Our Top 10 Destination Recommendations
Here are our favorite things to see and do in Seaside and the Florida Panhandle.
Some are well know, some not so well known. Have a look around as we have included photos, videos, information and links.
They are in no particular order.
1. Gulf Work Marine Park
Located 25 miles east of Seaside, the Marine Park is more than a Dolphin Show. They rescue and rehab injured Turtles and Dolphins in the Florida Panhandle. Those not healthy enough to return to their home in the Gulf will remain at the park for life. Great place to see and learn about the local marine life.
Gulf World consist of two areas. The first is the Marine Park that features shows with Dolphins that were either born at the park or injured such that they would not survive if returned to their home in the Gulf. The second area is the Marine Institute where injured sea turtles and dolphins are undergoing treatment and rehab from injuries in hopes of returning them to their home. Several times a year they have Sea Turtle releases at Inlet Beach on the east end of 30A as well as some of the Beaches in Panama City Beach. You can check out their Facebook page for posts announcing the release date and locations that are posted about 24 to 48 hours prior to the release.
See a side of Florida that most people don’t know exists. Located about 10 miles north of the condos, there are several types of tours are available including a sunset tour.
If seeing the back waters of South Walton interest you then these Ecotours need to be on your bucket list. Explore the serene landscape and beautiful wildlife of the third largest river in Florida in terms of water volume discharged. The Choctawhatchee River flows approximately 96 miles from the Alabama state line into Choctawhatchee Bay, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Destin.
3. Deer Lake State Park
Located a short 1 mile bike ride or drive from the condos, Deer late Sate Park offers a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem
Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat. Rare plants such as Gulf coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants, and Curtiss’ sand grass-one of the largest populations found in Florida-are found in the park. Visitors may see splashes of color from summer wildflowers or some of the many species of resident or migratory birds and butterflies.
4. Take A Swing On One Of The Most Beautiful Golf Courses
The Kelly Plantation Golf Club is located west of the condos in Destin. This is about a 25 mile drive from the Seaside area.
Designers Fred Couples and Gene Bates, fashioned an impressive championship golf course from the intrinsic beauty of the land with miles of waterfront, intricate bayous and towering trees. Kelly Plantation Golf Course boasts over 7,000 yards of large contoured greens, wide manicured fairways, an array of strategically placed hazards and picturesque views of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Rated 4 ½ Stars by Golf Digest, Kelly Plantation Golf Course also offers a rich scenic appeal unlike any other golf experience. From Hole No. 4’s spectacular, panoramic view of the Choctawhatchee Bay, to the surrounding Magnolias and Palmettos that are native to the northwest Florida region, this golf experience is sure to please. You’ll also observe miles of waterfront including 11 lakes – the largest being 7.5 acres that surrounds holes 9 and 18.
5. Build a Better Sandcastle
Love the beach but not the kind of person to just sit in a chair all day. Sandcastle lesson may be for you. Take a two hour sandcastle lesson and create your own masterpiece. Learn the secrets and correct technique to building a great sandcastle and create your own memories in the sand.
This class will give you “SandCastle Success” while you create a bit of “SandCastle Envy” on the beach. It’s not just a SandCastle Lesson, it will become a vacation memory to last a lifetime.
6. Take In An Art Gallery
Justin Gaffrey is our favorite local artist. His Gallery is a must see if you love the Arts. His paintings are like no other.
Just has a new Art Gallery in Blue Mountain Beach and its worth the 10 mile drive. You wont regret looking at his beautiful pieces and may just end up owning one!
7. Take A Trip to the Wild Side at Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Located 55 miles north of the beaches, this day trip is sure to create lasting memories for the day you Danced With Wolves.
Spend a half day at the place where wolves and humans connect in nature. This is definitely and adventure to be talked about for years to come and a rare opportunity to interact with wolves and answer the call of the wild.
8. Tom Pilcher State Park
What better way to spend a day in Florida than Pier Fishing and Picnics.
Pilcher Park features a 380-foot fishing pier; four boat ramps; six 55-foot docks; three picnic shelters; restrooms; three fishing platforms; plenty of parking for both cars and boat trailers, as well as picnic tables, benches and grills.
Address is: 21987 US-331, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (Location is under Hwy 331 on the south side of the bridge over Choctawhatchee Bay.
Dont forget your Florida Fishing License before you go!
Located in Santa Rosa Beach. Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach has a rich history. This long-standing vacation destination remains a hotspot for visitors years later — in fact, Santa Rosa Beach was recently named as one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 5 Favorite Towns in America.
9. Surf's Up At The Surfing School On The Beach In Seaside
Always wanted to learn to surf but never had the chance? You do now! Austin Magee’s Surf School is located on the beach in Seaside.
While the Gulf Coast does not have the size waves where legendary surfers gather to catch the big one, it makes for a very nice place to learn the basics. Your never too young or old to learn to Ride The Wave.
10. Get a Massage Or Take a Yoga Class
Balance Health Studio located on 30A and a mile or block from the condos depending on which unit you choose offers messages and yoga classes as well as chiropractic and acupuncture services.
The location is charming 3 story beach house, turned modern health studio, delivers a health experience you will only find on famous 30A. Top of the line equipment, magnificent Gulf views, a bottom floor retail store with all the top lines, we know you will love your time at Balance 30A!
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