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rexlion's avatar
rexlion
Explorer
Dec 21, 2015

Mobile to Tallahassee, things to see and do?

My wife and I were thinking of spending 2 or 3 days along the Florida Panhandle's coastline. Amazingly, she has never yet seen the ocean, so we would like to change that. Coming from OK and planning to hit the coast at Mobile, then proceed eastward as far as Panacea (S. of Tallahassee). The 'forgotten coast' sounds like our type of area.

But there's more to a day than just walking/sitting on the beach. Those of you who've been to that area, what would you suggest? Other than the general coastline, state parks and Bellingrath Gardens, I don't know of much. Do you have any favorite spots? We don't like big crowds, but she's up for some short, easy walks. We like scenery, maybe a bit of wildlife, and maybe a bit of shopping.

Oh, one more thing, she really wants to try a Cuban sandwich. I'm sure there have to be a couple of Cuban restaurants in there somewhere.

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  • Tripalot's avatar
    Tripalot
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2015
    OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
    Dr Quick wrote:
    Mobile has the USS Alabama, a submarine and a Black Bird aircraft.
    Pensacola has a Navy base with a airplane museum, that that also has an I Max theatre.


    NAS Pensacola has the Naval Aviation Museum. It is free and well worth a half day. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to watch a Blue Angels practice. The museum has a great section on WW II life on the homefront.

    Destin has the most beautiful beaches but I wouldn't go there between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Not sure of your timing.
  • magnusfide's avatar
    magnusfide
    Explorer II
    Dec 21, 2015
    jplante4 wrote:
    This is right on the Gulf. We're staying there the end of Jan.

    Ho Hum

    In the same town as this cg is the Crooked River Lighthouse - Carrabelle, FL. You can climb to the top on Saturdays and Sundays at this one.

    Herself and I do themed trips: one year we did a light house trip in which we visited as many light houses as possible along our route. Many had museums or let you climb to the top.

    This Florida Big Bend Scenic Byway site lists others things to see and do in that area. Use the drop down menus to find other things to do like the different byway driving routes in the Forgotten Coast.

    There's also a Fort and Lighthouse Tour HERE.

    The Things to Do link at HoHum cg website http://www.hohumrvpark.com/links.html
    lists a number of interesting options including the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab if your wife would really like to investigate the flora and fauna of the ocean.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2015
    Some helpful ideas, thanks. We're looking at going between Christmas and New Year's.
  • OutdoorPhotogra's avatar
    OutdoorPhotogra
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2015
    Dr Quick wrote:
    Mobile has the USS Alabama, a submarine and a Black Bird aircraft.
    Pensacola has a Navy base with a airplane museum, that that also has an I Max theatre.


    NAS Pensacola has the Naval Aviation Museum. It is free and well worth a half day. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to watch a Blue Angels practice. The museum has a great section on WW II life on the homefront.

    Destin has the most beautiful beaches but I wouldn't go there between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Not sure of your timing.
  • garmp's avatar
    garmp
    Explorer II
    Dec 21, 2015
    Depends where you hit the coast from Mobile. West of Mobile the Dauphin Island Ferry is a nice experience, or was for us. Down a bit north of Grayton Beach SP is Eden Gardens SP. Very nice grounds around an old mansion. Very enjoyable. By the way Grayton Beach is one of our favorite campgrounds along that area.
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Dec 21, 2015
    Florida Caverns State Park. Butterfly house at Navarre. Panhandle Pioneer Settlement in Blountstown. Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle. Falling Waters State Park you can see sinkholes. If you need a place to stay and don't want to pay the price near the beach, we like Live Oak Landing in Freeport FL. Beautiful oak trees, quiet, fairly new park. About 11 miles from the beach.
  • Dr_Quick's avatar
    Dr_Quick
    Explorer II
    Dec 21, 2015
    Mobile has the USS Alabama, a submarine and a Black Bird aircraft.
    Pensacola has a Navy base with a airplane museum, that that also has an I Max theatre.

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