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

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!