Have you finalized planning your holiday yet or are you just starting? If you want ideas for a great family vacation this year then keep reading this article and start organizing some amazing holiday experiences in Gulf Breeze, FL. Why Gulf Breeze you might wonder? Well … we took a look at everything that you can possibly do in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and we came up with several things that are great for young couples that want to enjoy a romantic escape from the city or for families that want to have an active holiday with the kids. Just make sure not to mix them up or you’ll wind up sharing a romantic dinner with a kindergarten class.
Jokes aside, Gulf Breeze, FL is a great holiday destination. Its coastal location just minutes away from Pensacola dares you to keep up with the attractions as it offers an abundant amount of activities both for those that just want to lie on the beach or fish, or those who enjoy hiking and experiencing a more hands-on approach to nature. While relatively small, with a population of around 7,000 residents, this coastal getaway will give you some amazing holiday experiences that will stay with you for the years to come. With live music, amazing food, white sandy beaches and the feel of exotic destinations, the city of Gulf Breeze, Florida will remain a top holiday destination for people from all over the world. Work, rent and bills are things that will be furthest from your mind as you’ll dig your toes into the sand and wait for the wave to release them or further draw them in.
Amazing Beaches
Keep in mind that while there are many available beaches in Gulf Breeze, FL that extend across the Gulf Island National Seashore. Santa Rosa Island offers even more options near Gulf Breeze, FL and it all depends on the kind of atmosphere you want during your holiday.
Opal Beach - a safe location for children
The best reviewed beach in Gulf Breeze, Florida, according to Yelp.com came to be after Hurricane Opal reorganized the sand dunes in 1995, creating the lean sugar white sandy beach we have today. In order to get there you drive across the Pensacola Beach Road to the south from Gulf Breeze, pass through Pensacola Beach and head east on highway 399. After the solitary stretch of road that can get covered by sand in parts due to winds carrying the smooth white sand onto the pavement, you’ll get there in approximately 21 minutes. It’s a place where you can relax with your significant other for hours upon hours in an eco-friendly manner as you leave your footprints across the sand. Keep in mind to bring food and beverages as the area is so untouched by human hand that there are no pubs or restaurants nearby. Picnics are allowed for all to enjoy and the serenity of the water as it washes towards the shore with each wave will make for a very relaxing day at the beach.
Pensacola Beach - an active location for couples
To the east of Pensacola Beach, which can be found just across the Pensacola Beach Road, you can find a little piece of history, dunes upon dunes of white sandy beaches as well as several pubs, clubs and restaurants. You can keep close to Pensacola Beach or go exploring on the eastern side of Santa Rosa Island. For those choosing the latter, Fort Pickens has a large variety of activities available and locations worth visiting. The Fort Pickens Discovery Center tells the story of one of the only 4 forts that were controlled by the Union in the South, ruins that now hold a military museum. Close by you will also find several coastal gun batteries as well as other military sites worth visiting. With several stops along the way, you can throw your towel in any spot or continue towards Pensacola Beach for a more organized beach day with personal umbrellas by the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. There are countless options for restaurants, beach bars or entertainment, including Dolphin Cruises or Reef Snorkeling if you add a bit more excitement to your trip.
Hiking Trips
You shouldn’t pass up the chance to go on a hiking trip while in Gulf Breeze, FL. There are countless options that vary in difficulty but are mostly approachable for unskilled hikers because there isn’t a big difference in elevation. The landscapes, however, are breathtaking.
Big Lagoon State Park - children friendly camping
While a wee bit further away from Gulf Breeze, FL it is only a 38 minute drive to get there, or faster if you rent or own a boat. There are many trails that look over the lagoon and many activities available outside of hiking. You can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the salt marshes while enjoying the wildlife as the vegetation attracts a wide variety of birds. From here, you can also enjoy the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail where you can see native birds, butterflies and other wildlife in their own environment. Star Gazing is another activity that is available in the park as well as RV parking, picnic pavilions, campfire circles, campgrounds and playgrounds. Your children will be more than happy to explore every inch of this park and deplete their batteries by the end of the day.
Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve - a retreat for couples
This stunning stretch of white sandy seashore is particularly special for its historic background as a place that held the oaks needed for ship building from 1828 to 1971 when it became a protected area. The oaks are still standing and offer an image of natural beauty in its most unspoiled form. There are picnic tables and pavilions that are available on a first-come, first-served basis making it a perfect location for a more intimate getaway. There are amazing areas to swim, paddleboard or kayak on tempered waters with very few currents, just perfect to enjoy an evening together.
Grab a bite to eat
A holiday is not complete with the perfect dining location. Rest assured that there are plenty of options available for anyone that has a healthy appetite or even a sweet tooth. Browse around the restaurants for your particular taste, or go for acclaimed locations for whichever your party is.
Hemingway's Island Grill - for couples
With a wide variety of culinary options, this location on the northern edge of Pensacola Beach pampers its customers with amazing dishes for romantic or special occasion dining. Having been inspired by Hemingway’s passion for adventure and amazing food this location gives you the chance to explore the taste of the island in a romantic setting. Views of the Santa Rosa Sound underlines the close connection between the island’s cuisine and the nature that surrounds it. Dining in the lovely breeze so close to the water will temper those overwhelming Gulf Breeze summer days and make the day relaxing for you and your significant other.
Papa Nalu Aloha Grill - for families
Bringing Hawaii to the north eastern shore of Florida is no easy feat, but the couple that opened Papa Nalu Aloha Grill created the perfect combination of the amazing flavors found in Hawaiian cuisine and their own special creations. From the islands of Hawaii, we have a clear picture that sometimes food can speak louder than words as language was a barrier between cultures, but amazing meals brought people together. Your children will be able to enjoy interesting dishes while you and your significant other take a dive in the family-friendly atmosphere while also enjoying a quieter and more peaceful dining experience.
Conclusion
There are several options available for your best holiday experiences in Gulf Breeze, FL so be sure to check them out on review sites. The options listed above consider locations that one should venture to see when in Gulf Breeze, Florida and we also consider them quite impressive.
The city of Gulf Breeze is considered safe and because of that it’s also a great place to live. So, if you’re in the market seeking a perfect vacation home or simply to relocate to a peaceful place that will make you feel like you’re on a vacation for 365 days a year, just get in touch with the local real estate agents in Gulf Breeze FL and start browsing those amazing waterfront properties.
Let us know in the comments below what your idea of a perfect family vacation is and if you wish there would be more options like this one that gives you plenty of family activity while at the same time lets you enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet. Like & Share this article with friends and family who want a different kind of holiday experience.