I am not one to easily swim in water I can’t see through. I
grew up swimming in fresh water springs and going to the beach. While the
Atlantic coast of Florida isn’t known for its blue waters, mainly because it’s
so shallow so far out, the Gulf coast is. Boasting beautiful, clear blue waters
with white sand beaches, the panhandle stretch of the Gulf coast is the closest
one can get to the Caribbean without actually going there. It must be seen to
be believed, and it is by thousands during the “season” in Florida.
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| I love running my toes through sand like this... |
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| Thanks to pureflorida.blogspot.com for this great example of the clearness of the water |
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| Shelling is always fun and a great stress releaser |
If you aren’t into condo-packed beaches, one particular park
offers a VAST variety of activities to suit anyone’s tastes, St. Joseph
Peninsula Park, right across the bay from Port St. Joe, a popular “resort” area
(shopping anyone?). At St. Joseph’s one finds pristine beaches, swimming, camping,
concessions/food stands, shelling, birding, cabins, canoeing/kayaking,
picnicking, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking/walking, boating, biking, and fishing.
Pets are allowed in designated areas and parts of the park are wheelchair accessible.
At night the air is so clear and there are no city lights to block out the
stars, so bring along that telescope and stargaze…
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| One area of the peninsula's beautiful shorelines |
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| Interior of one of the cabins at the park |
This is a stunningly beautiful area to visit and I highly
recommend it.
For more information:
Images from:
