This post is brought to you by Gulf County Florida.
If you enjoy outdoor family adventures in gorgeous settings, then Gulf County, Florida should be on your bucket list. Located on the pristine white sand beaches of the Florida panhandle, Gulf County is a nature lover’s dream! As the rest of the country is moving into cool fall, Gulf County’s prime season is just beginning. Sunny weather, friendly people, and a stunning setting: here are three adventures for nature-loving families to try in the unspoiled beaches of Gulf County.
1. Kayaking the “Dead Lakes”
Anything but dead, the Dead Lakes are literally brimming with wildlife. The best way to enjoy the raccoons, deer, rabbits, turtles, snakes and alligators is from the water! We are huge animal lovers, and seeing them in their natural environment while trying out a new sport would be a blast. Visitors can paddle through the canopy of cypress and tupelo trees on the calm waters of the Dead Lakes and experience the sights and sounds of the coastal forest with a guide. Can you imagine being immersed in this unique habitat?
2. Horseback Riding on the Beach
I was excited to see that the horseback riding on San Blas could accommodate large families! I have always wanted to ride a horse on the beach, and the kids would be so excited to try something new. Spending the day on horses, on the powder-like white sand of Cape San Blas seems like the perfect way to relax while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
3. Turtle Walks
Loggerhead sea turtles have been nesting in Cape San Blas for ages; in fact, the Gulf County area is the highest density-nesting beach in North Florida! My kids LOVE animal encounters in nature, and fell in love with sea turtles when we were in Mexico. Near the end of the summer, the little baby turtles start to hatch. Families are invited to sign up for a turtle walkabout with naturalist Jessica and the SJP Turtle Patrol.
Jill Daniels says
I have always wanted to do something like the turtle walk. My kids would LOVE IT!
Amanda Boyarshinov (@ABoyarshinov) says
Oh my! So close to my home. I need to plan a long weekend visiting. My 10 year old is in live with turtles, so I’m sure she’d enjoy the turtle walk. I personally would like to go horseback riding on the beach.
Karen Gelfond says
Definitely the turtle walks!
Frances says
My son would love to do the turtle walk (he’s allergic to horses) bummer!
jbwm says
All of the ideas would make for a fun vacation! I love turtles!
Beth Shaw says
I think a turtle walk sounds awesome. We did see signs advertising the nesting turtles when we vacationed on the Gulf Coast earlier this month, and my kids really wanted to see the baby turtles.
Alexandria says
Wow! How can I choose one! I actually am a huge over of kayaking (we even take family kayaking adventure’s where I pop my daughter in between my knees and often times, she falls asleep haha), but she also adores horses, but I think for all of us, we’d probably love the turtle walk, because we have a 2 year old 🙂 and who doesn’t love turtles!? It looks beautiful down there!
KateB says
I would choose the turtles. We saw them moving a nest of eggs the last time we were in the area. It would be so cool to watch them hatching and walking towards the ocean.
cecy fencer says
< family loves outdoors activities. riding a horse on the beach seems such a nice activity to do. So relaxing.
Rakiya Burton says
I would take my boys on the turtle walk, and the horseback riding adventure! They’d love every second of it.
Melissa Shaw says
This is wonderful! I am now seriously considering Florida for our next Spring Break 🙂 Thank you!
zromanowsky says
My girls would be all over those turtle walks!
Chrissy says
For me, the turtle walk, but they all sound awesome!!
Leanna@Alldonemonkey (@alldonemonkey) says
I love the panhandle – so beautiful! And the turtle walk sounds so cool, especially to do with kids!
Movie Making Mama (@IndieJenFischer) says
I’ll take the turtles please. How awesome does that look?
Eathan Janney says
Turtle walks!
Lisa Brown says
The Bay at St Joseph Peninsula State Park looks like a great place to
visit: One can enjoy clean beaches, camping, fishing, you can picnic,
boating, enjoy the wilderness preserve – something for everyone in the
family. Thanks for the chance 🙂
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Sara says
I did a turtle walk years ago and I know my kids would love that so much!
Emily says
Defintely pouring this on the vacation wish list