By Timothy Sexton
The Gulf of
Mexico makes itself at home along the entire western coast of Florida, and the warm waters and sugary white sand create an instant
family vacation destination. Choosing where to go for a family vacation along Florida's gulf coast is only dependent upon how far down the peninsula you want to go. If all you are looking for a great long weekend at the
beach, then you can stop as soon as you cross over the Alabama state line or you can travel almost down to the Keys.
Emerald Coast
Emerald Coast is the name given to the area located on the extreme northwest Florida panhandle. The name derives from the crystal-clear greenish-blue waters. Unbelievably white sandy beaches are the primary calling card for the Pensacola to Destin corridor. The water is warm enough to swim nearly year round, and you can easily charter a fishing boat on a day's notice. Pensacola features the Museum of Naval Aviation, while Gulf Breeze has a delightful zoo, and Panama City has its Shipwreck Island water park.
Caverns and Lakes
A little farther down the panhandle brings you to two natural wonders that are hugely entertaining for kids and adults alike. The little town of Marianna features Florida's most amazing caverns. Near Marianna is Wakulla Springs State Park, which is perfect for a camping, hiking, swimming and fishing vacation. Wakulla Springs is like stepping back into time; both "Tarzan" movies and the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" were filmed here.
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island takes you off the peninsula and places you onto an island in the Gulf of Mexico. A vacation here is like traveling to a tropical island far off in the Pacific Ocean, but you've got easy access to all the luxuries and amenities you need. Kids will love the opportunity to go kayaking and fishing. Across the channel on the nearby mainland are a zoo and ice skating rink.
Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens presents an exciting opportunity to take part in the thrills and attractions of a theme park without venturing into the Orlando area. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo was recently voted the best zoo in America by "Parents Magazine." During the summer sports fans can enjoy Devil Rays baseball, and during the winter be sure to check out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team.
Resources
About the Author:
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
