Surf’s Up: Three Coastal Getaways on the Gulf

The Pointe on 30A

For the Relaxation-Seeker: The Pointe on 30A, Inlet Beach, Florida

Few getaways refresh and rejuvenate like a long weekend at 30A, the coastal stretch of the Florida panhandle that runs along the Gulf of Mexico from Destin to Panama City. An easy seven-hour drive from Nashville, this string of beach towns invites you to slow down, bury your toes in the sand, sip a cold drink, and enjoy time with friends and family.

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.

Grab your key (and check out the all-you-can-watch complimentary DVD kiosk, perfect for rainy afternoons), head to your room, one of the property’s 68, and prepare to be wowed.

Written by Alison Abbey
Photo courtesy of The Pointe on 30A

The Pointe on 30A

For the Relaxation-Seeker: The Pointe on 30A, Inlet Beach, Florida

Just past the front door, the sleek, chic space opens with an enormous foyer in warm gray. The neutral shade carries through the entire unit and creates an environment that’s as sophisticated as it is inviting.

Both bedrooms offer ample space for couples or families. In the master, a king-sized bed invites you to lounge as you look out your floor-to-ceiling glass doors onto the pool below. The bathroom offers double sinks, an enormous sunken tub, and an equally luxe steam shower.

The second bedroom has a plus queen-sized bed and an even bigger steam shower with room for two.

There’s also a cozy and sun-filled living room with a giant sectional—perfect for a family-sized pile-on—and flat screen TV. And, of course, the in-unit kitchen is stocked, complete with a full-sized stainless steel fridge, gas stove and oven, dishwasher, and spacious sink. Oh, and there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos to go with it all, including a toaster and coffee maker, cookie sheets, pots, pans, glassware—and anything else you might need to prepare a multi-course meal.

Lounge on your choice of two balconies—one complete with a chaise lounge and outdoor dining space, the other with a private seating area, perfect for a romantic drink or tranquil cup of coffee.

Written by Alison Abbey
Photo courtesy of The Pointe on 30A

The Pointe on 30A

For the Relaxation-Seeker: The Pointe on 30A, Inlet Beach, Florida

Once you’ve gotten settled, venture out to the resort’s centerpiece: a 61,000-gallon swimming pool, surrounded by cabanas and lounge chairs that will make you think you’re vacationing on a tropical island. There’s also an outdoor living space with a fire pit and couches for balmy evening entertaining.

Walk past the pool and grab breakfast or lunch at the onsite cafe. Brought to you by the culinary mind of James Beard award-winning chef John Currence, Big Bad Breakfast offers up decadent dishes, like the Fried Oyster Scramble or the Low Country Skillet. You can also grab a Fish Sandwich or Shrimp Loaf to nosh on poolside. And, of course, there are beverages (adult and otherwise) for seaside sipping.

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.

At the end of the day, enjoy one of 30A’s incredible sunsets from the resort’s rooftop sanctuary, with flat-screen televisions, outdoor seating, a fire pit, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Scenic Highway 30A. Kick back, relax, and watch the sun set on another day in paradise.

Getting there:

The Pointe on 30A is a seven-hour drive from Nashville, or fly direct to Panama City Beach on Southwest Airlines.

Written by Alison Abbey
Photo courtesy of The Pointe on 30A

Sanibel Causeway

For the Family: Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

In the spring of 1963, a three-mile-long causeway connecting Punta Rassa to Sanibel Island on the West Coast of Florida opened to vehicles, replacing the ferryboat service that had been making the 30-minute water journey since 1912. Many residents of the barrier islands bristled at the rapid development that followed, but, over the years, the area has managed to retain the very best of what Southwest Florida has to offer. Shell-covered beaches, warm gulf waters, and a laidback vibe may be the main attractions, but Sanibel—and its more exclusive neighbor, Captiva—are brimming with family-friendly opportunities to explore the region’s diverse ecosystem and experience the unspoiled charms these authentic Florida beach communities have to offer.

Written by Trisha Boyer
Photo courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Meyers & Sanibel

Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa

For the Family: Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

On the island side of Sanibel Causeway, you won’t find chain hotels jutting into the skyline. Smaller resorts, inns, cottages, and vacation homes, all prohibited from being “taller than a palm tree, x93 are nestled among the fauna along the breezy coastline. Many, like the legendary Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa (that dates back to 1913), feel steeped in time. Impeccably tidy hotel rooms and brightly colored cottages outfitted with simple furnishings are all that’s really required when so much natural beauty abounds. The resort’s enviable location be-“tween x93 the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound means direct access to some of the best shelling on the islands at the beach across the street, along with easy access to kayaks, seaplanes, paddle boards, and charter boats from the shore along the backside of the 13-acre property.

With no stoplights and miles of paved trails, bicycles are an ideal mode of transportation during your stay. YOLO Watersports is a one-stop shop for bikes, trailers, child seats, and accessories. Be sure to ask about the other water experiences they provide, including family-style rides on a jumbo, inflated banana boat.

The City of Sanibel reports that more than 67 percent of the island is protected as conservation lands. For a truly unique and interactive nature experience, drive or bike your way through the J.N. “Ding x93 Darling Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to a long list of endangered and threatened species, and it also provides an important habitat to more than 240 species of birds.For those more interested in ocean life, head to Port Sanibel Marina. Adventures in Paradise hosts boating excursions that include shelling on remote islands, sea life encounters led by a marine biologist, and sunset dolphin cruises. Chances are you’ll spot a manatee along the way, but, if not, swing by Manatee Park for an almost-guaranteed sighting of the endangered Florida marine mammal in a non-captive, natural environment.

Written by Trisha Boyer
Photo courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Meyers & Sanibel

Bubble Room

For the Family: Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida

From romantic seaside tables to come-as-you-are stops, Sanibel and Captiva have something to satisfy every mood and palate. With its extensive menu for kids and adults alike, outdoor games, and live entertainment, The Island Cow (Sanibel) has been a family tradition from breakfast to dinner for more than 15 years. Mucky Duck at the end of Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva’s main stretch of eclectic of shops and restaurants, is another longstanding favorite for cold drinks and unfussy fare. Arrive early enough to claim one of the outdoor picnic tables and enjoy a casual meal alongside a breathtaking sunset. Cozy tables, ocean views, and a chef-driven menu come together for a decidedly more grown-up experience at The Mad Hatter (Sanibel); the blue crab cakes and bouillabaisse, brimming with fresh seafood, are not to be missed.

For dessert, stop in the Bubble Room (Captiva) for a slice of their award-winning orange cake surrounded by a dizzying collection of Christmas-themed décor and other kitschy bits and pieces that fill nearly every inch of the convivial space. On a hot summer night, Pinocchio's Italian Ice Cream (Sanibel), with its generous scoops of homemade ice cream in tantalizing flavor combinations, is a another satisfying way to end the day.

As your trip comes to an end, set aside an afternoon for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Even if you weren’t shell enthusiast at the start of the trip, you’ll likely become one by the end.

Getting there:

Frontier Airlines offers direct flights from Nashville to Ft. Meyers. The drive to Sanibel is about 45 minutes. You can reach Captiva in just less than an hour. The Sanibel Causeway toll is $6. Sanibel and Captiva are connected by Blind Pass Bridge (pedestrian-friendly), and it’s easy to navigate back and forth between the two islands.

Written by Trisha Boyer
Photo courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Meyers & Sanibel

The Roost Boutique Hotel

For the Adventurer: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The Gulf of Mexico has long been a favorite destination for folks looking to sink their toes in its white sands. More than 1,600 miles in all, the Mississippi Gulf Coast includes a 62-mile stretch of coastal towns. 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.

As you walk the streets of downtown, you might spot a rooster or two. These feathered friends are how The Roost Boutique Hotel got its name. One of Ocean Spring’s latest additions, this six-suite inn is marked by a stylish, but comfortable, covered porch and stately live oaks. Inside, guests find luxurious bedding, organic amenities set beside the spacious walk-in showers, reclaimed wood flooring, and soft, native hues.

Written by Melissa Corbin
Photo courtesy of The Roost Boutique Hotel

Ocean Springs Sunset

For the Adventurer: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Speaking of natives: Walter Anderson was a 20th century American master painter who depicted the plants, animals, and people of the Gulf Coast. Stroll by the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for a first-hand view, before heading to Front Beach. 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, while Eat Drink Love Catering can set up everything for the perfect picnic. Located next door to The Roost, they’re a go-to for a frosé on that comfy porch.

Written by Melissa Corbin
Photo by Alex North

The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint

For the Adventurer: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

To jumpstart the day, start at The Greenhouse on Porter with pour-over coffees and homemade biscuit sandwiches made two ways: sweet and savory. Head to The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint for a succulent array of smoked meats, local craft beers on tap, and weekend blues in the “junkyard. x93 When it comes to fine dining without the fuss, look no further than Vestige. The seasonal menu is driven by area farmers’ markets and fishermen, and there’s a smart list of beverage pairings.

Written by Melissa Corbin
Photo by Fred Salinas

Pascagoula River Audubon Center Boat House & Pier

For the Adventurer: Ocean Springs, Mississippi

With all that extra fuel, explore the Sound’s waterways. Charter a boat at Ocean Springs Harbor’s resident Strictly Fishin’ Charters, where you can fish inshore or along the barrier islands and get 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.

If rivers are more your speed, venture outside Ocean Springs for an afternoon float with Wolf River Canoe and Kayak. Or check out the Pascagoula, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the upper 48 states. Start at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, where McCoy’s Swamp and River Tours will guide you through the mysteries of the old growth swamps and tidal marshes of this historical river—proving, certainly, that the Mississippi Gulf Coast provides much more than just a trip to the beach.

Getting there:

Hop a nonstop flight to New Orleans, then take the 90-minute drive to Mississippi, or fly into Gulf Port Regional Airport. It is a 7.5-hour drive via I-65 S and I-59 to Ocean Springs.

Written by Melissa Corbin
Photo by Bill Colgin