After a winter spent largely indoors, the appeal of crashing waves and sandy shores is irresistible. From easy drives to short flights, Nashville offers access to sun-soaked escapes that swap layers for linen and crystalline views. We’ve compiled a mix of favorite beach destinations, giving you a perfect reason to shop for that new beach bag and swimsuit. Ditch your daily schedule, and consider this your cue to start planning a spring break filled with salt air and sunshine.
30A, the 28-mile stretch of Florida coastline that meanders down a short length of the Florida Panhandle is a favorite for Nashvillians, and it’s easy to see why: A quick seven hours by car, or a short, direct flight into Destin-Fort Walton Beach or Northwest Florida Beaches International airports, make access to the area as easy as living there. Known
around the world for its white, sugar-sand beaches, state preserves, recreational areas, shopping, and entertainment, 30A is the ultimate destination for families and couples looking to get away for some rest and relaxation. (30a.com) And what better way to enjoy this coastal paradise than in a rental from Newman-Dailey? With a diverse collection of quality properties, including Destin beach houses and 30A vacation homes along the area’s pristine beaches, Newman-Dailey has become a trusted source for family vacation planning, managing 64 associations, from large properties of approximately 300 units to smaller communities of eight units.
Located along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Northwest Florida, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is home to a plethora of activities the whole family can enjoy. Known as the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a must-visit spot for all things dining, shopping, and entertainment. Visitors and locals alike flock here for everything from a fun-filled day trip to a full-fledged vacation that will have you anxiously awaiting your next trip. Relax while the kids burn off all their energy playing at the nautical-themed Adventure Land Playground, or head to the Baytowne Adventure Zone and zipline across the lagoon for soaring views the whole family can enjoy. With more than a dozen restaurants, charming boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and an array of outdoor festivals and events, there is no shortage of entertainment in Baytowne. The village is also close to the Baytowne Marina, Jolee Island Nature Park, and is just a tram ride from the beach.
Tucked away along Florida’s Northern Gulf coast is a two-lane coastal highway that meanders through the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and Alligator Point. This is Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a deep-water haven of year-round boating and fishing. Located about an hour south of Tallahassee, Franklin County is a protected oasis with quiet beaches, wooded trails, and scenic paddling sloughs. The string of rural communities that stretch along the coast is the last vestige of the Florida you remember from childhood. Beach lovers will appreciate that the St. George Island State Park Beach is consistently ranked among the top in the country. This beach park features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline with accessibility amenities and has some of the region’s finest birdwatching opportunities and camping facilities.
Take to the water by kayak or paddleboard to see the coast and get some exercise in the process, or book a relaxing sunset tour of the historic waterfront. And if nature is more your thing, you’re in luck: the area is one of the most productive biospheres in the world and is a seasonal flyway for several migrating birds and butterflies. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve and Visitor Center in Eastpoint features a wooded boardwalk trail and touch tanks. Nearby, the Tate’s Hell State Forest is home to one of Florida’s most unusual nature wonders: a dwarf cypress swamp featuring 300-year-old ancient cypress trees no taller than 15 feet!
Set along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama’s Gulf Shores is marked by its 32 miles of 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, visitors 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) While you’re there, book a stay at the stunning Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel with stunning beach views and four-star accommodations.
Duncan McCall
destination to get outdoors, soak up the sun, and enjoy a vacation. But the beach isn’t the only thing on the agenda here — in fact, Pensacola offers plenty of adventures and history the whole family can enjoy. The city’s historic section encompasses eight and a half acres and 28 properties located within the footprints of the original Spanish and British forts in downtown Pensacola. Take a self-guided tour of historic homes and watch period-dressed living history interpreters before dipping into one of Pensacola’s unique museums. Have a hankering for freshly caught seafood? Funky food trucks, joints beloved by the locals, and white tablecloth eateries cater to all tastes and experiences. The views offer plenty to write home about, too — sparkling ocean crests and charming old-town architecture make a standout meal a simply unforgettable experience.