This One Tank Trip seen in the Woodall’s 2010 North American Campground Directory
Sponsored By:
Camping on the Gulf
www.campgulf.com
camp@campgulf.com
Just across Georgia’s southern border lies the aptly named Sunshine State, where winter-weary tourists come to escape the chilly northern weather. While it’s true that many of the more popular attractions are in the southern part of Florida, the northern end still has plenty to offer the traveler who’s looking for an escape. It’s been said that the only white stuff you’ll see on Florida’s ground is the sand on the miles upon miles of coast, and rightly so. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more unspoiled range of beaches than right here in Northern Florida. If you are looking to take a quick weekend getaway, you might want to stop along these scenic locations & attractions on your one tank trips journey through Northern Florida and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Take for instance Gulf Breeze, which is such a beautiful place to visit, you might be tempted to make this both your point of origin and your final destination for this road adventure. Pull over anywhere along the beachfront and set up camp. Enjoy everything Northern Florida camping has to offer. The sounds of the crashing, bright green waves just take you away from the stresses of everyday life. Take a stroll and see the local amenities and activities, including zoos and botanical gardens. Enjoy fine dining at any of the local resort restaurants, or just set up your grill and cook by the side of the rig. If you’re looking for a way to kick back and relax, Gulf Breeze is an ideal place to do it.
Providing you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of Gulf Breeze, Ft. Walton Beach awaits you just 15 miles down eastbound US-98. Ft. Walton has been drawing travelers for a lot longer than you might think. Evidence of a Civil War encampment has been discovered within the city’s boundaries, and notorious pirate Billy Bowlegs paid the area a visit somewhere in the late 19th century. Bring your metal detector, because with all this pirate activity, who knows what treasures you might turn up!
Ft. Walton has quite a bit to keep you entertained for as long as you care to stay. There are shops along the beachfront, and carnival-style amusement parks with go-cart tracks. Don’t miss the Boardwalk, and its collection of restaurants and nightspots. Maybe get in a game of volleyball there on the sand, or rent a boat or Jet Ski at one of the local rental offices. The seals and dolphins that call this area their home entertain locals and tourists alike, so make sure you’ve got fresh batteries in your camera. You won’t want to miss the antics these aquatic acrobats put on.
Eight miles farther east on the 98 takes you into Destin, which is known by many as “the world’s luckiest fishing village.” This is not to say that all you need to do is pour the worms onto the floor of your boat and watch the fish jump in, but from all accounts if you haven’t caught at east enough to fill your belly by day’s end, you might want to see if your line’s even in the water. Destin’s the home of several fishing tournaments and there’s enough fish in the water to support a number of local boat charter services, so make yourself feel like a fishing master and go for it! If fishing’s not for you, fear not. There’s also diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. Maybe you’d rather just grab a towel and a folding chair and sit on the sand with a good book. There’s plenty of beach for just that purpose.
Your final stop of Panama City is another 55 eastbound miles on US-98. This is a particularly popular destination for returning travelers, as it has family parks that cater to any little ones who might be traveling with you, and offers diving, fishing, and other water sports that appeal to the more mature crowd. It’s a popular spring break destination, and is quite busy during the summer months. Pier Park offers dozens of eating and shopping opportunities, and there’s no shortage of day cruises available, where you can dolphin watch or just enjoy the feel of the sea spray on your face. After you see what Panama City has to offer, the odds are good that you’ll be one of those returning travelers next year.
This article was only one of many other exciting one tank trips also found in Woodall’s 2010 North American Campground Directory. Enjoy an eventful weekend getaway of Northern Florida camping and experience it all on just one tank of gas.
Other Area Sponsors in Florida:
Campers Inn
Sunset King lake RV Resort
See a list of Woodall’s Recommended Florida RV Campgrounds
Planning a Florida camping trip? Don’t miss these other great routes on one tank of fuel:
2009 Florida One Tank Trip
2008 Florida One Tank Trip
For a complete list of one tank trips visit Good Sam One Tank Trips.