After a winter of being cooped up inside, it’s time to hit the beach!
With so many fabulous sunny locales in driving (or short flight) distance of Nashville, it can be hard to pick the perfect sandy getaway. As always, we’re willing to do the tough research for you and have listed some of our favorite beach towns and all their best assets.
Beaches of South Walton
As Nashville’s “unofficial beach,” South Walton is waiting for you to come back already. We could all use a refreshing, rejuvenating long weekend and this coastal stretch of the Florida Panhandle offers a string of beach towns where you can slow down, walk in the white squeaky quartz-crystal sand, and enjoy plenty of time outdoors. Set apart by its unmatched natural beauty, vast nature preserves create a relaxed respite not often found in similar destinations. Craving some outdoor exploration to go along with your beach trip? South Walton offers adventure-seekers much to explore with more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, four state parks, a state forest, and 15 rare coastal dune lakes. visitsouthwalton.com
Captiva and Sanibel Island
While the sugar sand beaches of these islands off South Florida’s Gulf coast are a draw unto themselves, it’s the relaxed vibe and family-friendly activities that keep kids and parents alike entertained. There are miles of paved trails, so get out by bike to explore the length of the islands. Nearly 67 percent of Sanibel has been designated as conservation lands, so you’ll be up close and personal with its unique and diverse ecosystem, especially if you make your way toward the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge. Many endangered and threatened species call the space home, as do more than 240 species of birds. sanibel-captiva.org
The Pointe on 30A
While buying a beach house in 30A will run you upwards of half a million dollars, you can establish a home base that actually feels like home in one of the region’s newest destinations, The Pointe on 30A. This Inlet Beach resort offers a quiet respite from your regular life, with all the conveniences of your own home. The property, owned by Atticus Real Estate and managed by Wyndham, boasts spacious and luxurious rooms, amenities aplenty, and a killer location. Pull up to the inviting entry, complete with cobblestones and a wall of water (and, at night, flaming torches), before you step into the clean and beach-y lobby for a warm welcome. Rooms furnished by Restoration Hardware are sure to make you feel right at home, along with luxury amenities including a resort-style pool, Tesla charging, and an elite fitness center complete with a Peloton Bike and Mirror Virtual Trainer. Each guest is also issued a complimentary bike, the perfect way to see the area. Ride the few easy blocks to the South Orange Street beach access, or hang a right and make the quick trip to neighboring Rosemary Beach for even more great dining and shopping. Venture further, and hit up posh Alys Beach, just a mile away from the resort. End the day taking in one of 30A’s incredible sunsets. The Point on 30A offers one of the area’s best for its guests, complete with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and panoramic rooftop views of the Gulf of Mexico. thepointeon30a.com
Baytowne
Getty Images/Ghorne Photo
Located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf features an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife—not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events for the entire family. This spectacular setting, all within the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is the perfect spot to spend a vibrant afternoon, evening, week, vacation, or you can be one of the lucky few who frequently experiences Baytowne Wharf through homeownership. The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the picture-perfect back background for all of the events at The Village. It is the hub where everyone wants to gather. Spend your days zip-lining, riding the carousel, or shopping for everything from a fashion-forward wardrobe to top-of-the-line fishing gear. When the sun sets, head out for dining at a top restaurant or for a night out on the (Bay)towne! baytownewharf.com
Mississippi Gulf Coast
More than 1,600 miles in all, the Mississippi Gulf Coast includes a 62-mile stretch of coastal towns. Less than eight hours driveway to sand, the quaint, walkable town of Ocean Springs can be found along this stretch—it boasts more than 100 restaurants, a slew of art galleries and shops, and plenty of outdoor adventure, too. We love Front Beach in Ocean Springs. Along the one-mile, dog-friendly path, enjoy views of the Mississippi Sound, fishing piers, and even an over-sized chessboard. Come dusk, you’ll find breathtaking sunsets over the Biloxi Bridge. Charter a boat at Ocean Springs Harbor’s resident Strictly Fishin’ Charters, where you can fish inshore or along the barrier islands and enjoy a little sightseeing while you’re at it. It’s all about core strength at Paddles Up, where stand-up paddle boards (SUP) and kayaks are a specialty—they offer multi-level classes, too. You can even paddle among dolphins and watch pelicans from a different perspective. There may be no swimming beaches at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou, but there’s plenty of fishing, hiking, birding, and other ranger-led programs to round out an Ocean Springs experience. gulfcoast.org
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach
Set along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama’s Gulf Shores is marked by its 32 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, and acres of preserved wildlife. Yes, there’s kitschy beach-town fun and plenty of shopping, but it can also be a retreat into nature. Plan to anchor your stay at Gulf State Park, a 6,150-acre destination that stands out for its preserved ecosystem—as well as the many ways it allows visitors to connect with the nature around them. There are two miles of beach connected to the park, so you can walk, run, and swim the surf, hit the trails for a hike through the park, or drop a line at the fishing and education pier. The park is also home to Lake Shelby, where more swimming and paddling await. With so many unique waterways surrounding the Alabama Gulf Coast, locals and visitors alike can enjoy an array of outdoor activities. Whether it’s kayaking on the Coastal Alabama Back Bay Blueway, biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, golfing at one of the area’s 15+ courses, or fishing out in the Gulf, there’s something for every nature-lover to enjoy. Cap off the evening with some traditional Gulf Coast dining at one of the many beachside restaurants and enjoy fresh Gulf seafood while basking in the stunning waterfront-seating views. gulfshores.com
Amelia Island
With its canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, Amelia Island brings a little slice of the Lowcountry to Florida’s Eastern coast. One of the Golden Isles, it’s less than an hour from Jacksonville, Florida, or a daylong drive from Nashville, giving you access to its 13 miles of pristine beaches and top-notch resorts. Locals will proudly explain that while the town was founded by the French and now sits in the U.S., in its history, it’s flown eight different national flags—meaning its charms have captured many hearts. One of the best ways to explore those charms is on the water with a paddle. The island’s many waterways are made for kayaking, which gets you closer to the natural ecosystem. You’ll hear the trill of marsh birds, including egrets, herons, and even hawks as you glide across the waterway. Outfits like Kayak Amelia can get you equipped and out on a guided tour; they also offer stand-up paddleboards. ameliaisland.com
Gulf County (St. Joe Beach, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka)
Located in Northwest Florida and comprised of St. Joe Beach, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Wewahitchka, Gulf County boasts 244 miles of natural shoreline and 43 miles of sandy shoreline—providing a beach for every interest under the sun. Think of Gulf County as one giant outdoor family-friendly playground; perfect for activities like shelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, snorkeling, and more. Almost all of Gulf County’s beaches are pet-friendly, so fur-babies can join in on all the fun as long as they are on a leash. From the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches to tranquil inland passages, Gulf County was designed by nature, and the county’s low-rise lifestyle ensures those beautiful natural views remain on full display thanks to its no high-rise policy. With so many expansive miles of shoreline there’s plenty of room to spread out even during the busiest travel months. However, visitors will have the pleasure of sharing the beach with wildlife such as nesting sea turtles, as Gulf County is the largest nesting place for sea turtles in Northwest Florida. visitgulf.com