Located in the heart of the Panhandle, Gulf County, Florida, is the perfect vacation destination.
The abundance of public parks with access to waterways for days of play makes Gulf County unique. Whether you want to bring your boat, kayak, paddleboard, or enjoy the sandy shoreline, a park in Gulf County can facilitate your excursions.
Here are a few parks to explore during your next Gulf County getaway:
Colin Mei
Salinas Park is located on Cape San Blas and is unique in that it offers two different locations. A roadway splits the park. Salinas Park offers several screened-in pavilions for picnics, pickleball courts, a playground, and bathrooms on one side of the road. The bayside of this park is the beginning of Loggerhead Trail, an 8-mile biking trail that goes the length of St. Joseph Peninsula. You can also find Serenity Trail, an accessible boardwalk overlooking St. Joseph Bay. On the gulf side, you’ll find access to some of our wide beaches full of shelling and perfect for shore fishing. One unique activity you can do is horseback riding on the beach.
Dead Lakes Park has access to the legendary Dead Lakes, where you can explore thousands of cypress stumps and more. This ecological area hosts wildlife galore. Look up for ospreys and eagles. Then, look down to catch a glimpse of the turtles and alligators that may peek up from the water. Dead Lakes is also the area where you may find the white tupelo gum tree that blossoms every spring. Bees flock to these trees to harvest the nectar from their cauliflower-looking blooms. The bees will create Tupelo Honey. What makes Tupelo Honey unique is the floral scent – a hint of rose, some herby, earthy taste, pure sweetness, and not a hint of bitterness.
Frank Pate Park is the perfect place to head out on St. Joseph Bay for the day. Book a charter for inshore fishing to try your hand at catching trout, redfish, flounder, and more. If fishing is not your “thing,” head out on the bay for a day of eco-tours and snorkeling. St. Joseph Bay is an aquatic preserve, so exploring beneath the surface will open your eyes to sea creatures like sand dollars, starfish, and scallops. When you get back to shore, make sure to check out the rest of Frank Pate Park for the perfect picnic pavilion.
Veteran’s Memorial Park at Beacon Hill is sure to be a show stopper for your vacation. This special park is located on a bluff, which allows for panoramic views of St. Joe Beach. Explore the beach, check out the dog park, or play some pickleball. No matter what you choose, you can spend the whole day enjoying what the park has to offer. Make sure you stay for sunset to watch the sun sink over the water right in front of you. With Gulf County’s westward facing land, you’ll always be front row for a fantastic view.
For more information, visit visitgulf.com/parks