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Ten Easy Day Trips From Gulf Shores, Alabama

Nov 2 16
by S. Lynne
Blooming red plantings and frog fountain at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

When it’s chilly, raining, or you just want a break from the beach, these destinations offer fun-packed options the whole family will enjoy. All 10 are easy day trips from Gulf Shores, AL. – BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME, Theodore, Alabama, near Mobile. The former country estate of Mobile Coca-Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath and his wife, Bessie, […]

Beach Safety Tips for an Amazing Vacation

Jul 21 16
by S. Lynne
Blond-haired child on the beach wearing a red life jacket

BE SAFE SWIMMING Make sure everyone in the family knows how to swim. Swim where there’s a lifeguard, and don’t swim alone. When swimming in the ocean, avoid getting into water that is more than waist-deep. Young and/or inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. If you’re planning on going boating, canoeing, kayaking, or […]

Blue Angels Air Show: Keeping Your Cool in Pensacola’s July Heat

Jun 23 16
by Chris Chatelain
Blue Angels fighter jet flies over the Gulf of Mexico.

There’s nothing quite like watching the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team, perform aerial acrobatics near its home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Most everyone enjoys watching fast planes, and if the sight of their vapor trails doesn’t send you daydreaming, then the sounds of the screaming jets roaring overhead is sure […]

Hit the Beach Getaway Jackpot at Seaspray Condos

Feb 6 16
by Chris Chatelain
Aerial view of Seaspray Condominiums in Fort Walton Beach

Looking for a Florida vacation spot where you can park the car and leave the keys on the counter for the duration of your stay? Seaspray Condominiums Fort Walton on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach is all about convenience and accommodation – which makes it the perfect destination for your next family vacation or […]

Five Reasons Guests Love Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City

Dec 29 15
by Chris Chatelain
Gulf-front pool with palm trees at Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach

One of the most popular destinations in Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach is flush with accommodating hotels and condos eager to be your home base for a memorable getaway. Choosing the right one is important, too, because where you stay can make or break your vacation experience. Boardwalk Beach Resort offers the views and service, […]

Days and Nights of Holiday Cheer in Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Nov 25 15
by Chris Chatelain
Destin boat parade

With mild temperatures and a sunny disposition, winter on Florida’s Emerald Coast is delightful. And if trading your shovel and snow boots for a bathing suit and flip-flops doesn’t seem festive enough, there are plenty of holiday things to do in Destin and Fort Walton Beach for visitors of all ages. Following are some of the most popular. 12 […]

Enter BeachGuide’s December Vacation Giveaway

Nov 18 15
by Renee Taliaferro
Winter vacation giveaway from BeachGuide.com

Warm up your winter with a Gulf Coast getaway from BeachGuide! We’re giving away a two-night stay in a deluxe beachfront condo along Northwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. The winner will get to choose from a large selection of two-bedroom condos in Destin, Hwy 30a, Fort Walton or Panama City Beach, Florida, or other nearby […]

Let Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Put You in a Festive Mood

Nov 7 15
by S. Lynne
Woman getting a champagne sample in a scene at Village of Baytowne Wharf during the Sandestin Sparkling Wines and Holiday Lights wine tasting

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a glass or two of bubbly? And wine lovers will have a great opportunity to sample some of the best at the upcoming Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights tasting, hosted by the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This festive […]

Sterling Resorts Fall Break Special – Get 15 Percent Off on a Northwest Florida Vacation!

Oct 18 15
by Chris Chatelain
Sterling Resorts upscale balcony with wicker furniture and panoramic view of the beach and Gulf along Highway 30-A

At a time when much of the country is experiencing falling temperatures, Northwest Florida is experiencing falling rates on fall getaways to the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. And while the temperatures might be very pleasant — in the 70s and 80s — the festivals and special events really begin to heat up along […]

Boardwalk Beach Resort Free-for-All Fall Special Leaves More Cash for Fun

Oct 11 15
by Chris Chatelain
Palm trees and attractive landscaping frame the Gulf-front pool at Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach.

Missed getting down to the Florida Gulf Coast for a beach vacation this summer? No worries, because Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach has the perfect fallback plan! Summer is great, but fall is even better here because visitors can enjoy uncrowded beaches, mild temperatures, and some serious savings on a stay at a […]

Sample the Best Brews and Spirits At Destin Beer Festival 2015

Jul 26 15
by S. Lynne
Destin Beer Festival

  High-end craft beers, microbrews, and small-batch premium spirits will be the stars of the show at the sixth annual Destin Beer Festival, scheduled for September 22 through 26, 2015, at different locations around town. The festival opens on Tuesday, September 22, with the Colorado Tap Takeover at World of Beer. The Craft Bar gastropub is the […]

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: So Much To Do, All Onsite

Jul 9 15
by Chris Chatelain
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a place where guests can enjoy everything that makes the Emerald Coast great, all within the same location. Whether you come to Northwest Florida to enjoy the plentiful sunshine from the world’s most beautiful beaches, to play championship golf where the pros have played, or to take part in […]

Enjoy Free Amusement Park Attractions with Your Panama City Beach Vacation Rental

Jun 26 15
by Chris Chatelain
Grand Panama Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida

Family summer vacations to Florida are often centered around the beach, with family activities planned separately. But let’s face it, buying tickets to amusement parks, water parks, and other entertainment can get quite expensive and taxing on a family budget. Counts-Oakes Resort Properties offers a way to not only find fantastic Panama City Beach vacation […]

It’s Not Too Late to Book Your July 4th Vacation

Jun 17 15
by Renee Taliaferro
Father and son lighting sparklers on the beach at sunset

Great news for anyone looking for a last-minute vacation rental for the week of July 4th. You can still find a fine selection of rentals with Counts-Oakes Resort Properties. Their rentals include beach houses, resorts, and condos in Panama City Beach, Destin, and Highway 30-A. Call 888-210-3201 soon, because just about every vacation rental in […]

Set Sail for a Free Night at Pirates’ Bay

Jun 11 15
by Chris Chatelain
Pirate's Bay in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

On a quest to score some serious booty in the form of vacation condos in Fort Walton Beach? Well, set a course for the Emerald Coast of Florida and sail into Pirates’ Bay Guest Chambers and Marina — a location that is a treasure trove of vacation fun and adventure. Amenities like a balcony or patio […]

Summer Fun Starts – and Stays – at the Emerald Grande

Jun 5 15
by Chris Chatelain
Emerald Grande Destin

Just as it towers over the Destin skyline, a summer stay at the Emerald Grande elevates a Northwest Florida beach vacation to new heights. It’s hard to miss these amazing accommodations, not only for the property’s stature and presence, but also for its location right within the heart of everything great about this renowned destination […]

Get more for your money with complimentary guest package from Brooks and Shorey

May 22 15
by Chris Chatelain
Brooks and Shorey Vacation Rental

We all love getting more value for our money, but everyone knows all too well how rare it is to find a deal in which you truly get more for less. So when the opportunity to combine a dream vacation with getting great value for your money comes along, it’s hard to pass up. Brooks […]

Gulf Shores Weather

May 19 15
by Chris Chatelain
Tropical Florida Palm Trees At Sunrise

It’s not heaven…but it’s close. Gulf Shores is known as a fantastic spot for a beach vacation in Alabama, and the weather has a lot to do with that. Boasting sun-soaked summers and warm winters, Gulf Shores is a cool coastal community that offers vacation fun virtually year-round. Warm season Nobody takes a vacation just […]

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest + Beach = Perfect Fall Getaway

May 16 15
by Darcie Plowden
Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest bottles of beer

Summer has yet to begin, and I’m dreaming of a fall beach trip! The Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is what started this train of thought. The festival touts 200-plus beers to sample and live music to enjoy — enough said: I’ll be there this fall for Beer Fest October […]

Pelican Beach is an Oasis of Summer Fun and Savings

May 9 15
by Chris Chatelain
Pelican Beach Resort in Destin, Florida

Summer fun soars at the Resorts of Pelican Beach, much like wind through the wings of the majestic coastal bird after which this destination is named. For a family with kids, this Destin vacation resort is the place you want to be — for value, security and activity. And if you book your stay now, […]

Enjoy a free night, stunning views, and fascinating marine life at Jetty East in Destin

May 1 15
by Chris Chatelain
Jetty East Condominiums in Destin, FL

Sure, relaxing and soaking up the sun on shimmering sands is always near the top of the list when taking a beach vacation to Destin, Florida. But there’s a lot you’ll miss if you just keep your toes planted in the sand. Think the fun and adventure end at the water’s edge? Well, think again. […]

Pensacola Beach Deals – Extend Your Stay in Paradise!

Apr 28 15
by Chris Chatelain
Kayaking in Pensacola Beach Florida

Say ‘I do’ to sun, sand, surf, and love with special savings on spring stays at Paradise Beach Homes this season. Take a break and save in spring when you book one of Pensacola Beach’s most accommodating accommodations. Romantic retreat and family fun Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, and a vacation to […]

Key West Fishing is the Stuff of Legends

Apr 19 15
by Charlie Peay
Troll fishing in the Florida Keys

When you fish in the crystal clear turquoise waters surrounding Key West, Florida, you’re entering into a world where fishing legends were born. There’s no escaping the influence that fishing greats such as Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey have had on generations of fishermen, whether they’re seasoned professionals or just taking up the sport. Hemingway […]

Special Events Lure Visitors to Gulf Coast Year-Round

Mar 15 15
by S. Lynne
Destin Fishing Rodeo weigh-in

Warm weather, emerald waters, and beaches so white that they dazzle the eyes are the major attractions for most visitors to the Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts. But the region also plays host to music festivals, wine tastings, fishing rodeos, and other special Gulf Coast events — some so big that folks regularly plan their […]

Trade in your snow shoes for flip flops!

Feb 28 15
by Chris Chatelain
Kids on the beach with snorkel and masks enjoying spring break

With warmer temperatures just around the corner, now is the time to start getting into a Spring state-of-mind. And what better way to get into the spirit than with a spring break beach deal in Northwest Florida? Luckily, ResortQuest By Wyndham Vacation Rentals is currently offering hot deals like 15 percent off your vacation rentals, […]

How To Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

Jan 10 15
by S. Lynne
Colorful beach bag on the white sand beach in Florida

The best way to ensure a relaxing day at the beach is to start with a little planning. Giving some thought to what to pack in a beach bag means you won’t get settled on the sand only to discover that your bottled water and sunscreen are back at your condo or hotel room. Following […]

It’s a Great Time for Horsing Around on the Gulf

Dec 30 14
by S. Lynne
Family horseback riding on the beach in Cape San Blas, Florida

The cool, sunny days of winter are perfect for enjoying a different kind of Gulf Coast vacation adventure  ­ – horseback riding on the beach. Trail riding is an exciting way to get up close and personal with the area’s natural beauty, from pine woodlands teeming with wildlife to coastal forests skirting the rare dune […]

Sea Lab Estuarium Exhibits Make Learning Fun

Dec 24 14
by S. Lynne

Visitors of all ages will have a ball at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium. Both educational and entertaining, the Estuarium features a 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 7,000-gallon sting ray touch pool, and a boardwalk showcasing the plants, animals, and other natural resources of the four main habitats of coastal Alabama. The Estuarium features 31 […]

Dining In and Around Pensacola Beach

Dec 16 14
by Celeste Bracewell

The white sands and turquoise waters of Pensacola Beach are the perfect backdrop for a beautiful Gulf respite. But we humans do not live by dolphins/golf/swimming/fishing/sandcastles alone. Fear not, however, because delicious food abounds. Whether you’re in the mood for casual attire and beach food with the kids or a romantic grown-up meal, the choices […]

Beach Plants and Sand Dunes Were Made for Each Other

Dec 10 14
by Charlie Peay

We all know how pretty sand dunes are, but did you know that sand dune systems on the Florida and Alabama beaches are formed by wave and wind action and help to protect mainland areas from tropical storms and hurricanes?  The sand dunes, which have evolved over millions of years, actually help to absorb the vast […]