In today’s always connected life, it’s good to travel off the beaten path once in a while. We’ve partnered with Tesa Nicolanti of 2 Wired 2 Tired as she shares one of her favorite places to unplug and reconnect with nature, Gulf County, Florida.
Gulf County is located in the panhandle of Florida. The entire county only has two stop lights, and visiting is a bit a like stepping back in time. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and laid back. The WiFi is spotty – which is a good thing when your goal is to unplug and relax. The average population density is 24 people per square mile, which leaves a lot of room for nature that doesn’t disappoint.
Beaches
With 43 miles of shoreline, Gulf County offers many beaches to enjoy. From laying back and relaxing on beach towels, to building sandcastles, to swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches offer something for everyone and there are a number to choose from. They are also uncrowded, making them a true hidden gem in beach-loving Florida.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Gulf County is the largest nesting place for Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Northwest Florida. Turtle nesting season begins May 1st through the end of October, and during this time you can walk the beach with the St. Joseph Turtle Patrol. They adore and protect the sea turtle eggs and hatchlings and get just as excited as the tourists do when they can watch a little baby Loggerhead make its way to the Gulf. A truly unforgettable memory!
Dolphins
You can sit on the shoreline and chances are good you’ll see a pod of dolphins or two swim by. There are also sunset cruises where boat captains have said they’ll see 12 dolphins one day and 24 the next. The dolphins love to play in the wake of the boats, and it seems they like to perform for the tourists too, popping up out of the water with big smiles as if to say hello.
Seashells
If you love hunting for seashells, a visit to Gulf County will have your buckets full. These shells were found on Cape San Blas, a 17-mile long barrier peninsula. With its secluded white sand beaches and seashells everywhere you look, it’s the perfect place to unplug and get away for the day.
St. Vincent Island
St. Vincent Island is a national wildlife refuge with over 12,000 acres of protected habitat. It is an undeveloped barrier island where you can see sea turtles, eagles, egrets, hawks, endangered red wolves, gopher tortoises, raccoons, and deer. It’s also an important stop off point for neo-tropical migratory birds. There are many hiking and walking trails and 9 miles of beaches. Be sure to bring your camera and lots of bug spray.
Beautiful Sunsets & Star-Filled Nights
On a trip to Gulf County, we were treated to some of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen. The Sunset Cruise was fantastic and didn’t disappoint.
We were also amazed at the beauty of the night sky. We’ve been to some rural places and thought we had seen a lot of stars, but it was nothing in comparison to the breathtaking night sky in Gulf County. The dark night turned into a blanket of stars, and every time we blinked there were more. It was an incredible evening and one that has inspired me to learn to take photos of the night sky.
Gulf County Florida is truly off the beaten path and a hidden gem. A trip there is a wonderful way to unplug from your everyday life and reconnect with nature. Be sure to pack a camera and be ready to come home rejuvenated and full of unforgettable memories.
Tesa Nicolanti, Gnational Gnomad
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