Coastal Vision 3000 » state parks http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000 Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:35:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Fun, Free or Under $10 in and around Navarre Beach http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-and-around-navarre-beach http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-and-around-navarre-beach#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 18:25:57 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=168 1. Shelling on the Gulf Islands National Seashore-Explore the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country, and notice the hundreds of beautiful shells that dot the beach. National Park rangers lead free programs, such as birdwatching and snorkeling. Admission is $3 per person.

2. Panhandle Butterfly House-Spread your wings and head to Navarre for a rare glimpse of local butterflies. The Florida State Butterfly, the Zebra Longwing, is here, along with the Monarch, and beautiful orange Julia. Your little ones will surely be fascinated by the fluttering creatures, and will learn a great deal about their life cycle, also. Admission is free! 

3. Historic Milton-Trade in the bathing suits for a fun-filled day in historic Milton. The Downtown Historical District will transport you right back to the town’s humble beginnings as a trading post in 1825. With the Imogene Theatre, L & N Train Museum, and the Blackwater Heritage Trail, Milton will keep you very busy!

4. Zoo-Northwest Florida- Take a walk on the wildside with the 1,200 animals at this zoo in Gulf Breeze. Lemurs, giraffes, Komodo dragons, kangaroos and bears are just some of the wild creatures you’ll find here. At just $8.25 for children, and $11.50 for adults, this is one attraction you can’t afford to miss!

5. Blackwater River State Forest-As one of the largest state forests in Florida, the Blackwater River State Forest is best known for its longleaf pine/wiregrass eco-system. This system once covered more than 60 million acres, and is still the largest in the world. The forest is home to many hiking and biking trails, campsites and even equestrian trails.

]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-and-around-navarre-beach/feed 0 Fun, Free or Under $10 in the Port St. Joe Area http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-the-port-st-joe-area http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-the-port-st-joe-area#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 17:52:42 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=155 1. Cape San Blas Lighthouse-Visit the Southern-most tip of the Florida Panhandle and you’ll find this popular lighthouse. It’s actually the fourth lighthouse to mark the coast of Cape San Blas. Open Wednesday through Saturday.

2. Scalloping in St. Joseph’s Bay-Try out your best hunter-gatherer skills! From July 1- September 10, give scalloping a try by wading into the calm, shallow waters of St. Joseph’s Bay. Frank Pate Park in Port St. Joe is a great place to begin your hunt for these sweet and succulent treats. Remember that you must have a fishing license (available at bait and tackle shops), and not to harvest more than two gallons unshucked per person.

3. Constitution Convention Museum State Park- This 13-acre park marks the spot where Florida’s first State Constitution Convention was held. The document was first drafted in Port St. Joe in 1838, and you are invited to share in the history! Admission is $1 per person.

4. Tupelo Honey in Wewahitchka-This charming town may look familiar, as it was the setting for “Ulee’s Gold.” Learn about the unique method used to make this premium honey, which involves bee boxes being placed in the swamps of the Apalachicola River.

5. St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park- As one of Florida’s most diverse and breath-taking state parks, St. Joseph’s Peninsula has something for everyone. Camp sites are perfect for a family vacation,  where you can explore nature trails, splash in the Gulf of Mexico, or try to catch a glimpse of one of the 240 species of birds that call the park their home. Admission is $4 per vehicle.


]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-the-port-st-joe-area/feed 1 Fun, Free and Under $10 in the Apalachicola Area http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-and-under-10-in-the-apalachicola-area http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-and-under-10-in-the-apalachicola-area#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 17:48:05 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=165 1. Three Servicemen South Statue-A part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, this statue in Apalachicola is a one-of-a-kind detail of the original bronze sculpture in Washington D.C. It is the centerpiece of Apalachicola’s Veterans Memorial Plaza.

2. National Estuarine Research Reserve-Located in Apalachicola, this is one of 25 sites in the nation with such designated as a National Estuarine Research Reserve. At the Visitor Information Center, learn about the 186 species of fish, diverse marine habitats and the ways to protect them for generations to come. You can also see live examples of the local marine life!

3. Orman House State Park-Journey back to the ways of life in 1838 in historic Apalachicola. Thomas Orman’s beautiful antebellum home overlooks the Apalachicola River. Orman was a business man who helped his tiny town become one of the Gulf Coast’s most important cotton ports in the 19th century. House tours are 9-5, Monday through Thursday. Admission is $2 per person.

4. St. George Island State Park- If camping, kayaking, fishing or birdwatching sound like your idea of fun, plan a trip to this pristine park on St. George Island. With miles of undeveloped beach and crystal clear water at your fingertips, you’ll be experiencing the Old Florida way of life. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

5. Crooked River Lighthouse- This 103-foot tall iron and steel lighthouse was constructed in 1895 and is still considered a beacon of light for the folks of Carrabelle (it was at one time decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard). The museum is open from 12pm-5pm Thursday through Sunday, and you can climb the lighthouse on Saturdays from 1-4. Admission is $5.

]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-and-under-10-in-the-apalachicola-area/feed 1 Fun, Free and Under $10 in the Beaches of South Walton http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/northwest-florida-gulf-coast-news/fun-free-and-under-10-in-the-beaches-of-south-walton http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/northwest-florida-gulf-coast-news/fun-free-and-under-10-in-the-beaches-of-south-walton#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 18:29:41 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=148 1.       Turtle Watching- from May through October, catch sea turtles nesting along the coast. Take your flash light and head down to the beach after dark; you may be able to catch a sea turtle nesting. If you’re so lucky, be sure not to disrupt her!

 

2.        Eden State Gardens in Point Washington- This beautiful turn-of-the-century mansion is surrounded by azaleas, camellias and Spanish moss-covered live oaks. Guided tours of the Wesley Mansion are offered Thursday through Monday. $3 vehicle entry fee and $3 per person fee to tour the Wesley Mansion apply.

 

3.       Jolee Island-Kids are encouraged to explore the pirate ship-shaped playground in this rustic five-acre nature park, while parents meander through the nature trails. Located at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

 

4.       Timpoochee Trail- Hop on your bike and set out on this 18-mile paved path. The trail winds through nine of the area’s 15 distinctive beach communities, state parks and coastal dune lakes. A real treat for the nature-lover!

 

5.       Outdoor Concerts and Performances-From “Moonlight and Movies” in Rosemary Beach and “Friday Night Flicks” in Sandestin to a theatrical performance by the Seaside Repertory Theatre under the stars in Seaside, it’s easy to find free and inexpensive entertainment on warm summer nights in the Beaches of South Walton.

]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/northwest-florida-gulf-coast-news/fun-free-and-under-10-in-the-beaches-of-south-walton/feed 0 Fun, Free or under $10 in the Pensacola Bay Area http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-the-pensacola-bay-area http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-the-pensacola-bay-area#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 16:27:27 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=144 1. National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola-Featuring 150 vintage aircraft and flight simulators and an IMAX theater; watch the Blue Angels practice their choreographed flying twice a week. Admission to the museum is free.

2. TT Wentworth Jr. Florida State Museum-Pensacola’s history museum featuring unique artifacts, including an anchor that belonged to Spanish sailor de Luna in 1559.

3. Gulf Islands National Seashore-The Pensacola Bay Area is home to the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country. National park rangers lead free programs from beach walks and bird-watching to star-gazing and snorkeling.

4. Summer concerts -Offered in the Pensacola Bay Area five nights a week in Downtown Pensacola and on Pensacola Beach.

5. Pensacola Historic Village- Pensacola has 20 properties in the National Register Historic District, 10 of which are open to the public. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children.

]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/back-to-the-beach-all-american-summer/fun-free-or-under-10-in-the-pensacola-bay-area/feed 0 Pick a Beach and Go! http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/visitor-information/pick-a-beach-and-go http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/visitor-information/pick-a-beach-and-go#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:35:54 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=33

That’s it! Kaput! No more cold weather. Admittedly, a dip to 58 degrees makes us here at THE Beach go digging for the winter clothes again, but it just makes our Northern friends jealous. They’d love to get UP to 58 degrees, so after this week’s cold snap it’s time to start really thinking Spring and invite everyone to “come on down, y’all.”



Spring Break may be over but THE Beach is ready and open for business. Actually, right now is a great time to visit your favorite beach or beach town or even try a new location. All along our 227-miles of coastline the traffic is light, restaurants aren’t jam-packed and the sunsets are spectacular. Let the snow-white sand warm your body and the blue-green waters of the Gulf soothe your mind.

Here are a few beach location suggestions. Pack a picnic, grab the beach chairs and head out and enjoy.

Franklin County – St. George Island and St. George Island State Park
Gulf County – St. Joseph Peninsula and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Bay County – Mexico Beach, Panama City Beach and St. Andrews State Park
Walton County – The Beaches of South Walton with 19 miles of beach access and Grayton Beach State Park
Oklaoosa County – Destin beaches, Okaloosa Island and Henderson Beach State Park
Santa Rosa County – Navarre Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore
Escambia – Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Big Lagoon State Park

]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/visitor-information/pick-a-beach-and-go/feed 0 Fun Free (or Nearly Free) Things to do at THE Beach This Weekend http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/visitor-information/fun-free-or-nearly-free-things-to-do-at-the-beach-this-weekend http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/visitor-information/fun-free-or-nearly-free-things-to-do-at-the-beach-this-weekend#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:35:15 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=30

The sun is shining, it’s Spring at THE Beach and time to do some day-trippin’ but if the economy has your pocketbook on hold, here are some fun and free things to do with the family this weekend.



Gulf Islands National Seashore-The Pensacola Bay Area is home to the longest stretch of protected seashore in the country, where national park rangers lead free programs from beach walks and bird watching to star gazing and snorkeling.

Blackwater Forest State Park – Put on your hiking boots, pack a picnic and head to Bear Lake Trail for a four-mile hike around the 107-acre Bear Lake. Admission is $2 per person, children under six free.

Timpoochee Trail – Bring your bike or head out on foot to enjoy this 18-mile paved path. The paved trail winds through nine of the area’s 15 distinctive beach communities and skirts state recreational areas, state parks, dunes and coastal dune lakes.

St. Andrews State Park – Named the #2 beach in the U.S. by Trip Advisor, the gorgeous white sand beaches and emerald waters will delight all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. Bring a picnic and spend an afternoon spotting birds and wildlife. Admission fee is $5 per vehicle.

Lighthouse Tour – THE Beach is home to four lighthouses; the Pensacola Lighthouse, Cape San Blas Lighthouse, Cape George Lighthouse and Crooked River Lighthouse. You can climb two of them. Check out more lighthouse info at http://www.floridalighthouses.org/.

]]> http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/visitor-information/fun-free-or-nearly-free-things-to-do-at-the-beach-this-weekend/feed 0 Author Makes Whirlwind Visit to THE Beach http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/northwest-florida-gulf-coast-news/author-makes-whirlwind-visit-to-the-beach http://www.thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/northwest-florida-gulf-coast-news/author-makes-whirlwind-visit-to-the-beach#comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:33:56 +0000 http://thebeachfla.com/coastalvision3000/?p=24

Recently a writer friend of mine dropped me an email to say she was going to be in my neck of the woods, literally and could we get together. I first met Kathleen Walls, author and publisher, on a press trip to Durham, North Carolina a couple of years back, as we and six other writers dashed around both the city and Duke University in pursuit of great travel stories.

Since then Kathleen has continued writing and publishing travel books and novels and added a couple of new websites to her repertoire. Two of her latest ventures include a new quarterly online magazine American Travel Roads and a new Florida travel book series, Wild About Florida.

Her whirlwind tour of THE Beach included camping at Rocky Bayou State Park, then a mad dash from Pensacola to Carrabelle that included a visit to The Zoo in Gulf Breeze, the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island, Henderson Beach State Park, Camp Helen State Park, and Gulf World Marine Park and ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Park both in Panama City Beach.

We did manage a good chat and a meal of fresh seafood overlooking a foggy Destin Harbor as she flew through town. Kathleen is finishing Wild About Florida Central Florida and starting work on Wild About Florida Northwest Florida. The books focus on Florida camping, ecotravel, state parks, wildlife and animal attractions. She plans to have both books out later this year. I’ll keep you posted.

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