its gem-like And Ponce de Leon State Park in Marianna
and, if you’re lucky, a red wolf and perhaps a color. Then there’s the Emerald Coast, voted has a wonderfully-scenic recreation spot in
pup from last season’s new litter. “No. 1 Beach in the South” for many years. Merritt’s Mill Pond.
Situated on the bluffs overlooking the
Apalachicola River, Torreya State Park offers MARDI GRAS, ST. ANDREWS BEACH • DESTINATION PANAMA CITY/DOUG DOBOS
excellent hiking and camping facilities. In
addition, the Ochlockonee and Chipola
Rivers are ideal for kayaking and fishing.
If you’re looking for the most spectacular
sunsets you’ve ever seen, head for St. Joe
Beach and Beacon Hill. Here, a shoreline
leading to the horizon offers million-dollar
views of the Gulf sun, blazing with color as it
sets behind the silhouette of St. Joseph
Peninsula.
From there, it’s a short drive to Panama
City Beach where outdoor enthusiasts can
hike and birdwatch along scenic trails, camp
along the shore, enjoy unparalleled boating,
fishing and diving, take kayaking tours, go
off-road cycling, try stand-up paddle-
boarding and more. And, with everything
from airboat adventures to glass-bottom
boat tours and marine rescue programs,
there are many ways to experience and
observe the surrounding wildlife. At the
2,900-acre Panama City Beach Conservation
Park, visitors enjoy boardwalks and 24 miles
of unpaved trails, which are connected with
other trail systems known as Gayle’s Trails
through the beach area. On the eastern edge
of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park
is ranked among the top beaches in the U.S.
and is one of the most popular outdoor
recreation spots in Florida. Across from the
mainland, Shell Island is a peaceful spot to
relax or snorkel and the area surrounding
the island is home to one of the largest

2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 103