Blackwater River State Park: A Natural Wonderland

 If you are looking for a picturesque escape in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Blackwater River State Park is the perfect destination. Spanning over 5900 acres, this park is situated along the Blackwater River and features stunning natural landscapes that are sure to take your breath away. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to spend a relaxing day in nature, Blackwater River State Park has something for everyone.

 

The History of Blackwater River State Park

 

Blackwater River State Park was established in 1967 and has since become one of Florida's most popular state parks. The park is in Santa Rosa County, Florida, and is named after the Blackwater River, which flows through it. The river gets its name from the dark, tannin-stained water, which is caused by the decomposition of leaves and other organic materials in the surrounding forests.

What to Do at Blackwater River State Park

 

Blackwater River State Park is known for its pristine natural beauty and offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular activities at the park is tubing down the Blackwater River. The river is shallow and slow-moving, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing float down the water. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are also popular activities on the river.

 

The park is also home to over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the forests and along the river. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Camping is also available at the park, with both tent and RV sites available for overnight stays.

 

Blackwater River State Park is a natural wonderland that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to explore the outdoors, learn about local wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, this park has it all. So why not plan your visit today and experience the magic of Blackwater River State Park for yourself?

Blackwater River State Park is an ideal destination for a day trip from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, and Destin.

Address:  7720 Deaton Bridge Rd, Holt, FL 32564

Hours: Daily 8am - 5:30pm

Entrance Fee: Varies, $5 - $10 per vehicle 

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

5 Fantastic Day Trips from Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you are looking for a break from the sand and surf of Gulf Shores, Alabama, there are plenty of great day trip options in the surrounding area. From state parks to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone within a short drive of Gulf Shores. Here are five fantastic day trips to consider on your next vacation.

1. Big Lagoon State Park  in  Perdido Key, Florida

30 minute drive from Gulf Shores

Located just over the state line in Florida, Big Lagoon State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for a day trip. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and alligators. Visitors can hike, fish, kayak, and enjoy stunning views of the lagoon and Gulf of Mexico.

Address:

12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

$5.00 - $10.00 per vehicle, depends on number of occupants

2. USS Alabama War Ship Tour in Mobile, Alabama

1 hour drive from Gulf Shores

For a glimpse into America's military history, head to the USS Alabama War Ship in nearby Mobile. This battleship served in World War II and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the decks, see the guns up close, and learn about the brave men who served aboard the ship.

Address:

2703 Battleship Parkway | Mobile, AL 36602

Admission:

$15.00 or less per person, $4.00 parking fee

Summer Hours:

April-September

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Winter Hours:

October – March

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

3. Fairhope, Alabama

45 minute drive from Gulf Shores

Just a short drive from Gulf Shores, Fairhope is a charming town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore. Take a stroll down the tree-lined streets and admire the historic homes, or head to the pier for a beautiful view of Mobile Bay. See my complete post on Fairhope here. 

4. Dauphin Island (Fort Morgan, Mobile Ferry, Fort Gains, Sea Lab)

35 minute drive + 40 minute ferry ride from Gulf Shores

Leave early morning to see all of these in one day.

Fort Morgan State Historic Site

Dauphin Island is a barrier island located just off the coast of Alabama, and it is packed with history and natural beauty. Visit Fort Morgan, a historic fort that played a key role in the Civil War, or take a ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Gains on the island. Do not miss the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, a marine research facility that offers tours and educational programs.

Address:

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Hours:

Seven Days A Week

9AM-4:30PM

Admission:

Adult $8

Seniors/child $5

Mobile Bay Ferry

For a unique and scenic day trip, take a ride on the Mobile Bay Ferry. This ferry service connects Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, and the trip offers stunning views of the bay and surrounding landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other wildlife along the way.

Address:

Fort Morgan Side

110 AL-180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Dauphin Island Side:

111 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Schedule:

Varies, check here   

Fees:

Regular automobile and driver is $16 + $5 for each passenger.

Fort Gaines

Established in 1821, Fort Gaines known is for its role in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War.

Address:

51 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Hours:

9AM – 5 PM daily

Admission:

Children (Ages 5 -12) are $5.00

Adults (Ages 13+) are $9.00

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium 

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium is an educational public aquarium exhibiting the four key habitats of coastal Alabama.

Address: 

102 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528

Hours vary from winter and summer. 

Check here   https://www.disl.org/estuarium

Admission:

$6 - $12

Dauphin Island

At only 14 miles long and 2 miles wide, Dauphin Island lays at the entrance of Mobile Bay.

This is a great place to enjoy beaches without many people on them.

Bienville Beach (1501 Bienville Blvd)

West End Public Beach (Drive west on Bienville Blvd to the very end)

5. Pensacola, Florida Snorkeling & Fort Tour

45 minute drive from Gulf Shores

Escambia County Bay Snorkel Reef 

Located approximately 50 ft. off shore in Park West, just before the entrance of Fort Pickens. Great for beginner snorkeler.

Address:

Park West, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Fort Pickens State Park

This 1834 pentagonal historic United States military fort is located at the west end of Santa Rosa Island. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens.

After visiting the fort, enjoy some of the 10 miles of gulf and bay beaches leading to the fort. It's also one of the few places in the Pensacola area to find seashells.

Address:

1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Hours:

March 1 - October 31: 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last entry at 8:00 p.m.)

November 1 - February 28: 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Hours:

Historic Fort: 8:00 a.m. to sunset

Admission:

Per person (pedestrian, cyclist, etc.) ............................$15

Motorcycle....................................................................$20

Private vehicle (capacity <15) .......................................$25



Happy Travels!

Navarre Beach, Florida: A Hidden Gem on the Gulf Coast

We stumbled upon Navarre Beach by accident.  We were looking for a place to stop for the night on a trip to the Florida Keys. I am one of those people who believes that flying somewhere is like reading the first and last page of a book. Driving road trips are what I love. My trip planning involves “wonder what there is to see between here and there”. So, on this particular trip, Navarre Beach looked interesting and lodging was fairly cheap.

I was really shocked by the beauty and peacefulness of the area. It was afternoon and cloudy when we arrived at the hotel. My mother and I dropped our bags off and hit the bridge to the beach to check it out.

Sugary white sand, emerald green water, and very few people is what we found. This place was perfect!

We walked along the beach to the fishing pier. Past the pier, we could see rows of condos lining the beach. Up towards the parking area, some teens were playing volleyball. Upbeat music coming from the restaurant set the perfect beach vibe. We had found a paradise!

Navarre Beach is located about 17 miles west of Pensacola Beach on Gulf Boulevard.

The pier there is 1,545 feet long (the longest in Florida) and stands 30 feet above the water. A shop, attached to the pier, rents fishing poles and sells bait and tackle.

Best Western Navarre Waterfront is where we usually stay. It runs less than $100 a night and is clean.

Address: 

8697 Navarre Pkwy

Navarre, FL 32566

We usually prefer to stay right on the beach, but the views across the bay are amazing from the Best Western!

We have been back to Navarre beach several times since our first visit. We continue to love it just as much. It remains one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the Florida Panhandle.

Happy Travels! 

Unveiling the Best Activities in Pensacola, Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Pensacola is a favorite beach vacation destination for many families for good reason. I have never had a vacation strictly to Pensacola, but rather use it as a stop over point for trips father down into Florida. We usually wind up spending a day there on the way down and then stop again on the way back home. I find it to be more of a peaceful laid-back beach town than a busy party place. It gets a little crowded in the middle of Pensacola beach area, but go out a mile or so in either direction and you get to enjoy solitude.

Check out some of our favorite adventures below!

The Beaches

Pensacola Beach is popular for its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters. In fact, the beaches in the Pensacola area rank as some of the top beaches in the United States. Navarre Beach is my favorite and is usually lively without being crowded. Fort Picken is the place to go if you want miles of beach all to yourself.

Fort Pickens

This 1834 pentagonal historic United States military fort is located at the west end of Santa Rosa Island. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens.

After visiting the fort, enjoy some of the 10 miles of gulf and bay beaches leading to the fort. It's also one of the few places in the Pensacola area to find seashells. 

Address:

1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Hours:

8:30 am - 6 pm   daily

Admission:

$20 per vehicle

Big Lagoon State Park

This Park is a 705-acre located on the northern shore of Big Lagoon, which separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Activities such as bird watching, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking are available. Strolling the long boardwalk and crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon are some favorite activities. Be sure to walk up the observation tower for a view of this amazing park!

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

$5.00 - $10.00 per vehicle, depends on number of occupants

Address:

12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Pensacola Lighthouse

This 1859 lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  A climb (177 steps) to the top will reward you with one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. It is located on an active military base (Naval Air Station Pensacola), so you will need to show proper identification for yourself as well as any other passengers who are 18 or older at the check point.

Admission:

Adults $7.00

Children 12 and under $4.00

Seniors 65+ $4.00

Military $4.00

Hours:

9:00am–5:00pm Daily

Address:

2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

Snorkeling

Pensacola Bay Snorkel Reef (Escambia County Bay Snorkel Reef)

• Located approximately 50 ft. off shore in Park West, just before the entrance of Fort Pickens. Great for beginner snorkeler.

Pensacola Beach Reef

• The reef is located 500 ft. off shore in Park East and attracts a wide variety of marine life.

Gulf Breeze Zoo

The zoo is small, but has a nice variety of animals and it is a fun way to spend a few hours.

Hours:

9 am – 4 pm daily

Admission:

Adult (13-64)      $20.95

 Senior (65+)      $19.95

 Children (2-12) $16.95

 Under 2               FREE

Address:

5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Historic Downtown Village

Located close to the Pensacola Bay, the Historic Pensacola Village consist of 27 properties in the National Register Historic District. Eleven of these properties are open for tours.

Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday       10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Admission:

Adults   $8

Seniors 65+, Active Military & Dependents           $7

Children (3-14)  $4

Address:

120 Church Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

Happy Travels!