Three Hour Tour in Northwest Florida

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Destin, FL -
Are you in love with Northwest Florida's beaches and sand dunes like I am? If so, I have a three hour tour you will want to experience again and again. Of course, along the way you are welcome to venture off and make your own discoveries, but stay with me for the tour and you'll have an amazing day!

In fact, if you have some extra time, stop at the beaches at either side of the pier. The water is very shallow, has a sandy white bottom, has great movement and is perfect for play!

Start by crossing over the Marler Bridge from Destin heading west toward Okaloosa Island. Study the long strands of beautiful beaches, sand and emerald waters at your sides... on your left, the Gulf of Mexico and on your right Choctawhatchee Bay. Giant powdery white sand dunes, sprinkled with sea oats and grasses will be the only things blocking your view. At this point, you can see what kind of treat you are in for. The tour eventually takes you to an even more isolated island setting with even more sand. Yes it's possible... it gets better!

Continue by crossing over the Brooks Bridge into Fort Walton Beach. Nothing confusing here just stick to Highway 98. The next small town you'll pass through is Mary Ester, then Florosa and then Navarre. You are welcome to go into Navarre and spend some time, but for the natural beauty of this tour, you need to cross the Navarre Bridge and head to Navarre Beach. As you cross over the bridge take a good look... nothing but sand beaches off in the distance on both sides. To your left is the Navarre Beach State Park. On your right, there are several restaurants to choose from so if you are hungry grab a bite, but not a HUGE meal... lots more restaurants to come.

A particular point of interest in Navarre Beach is the new pier which was completed in June, 2010 and extends 1545 ft. into the Gulf of Mexico making it the longest pier on the Gulf. For $1 you can make the hike. In fact, if you have some extra time, stop at the beaches at either side of the pier. The water is very shallow, has a sandy white bottom, has great movement and is perfect for play!

Continuing west toward Pensacola Beach, you will reach the Santa Rosa Area Gulf Islands National Seashore...pure natural beauty. Nothing but the road in front of you, sand dunes, beaches and water at your sides with sunshine and blue skies over head. The speed limit is 35 and there is no passing... but you won't want to speed or pass... this is where you take your time and enjoy. The Gulf of Mexico is on your left and the Santa Rosa Sound is on your right. There are several parking areas located along the Gulf side and stopping at the beaches is a must!

In the distance you will see Portofino Island, a beautiful upscale resort consisting of five towers rising from the horizon in a natural setting. You are welcome to stop if you are so inclined... but I've heard, if you check in once, you will come back again and again!

For the next few miles or so, you'll see beautiful homes, cottages and condos all nestled along the edges of this scenic highway. If you want to hang out with the locals, stop by the Paradise Inn Hotel on the edge of town. This may be one of the last remaining "old style" beach bars on the coast. The restaurant/bar is out back and reminds you of a place Jimmy would have frequented before he started his own chain. A short distance further you will arrive in Pensacola Beach. You've reached your destination. Here you have many choices of waterside restaurants, beach bars and shopping. Don't make a food choice immediately. Since “the sound side” (Quietwater Beach) is mostly attached by a boardwalk, stroll along and have a look or venture over to the Gulf side before you settle on your favorite place. You'll probably find a party going on some place; but be careful, Pensacola Beach is your half way mark and you still need to be able to return safely to your starting point.

So, even though you can make the entire round trip easily in three hours, you won't want to. Be as spontaneous as time allows... eat at some of the many restaurants, party at the bars, stop at the pier and play at the beaches. Just relax, have fun, be safe and enjoy all of the natural beauty along the way!

What's your favorite place along Northwest Florida's beaches? Let us know in our Destin Travel Forums!