4 Fabulous Family Vacation Adventures in Gulf County

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Visit Gulf County for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I was looking for a family beach vacation destination, I discovered endless adventures waiting for us in Gulf County, Florida.

Two years.

My children have made it clear that two years is too long to pass between beach vacations. Honestly, I thought they were growing tired of our annual journey to the seashore but obviously I was wrong.

When planning a family beach vacation, I look for very specific criteria:

• A location in the southeast United States easily accessible (from where we live).
• Accommodations for a family of six (because sometimes this is harder to find than you might think.)
• Fun activities that everyone in the family will enjoy (which do not require a battery pack or charger.)
• Family-friendly atmosphere (since I think my children are much too young for the frivolity that can happen on some popular Spring Break beaches.)
• Restaurants that offer a variety of choices (since some of us do not eat seafood. Shocking, right?)
• A beautiful view (because after the kids have passed out for the night or before they wake with that spring in their step the next morning, this girl needs a place to simply sit and breathe.)

The more I look around, the more I love what I am finding in Gulf County, Florida.

About Gulf County, Florida

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf County sits on the panhandle of Florida between Panama City and Apalachicola with the largest incorporated city being Port St. Joe, “A small town with a big heart.”

When considering accommodations, Gulf County has the perfect vacation spot for every outdoor enthusiast.

Love camping under the stars or being lulled to sleep by the rocking of a boat? Gulf County offers campgrounds, marinas, and RV parks. Prefer air conditioning and a pool? Check out the cottage and condominium rentals.

Family Activities in Gulf County

Is it time to leave the electronics at home and reconnect as a family surrounded by nature and unique learning experiences? Yes, it is! And Gulf County has limitless possibilities waiting, tempting you to start a new family tradition.

Sea Turtles

In groups of four people or less, trek the beach with adventure guide Jessica Swindell. Learn the value of the sea turtle population as you help locate new nests, scientifically measure and mark the nesting place, and protect it from tragedy.

Seahorse Safaris

Have you ever seen a real seahorse? You can!

Join Captain Gary Hites of Seahorse Water Safaris for family-friendly, hands-on adventures including snorkeling, scalloping, fishing, sailing and more. Can you imagine how much your children could learn from one outing?

Wildlife Scavenger Hunt

Choose one (or more) of over two dozen parks to explore and see what types of wildlife you can discover. Perhaps even create a game to see who can spot the most animals. Divide the animals into classifications. Imagine how much fun you could have searching for deer, bobcats, squirrels, raccoons, Kingfishers, Great Horn Owl, otters, and many more.

HEADS UP: For my friends with special needs children, Rish Park offers special accommodations just for you!

Horse Riding on the Beach

Watch a pod of dolphins fish from horseback. Horses on the beach? Yes!

Take the entire family for a leisurely ride along the soft sand or just slip away for a romantic moonlit adventure for two.

Planning your family’s next vacation? Be sure to check the Gulf County Adventure Guide to see all of the amazing experiences available.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card to have an adventure of your own in your local town. There will be 10 lucky winners per week and there is still time to enter.