Northwest Florida Getaways 2008 - (Page 26) 95A Milton 90 10 85 285 331 85 10 90A 87 Pensacola Regional Airport 90 98 90 Pensacola 292 90 Navarre 189 Niceville Valparaiso 20 Grayton Beach Destin 98 Santa Rosa Beach Perdido Key Fort Walton 110 399 Navarre Beach Gulf Breeze Pensacola Beach Beach 98 Why You’ll Go: To explore this secluded 247-acre barrier island about 15 miles southwest of Pensacola. Check out the rolling sand dunes. Hike the boardwalks and try to spot Florida wildlife. Learn how barrier islands protect the mainland from storms. Eatin’ Out: Enjoy a family feast (one you’ve packed yourself beforehand), at the picnic tables overlooking the water. Why You’ll Go: There are several public beach-access points in the town of Santa Rosa. Ed Walline Park is a popular one. You access the beach from a boardwalk, down 25 steps to its silky sands. Lifeguards are on duty here during the summer season, and the beach is popular with families. Rent lawn chairs and umbrellas. The water is clear enough that you can see swarms of tiny minnows. Unexpected Art: Across Route 30A from Ed Walline Park, you’ll find about 10 cottages operated by a group called The Artists of Gulf Place (see Arts story, page 33). Spend a half-hour checking out locally made jewelry, Adirondack chairs, copper art and the like. Where to Cool Off: Visit Miss Lucille’s Gossip Parlor in Gulf Place. Half Southern tea room (replete with red velvet décor), half luncheonette, here you can buy iced coffee, ice cream, sandwiches and other goodies. Great Blue Heron, Perdido Key Why You’ll Go: Variety. The area known as Pensacola Beach is really a roughly 8-mile section of the Santa Rosa barrier island. Here you’ll find everything from family-friendly beaches (replete with lifeguards and other amenities), to far more secluded areas. Casino Beach and Quietwater Beach are two of the more popular bathing spots. Gulf Stroll: Bring your rod and reel to the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and Observation Posts. This boardwalk stretches nearly 1,500 feet into the Gulf. Even non-fishers enjoy the view. Off the Sand: Strut down the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk for beach gear, henna tattoos and food. Dune Nature Trail in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. 26 VISITFLORIDA.com/northwest Floridians.VISITFLORIDA.com http://Floridians.VISITFLORIDA.com
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