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Where Are You Taking The GRANDkids This Winter? How About Gulf County?


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

By Christine Crosby

You know what they say that all the really good places to visit are already spoiled? Well, not so with Northwest Florida, Gulf County (or just refer to it as GCFL). I’ve lived in Florida all my life and I’d not heard about their 43 miles of natural shoreline on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay until recently.

GCFLWhat I love about it most is that it’s a 100% natural adventure. A perfect location for families to ‘unplug’ and really enjoy each other. Now, here’s a place you can really get to know your grandkids. There are no high-rises or busy highways and there never will be! Just luscious white-sand beaches facing westward into spectacular sunsets – on the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay. Winter in Gulf County is especially fabulous with an equal mix of peaceful solitude and friendly camaraderie.  

As we know, grand memories aren’t always made from big, fancy productions like “packed-to-the-gills” South Florida or “not-so-delightfully tacky” Daytona Beach. Instead, you can connect with your family over small, happy moments experiencing Winter in Gulf County. 

Around every corner in Gulf County is an easy adventure. You can explore the St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve and see all the different species of rare, protected plants – and an occasional alligator!GCFL

Spectacular Sunsets: Cape San Blas, the white sand peninsula, has amazing westward-facing beaches so the sunsets are spectacular!

Build a bonfire on the beach and gaze at a million stars. Fish off a pier or with a charter captain at the tip of the Cape. Then, learn how to cook your catch that night.

GCFLQuietly kayak on the Dead Lakes and be amazed at what you’ll find around the next Cypress tree. Hike through St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and see pristine white sand dunes as tall as a house.

Gulf CountyPet Friendly:  Beaches in Gulf County are consistently ranked in the top ten US beaches to bring your pets on vacation.Leashed pets are welcome on the beach at all times and most rental homes will throw out the red carpet for our furry friends!

But, wait…there is so much more: Beautiful beckoning bayous, unexpected wildlife encounters. There are seaside bike trails, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling. No theme parks with long lines and high costs here.

Gulf County FloridaFor more Winter Fun Events, check out Seahorse Water Safaris.They offer a variety of family oriented trips including snorkeling, fishing, sailing and more. You can rent boats, kayaks, and bicycles and create your own adventure.

Connect with nature and make new friends. During January through March, Gulf County brings everyone together by hosting get-togethers, big and small. Take a sunset cruise from Port St. Joe Marina with a handful of other nature lovers.

biking

Loggerhead Run Bike Path is an eight mile trail on Cape San Blas that runs the length of the Cape from St. Joseph Peninsula State Park to Salinas Park along Hwy 30E/Cape San Blas Road, and is great for walking, jogging or biking. Who can resist a little bit of exercise when the backdrop is St. Joseph Bay?

The calendar of events is always changing so be sure to check out  and see their small town hospitality in action. To learn more about this “no worry, no hurry” destination, promotions, specials and insider tips on adventures every month. Check out their Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

So, where will you take your family for a warm winter vacation? Come visit GCFL  

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Christine Crosby

About the author

Christine is the co-founder and editorial director for GRAND Magazine. She is the grandmother of five and great-grandmom (aka Grandmere) to one. She makes her home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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